Rdio announces Shamir as first Global Artist to Watch

PRESS RELEASE:

Rdio, the music streaming service available in 85 countries, today announced Shamir as its first-ever global Artist to Watch for the month of May. Taking its monthly emerging artist spotlight series to the next level, Rdio will feature Shamir globally in Australia, the U.S., UK, Canada, Brazil and Mexico, featuring exclusive content from the Las Vegas native and heavily endorsing him to listeners through features and cross-partner promotions. Shamir, who has created a buzz with his song “On the Regular” and won over crowds at this year’s SXSW festival, will release his debut LP Ratchet on May 15th through XL Recordings.

Featured in the May Artist to Watch rollout will be Rdio-exclusive content from Shamir, including two personally curated playlists (Artist to Watch Picks playlist and Shamir’s Current Favourites playlist), and a Rdio Session, the latest in an ongoing series of exclusive live sessions recorded by the music streaming service. In his curated playlists, Shamir will deliver his very own list of Artists to Watch, including buzzworthy artists such as Girlpool, Alvvays and Courtship Ritual. He will also give a glimpse into his regular listening habits with a favourites playlist spanning genres and countries with artists like Courtney Barnett, Taylor Swift and MOKO.

In addition to exclusive content, Rdio will heavily feature Shamir throughout the service and through partner programs. Shamir and his new album Ratchet will be featured on the Rdio homepage, throughout its blog and social channels and through in-product spotlights with partners such as Roku.

“Shamir is creating music that is truly unique and infectious. With a sound that transcends categories, he embodies the spirit of our Artist to Watch program,” says Joe Armenia, Global Head of Artist and Label Relations, Rdio. “We look forward to spotlighting him globally this month and are excited to help amplify the release of his highly-anticipated debut.”

On Friday 15th May, Las Vegas-based artist Shamir will release his first full-length LP titled Ratchet on XL Recordings. Including the widely loved single “On The Regular,” the 10-track album is a record about growing up in Vegas, though not the Vegas you think you know. You can check out Shamir’s exclusive Artist to Watch playlist on Rdio.com.