Becca Hatch and Lewis Love Join Spotify’s RADAR Talent Accelerator
Hatch and Love are the latest acts from Australia and New Zealand to secure support from Spotify’s global emerging artist program.
Source: Billboard Feed · September 30, 2026 at 4:06 AM · AI-assisted report
Single-sourceSYDNEY, 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 —
Spotify has announced that Australian R&B artist Becca Hatch and country-leaning singer-songwriter Lewis Love have been selected for its global emerging artist program, RADAR.
Market Impact
The designation, confirmed this week, marks the latest addition to the initiative’s roster of talent from Australia and New Zealand, positioning both artists for significant cross-platform support as they prepare for major upcoming releases.
The selection comes at a pivotal moment for both musicians. Hatch is set to release her new EP, Black Flower, via G.Y.R.O., on February 3, 2027. Simultaneously, Love is preparing to launch his forthcoming album, which will be his first project under a new label deal with EMPIRE.
By tapping these two distinct voices, Spotify is reinforcing its strategy to identify and amplify local talent that is gaining momentum in the regional music scene, providing them with infrastructure to reach broader international audiences.
Hatch’s inclusion in the program follows a rapid ascent in the Australian music industry. In 2024, she was invited by the global band Coldplay to perform her original verse on the track “We Pray” during two sold-out shows at Sydney’s Accor Stadium. That same year, she collected the NIMA Award for best breakthrough artist. Her momentum continued into 2025 when she was awarded the APRA Professional Development Award.
Currently, Hatch is nominated for an ARIA Award in the best soul / R&B category for her 2026 cut, Garden (Bang Goes the Drum). Additionally, she has been named the ambassador for Support Act’s Aus Music T-Shirt Day fundraising campaign, which is scheduled to return on November 26. A fourth track from her upcoming EP, titled “Extra Time,” has already been released to the public.
The RADAR program provides selected artists with a comprehensive package of support over the next six months. This includes cross-platform assistance across Spotify’s editorial, marketing, and live events divisions. Specific benefits cited include playlist covers, on-platform takeovers, and coordinated social and editorial pushes. The initiative is designed to leverage Spotify’s global reach to drive discovery for artists who are already building significant local heat.
Lewis Love, known for his country-leaning style, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity in a statement. “I’m so grateful to Spotify for making me a RADAR artist,” Love said. “I’m really excited for the whole world to hear what we’ve been working on.” His selection highlights the program’s focus on diverse genres within the Australian and New Zealand markets, ensuring that artists outside of mainstream pop or rock categories also receive high-level promotional support.
Hatch also commented on the selection, emphasizing the thematic core of her work. “So excited to be a RADAR artist!! I love making music about feminine strength, being free, and growing into yourself,” Hatch stated.
“It feels so special to have Spotify supporting me on this journey with Black Flower.” Her remarks underscore the personal and artistic significance of the platform’s backing, particularly as she transitions from a breakthrough phase to a more established career stage.
To mark the launch of their RADAR promotions, both artists were featured in billboard promotions on Bourke Street in central Melbourne. These outdoor advertisements ran from Friday, September 25, to Sunday, September 27, serving as a tangible public announcement of their selection. This physical marketing push complements the digital support they will receive, bridging the gap between local fan engagement and global streaming visibility.
The RADAR AUNZ program, launched globally in 2020, has established itself as a key launchpad for local talent in the region. According to Spotify, the initiative has driven over 47 million discoveries for participating artists. Previous RADAR artists from Australia and New Zealand include Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Blusher, Genesis Owusu, Larissa Lambert, Baker Boy, and Royel Otis.
Notably, all of these previous participants have gone on to receive nominations for this year’s ARIAs, suggesting a strong correlation between the program’s support and subsequent industry recognition.
Leah Harris, artist and label partnerships lead at Spotify AUNZ, explained the strategic rationale behind the selection. “Spotify partners with artists just as that heat is building, and we work deeply with the artist team to develop opportunities and fandom,” Harris said.
“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.” The program’s continued success in identifying award-winning talent reinforces its role as a critical component of the regional music ecosystem, providing a structured pathway for emerging artists to achieve both commercial and critical success.
Related: Spotify