Spotify has just announced a new free in-flight docuseries that encourages songwriters, producers and artists from “twin cities” — locations that share similar cultural and historical identities — to collaborate on new music.
The inaugural episode of the “The Passport Sessions” is titled “From Miami to Medellín” and features songwriter Andy Clay (Guaynna, Chayanne, Anitta, Maluma) and Venezuelen-born American songwriter Maye taking off from Florida and touching down in Colombia to meet and collaborate with urbano artists Juan Duque and Aria Vega.
“Music has a powerful way of uniting people, whether through shared musical tastes, influences, favorite artists, or culture,” shared Enrique Marquez Paris, songwriter and publishing relations manager at Spotify. “By bringing together emerging artists, songwriters, and producers from different parts of the world, The Passport Sessions give a rare glimpse into the songwriting process, showing firsthand how music and travel can inspire new connections and, ultimately, new art.”
Added Clay, “It expands your vision. You don’t just have to think about making music for Medellín. We incorporate sounds happening in Miami, in Europe. This is important because it refines your ear. And in the end, it will help our careers continue to evolve.”
The full-length episode is available exclusively on Delta‘s In-Flight Entertainment starting Monday, giving Delta passengers something fun and musically informational to watch on their trips.
“My culture influenced the song we wrote at the song camp because the language and expressions used are a real part of how we express ourselves in Colombia,” said Vega on the impact of the series. “Also, afrobeat is really strong on the Caribbean coast so it was cool to have a little bit of influence from that.”
Said Duque, “I learned how to make songs by telling my stories. Music is my outlet. It’s my authenticity – I express my happiness and sadness, and people can relate.”