Spotify’s global emerging artist program, RADAR, has selected Australian artists Becca Hatch and Lewis Love as its latest recipients, signaling a significant boost for the burgeoning talents from Australia and New Zealand on the international music stage. This partnership aims to amplify their reach and provide extensive support across Spotify’s platforms.
Spotify’s RADAR Program Elevates Emerging Talent
The inclusion of Becca Hatch and Lewis Love in Spotify’s RADAR program underscores the platform’s commitment to identifying and nurturing promising artists. This initiative offers a comprehensive package of promotional tools and resources designed to accelerate an artist’s career trajectory. For Hatch, a rising R&B artist of Kamilaroi and Samoan heritage, and Love, a country-influenced singer-songwriter, this marks a pivotal moment, offering them a global spotlight.
The announcement arrives at a crucial juncture for both artists. Becca Hatch is poised to release her new EP, Black Flower, on February 3, 2027, through G.Y.R.O. Meanwhile, Lewis Love is preparing to drop his first album under a new label deal with EMPIRE, a move that further solidifies his growing presence in the industry.
A Look at Becca Hatch’s Ascending Career
Becca Hatch has experienced a remarkable surge in recognition over the past year. In 2024, she was personally invited by the globally acclaimed band Coldplay to perform her original verse on their track "We Pray." This memorable performance took place across two sold-out shows at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, a testament to her growing influence.
Her achievements were further recognized with the 2024 NIMA Award for best breakthrough artist, celebrating her innovative contributions to the music scene. The momentum continued into 2025 when she was honored with the prestigious APRA Professional Development Award. Her accolades extend to a nomination for an ARIA Award in the best soul/R&B category for her 2026 track "Garden (Bang Goes the Drum)."
In addition to her musical successes, Hatch has been named an ambassador for Support Act’s Aus Music T-Shirt Day fundraising campaign, a role that highlights her dedication to supporting the broader music community. The campaign is scheduled to return on November 26. Her latest single, "Extra Time," has already been released as the fourth track from her upcoming EP, Black Flower.
Lewis Love’s Country Roots and Global Ambitions
Lewis Love, known for his distinctive country-infused sound, is also poised for a significant career expansion. His upcoming album, his first under the EMPIRE label, is highly anticipated. The partnership with EMPIRE, a well-established independent music company, suggests a strategic move to broaden his audience and enhance his international reach.
Details surrounding his new album are still emerging, but the association with Spotify’s RADAR program indicates that the platform sees substantial potential in his artistic vision and marketability. Love’s music often draws on personal experiences and storytelling, resonating with a growing fanbase.
The RADAR Program’s Comprehensive Support
Over the next six months, Becca Hatch and Lewis Love will benefit from extensive cross-platform support from Spotify. This includes prominent placement on playlist covers, on-platform takeovers, dedicated social media campaigns, and editorial features. Such comprehensive promotion is designed to introduce their music to a wider audience and deepen engagement with existing fans.
Hatch expressed her enthusiasm for the program, stating, "So excited to be a RADAR artist!! I love making music about feminine strength, being free, and growing into yourself. It feels so special to have Spotify supporting me on this journey with Black Flower." Her comments highlight the personal connection she feels with the program and the themes present in her work.
Similarly, Love conveyed his gratitude: "I’m so grateful to Spotify for making me a RADAR artist. I’m really excited for the whole world to hear what we’ve been working on." His statement reflects a readiness to share his music on a larger scale, bolstered by Spotify’s promotional efforts.
Previous Successes of Spotify RADAR AUNZ
Spotify’s RADAR program has a proven track record of launching emerging artists from Australia and New Zealand. Past participants include notable acts such as Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Blusher, Genesis Owusu, Larissa Lambert, Baker Boy, and Royel Otis. Many of these artists have gone on to receive nominations and recognition at major industry awards, including the ARIAs, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness as a launchpad.
Launched globally in 2020, RADAR AUNZ has been instrumental in driving discovery, reportedly contributing to over 47 million artist discoveries, according to Spotify. This success metric underscores the program’s impact on the music ecosystem, connecting new artists with dedicated listeners.
Leah Harris, artist and label partnerships lead at Spotify AUNZ, elaborated on the program’s strategy: "Spotify partners with artists just as that heat is building, and we work deeply with the artist team to develop opportunities and fandom. Becca and Lewis are both on the edge of something big, and we want audiences here and globally to discover what we already know and love about them." Her statement emphasizes Spotify’s proactive approach to identifying talent at a critical growth phase.
Launching with Prominent Visibility
To mark their inclusion in the RADAR program, both Becca Hatch and Lewis Love were featured in prominent billboard promotions. These displays appeared on Bourke Street in central Melbourne, running from Friday, September 25, to Sunday, September 27, offering significant visibility in a major urban center.
The Broader Impact of RADAR
The RADAR program represents a strategic investment by Spotify in the future of music. By identifying and supporting artists at crucial stages of their careers, the platform not only fosters individual talent but also contributes to the vibrancy and diversity of the global music landscape. For artists like Hatch and Love, this partnership offers an unparalleled opportunity to expand their fanbase, secure further industry backing, and achieve their artistic aspirations.
The program’s emphasis on a holistic support system, encompassing editorial curation, marketing campaigns, and live event opportunities, provides a robust framework for artist development. This multi-faceted approach ensures that artists receive not just exposure, but also the tools and resources necessary for sustainable career growth. The continued success of RADAR artists suggests that this model is effective in navigating the complexities of the modern music industry.
The inclusion of Becca Hatch and Lewis Love in Spotify’s RADAR program signifies a strong endorsement of their artistic merit and market potential. As they embark on this supported journey, the music world will be watching to see how their careers evolve and how their unique sounds resonate with a global audience. The program’s ongoing success is a testament to its ability to identify and amplify the next generation of musical talent.
