Sydney-born Charlton Howard (better known to music fans as The Kid LAROI) has become the latest artist to be the focus of Spotify’s US Radar, a program which helps to shine a light on new and emerging talent.
Announcing overnight, the inclusion on the US Radar is the latest highlight in the 17-year-old artist’s career, having seen his debut mixtape, F*ck Love, reach number three on the ARIA Charts upon its release in July.
Releasing his first EP back in 2018, The Kid LAROI came to greater recognition after catching the attention of late US artist Juice WRLD, having supported him on his visits to Australia. Speaking to Spotify about his mentorship from Juice WRLD, The Kid LAROI explained that it was the relationship that the late artist had with his fans that inspired him the most.
“My biggest memories from Juice is how he always went all out for his fans no matter what while on tour,” he explained. “Regardless of how he was feeling that day or if he wasn’t having the best day, you couldn’t tell once he got onstage, and that’s how I want to be.
“You have to put the fans first because we wouldn’t be here without them. Working with him definitely expanded my creativity and increased my love for making music.”
THANK YOUUUUU @Spotify ❤️ I’m the next #RADAR artist! Love you family. So cool pic.twitter.com/Ta38FsKMee
— charlton (@thekidlaroi) October 21, 2020
“The Kid LAROI is an artist we’ve been watching closely for the last eighteen months,” explained Spotify’s Head of Global Hits, Ned Monahan. “LAROI developed a rabid fanbase in Australia, and then translated it to an even bigger audience in the US, which is incredibly rare and speaks to his potential as a global hit maker.
“The vulnerability and boldness of his music places him at the heart of young music audiences across the world. We can’t wait to see LAROI break on a superstar level.”
As part of his appointment to the RADAR program, The Kid LAROI will receive features on the RADAR playlist, a Spotify Singles recording, promotional support for his upcoming releases, and a mini-documentary which is on track to premiere in November.
