News October 31, 2016

Independent Aus artist Joel Adams makes Spotify’s 25 Under 25 List

Former Executive Editor

Rising homegrown pop star Joel Adams is “honoured and humbled” by his inclusion on Spotify’s global 25 Under 25 list– the platform’s third annual index of the 25 most influential artists under the age of 25.

“I have so much respect for many of the other musicians included on this list and hope to continue to earn the respect of my peers after I release more music in the near future,”Adams told TMN.

“Shawn Mendes is most deserving of the top spot.”

Joining Adams on Spotify’s coveted list is fellow Aussie artist Flume at #10 with 13 million monthly listeners on the music streaming platform. The local lads are in good company with international megastars Ariana Grande (#2), Chance the Rapper (#3), Martin Garrix (#4) and Justin Bieber (#5).

Talking to TMN over the weekend, a 19-year-old Adams said he’d spent the past year travelling the world making his debut record.

He recently announced his signing to independent U.S. label, Will Walker Records, and TMN understands a global distribution deal with a North Amercian major will be confirmed ahead of the record’s release next year.

“I’m happy to announce [the album] is now 100% done being recorded,” he said. “I can’t wait for my next release and hope to build on the momentum Spotify has given me.”

Adams’ success to date, courtesy of his chart-topping single Please Don’t Go, has been an independent play – no major label or celebrity manager is behind the smash.

Please Don’t Go, released in November 2015, has over 210 million streams on Spotify alone, and has enjoyed chart success in 16 countries, including the U.S., UK, Sweden, Ireland, Canada and his native Australia.

Spotify’s 25 Under 25:

1. Shawn Mendes

2. Ariana Grande

3. Chance the Rapper

4. Martin Garrix

5. Justin Bieber

6. Alessia Cara

7. Charlie Puth

8. Fifth Harmony

9. Hailee Steinfeld

10. Flume

11. Zara Larsson