Billboard strengthens support for Spanish music in Madrid

Billboard hosted an event in Madrid on March 18, aimed at celebrating Spanish music and artists. This gathering, named "Leaders of Music in Spain," took place at Hotel VP Plaza España Design and was attended by over a hundred industry professionals, including executives and artists. Leila Cobo, Billboard's chief content officer for Latin music, highlighted the event's goal to amplify and celebrate the stories of Spanish music. Key figures in attendance included leaders from major music companies like Live Nation Spain and Sony Music Iberia, along with artists such as Rosana and Álvaro de Luna. During the event, Cobo explained Billboard's role in connecting Spanish-language music with wider audiences. She noted that Spain’s music industry is thriving, with increasing streams and ticket sales, and that the country serves as a vital bridge to Europe. Attendees spoke about the importance of networking and fostering international connections for Spanish artists. Alicia Arauzo from Universal Music emphasized that these initiatives help Spanish artists reach new territories. The event also focused on the challenges and opportunities within the music industry. Melanie Parejo from Spotify pointed out Spain's position as a key player within the global music ecosystem. Many artists expressed their gratitude towards Billboard for supporting their careers. Álvaro de Luna shared that being part of the event felt like a dream come true, considering his journey just a few years ago. Overall, the event reinforced Billboard's commitment to supporting Spanish music and its industry, showcasing the potential for Spanish artists to gain more global recognition. The evening was made possible through contributions from various sponsors, including Hotel VP Plaza España Design and Mahou.