The RADAR program at Spotify has picked up Becca Hatch and Lewis Love, two artists whose careers are building speed, and the pairing gives the Australian R&B musician and the Australian singer-songwriter a wider stage than either could reach on their own.
This week’s announcement arrived before Hatch’s new EP Black Flower (via G.Y.R.O.), due Feb. 3, 2027, and Love’s upcoming album, marking his first release under a new label arrangement with EMPIRE.
Hatch’s Hot Run
A recent stretch has seen Hatch build on past success. She was asked by Coldplay to take part in her own verse on “We Pray” during two sold-out shows at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, an invitation that came her way in 2024. That same year she claimed the 2024 NIMA Award for best breakthrough artist.
Then came the APRA Professional Development Award in 2025. Her 2026 cut “Garden” (Bang Goes the Drum) earned a best soul / R&B nomination at the ARIA Awards. She also serves as ambassador for Support Act’s Aus Music T-Shirt Day fundraising campaign, which returns Nov. 26.
A fourth track has dropped from Black Flower, titled “Extra Time.”
Love’s Label Deal
The Australian singer-songwriter known for his country leanings has signed his first album through a new label deal with EMPIRE, and his debut album is set to arrive soon.
For the coming half-year, each artist will get backing across Spotify’s editorial, marketing, and live events, which includes these arrangements:
- Playlist covers
- On-platform takeovers
- Social and editorial pushes
- More
“So excited to be a RADAR artist!! I love making music about feminine strength, being free, and growing into yourself,” comments Hatch in a statement. “It feels so special to have Spotify supporting me on this journey with Black Flower.”
“I’m so grateful to Spotify for making me a RADAR artist,” adds Love. “I’m really excited for the whole world to hear what we’ve been working on.”
Billboard Promos in Melbourne
The two artists each had their own billboard promo on Bourke Street in central Melbourne as part of the RADAR promotions launch. The billboards ran from Friday, Sept. 25, through Sunday, Sept. 27.
RADAR AUNZ went live around the world in 2020, functioning as a platform for emerging artists. The streaming company says it has helped drive more than 47 million new listens.
“Spotify partners with artists just as that heat is building, and we work deeply with the artist team to develop opportunities and fandom,” comments Leah Harris, artist & label partnerships lead at Spotify AUNZ. “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.”
Previous RADAR Artists
Among the previous RADAR artists from Australia and New Zealand are Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Blusher, Genesis Owusu, Larissa Lambert, Baker Boy, and Royel Otis, all of whom have since received nods for this year’s ARIAs.
What This Means
The RADAR initiative aims to boost emerging artists during a period when their audiences are just beginning to grow. Both Hatch and Love are set to release new material soon, and the program is built to increase the reach of their momentum across Spotify’s worldwide editorial network.
The billboard promos in Melbourne served as the visual opening of the campaign, with platform support trailing behind it. Playlist covers, editorial features, and on-platform takeovers will sustain attention on both artists as their respective projects approach release.
Hatch’s timing is ideal. The EP lands with significant industry momentum already in place, and Spotify’s support gives a career that has already earned critical recognition in Australia a global reach.
EMPIRE’s label agreement marks the first major commercial step in Love’s career, and RADAR handles the promotion surrounding that debut, putting him before an audience larger than he could have reached on his own.
The platform’s lead has acknowledged the strength of what is already there, while both artists have commented warmly on the opportunity.
The campaign remains in its opening phase, yet every component has come together. A pair of gifted young artists, a worldwide stage, and an industry that has already taken note of their output.
Source material: “Becca Hatch, Lewis Love Tapped For Spotify’s RADAR Program,” Billboard.
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