We all love a good sing-along! lastminute lovely Shauna caught up with Managing Director of Spotify Australia, Kate Vale, to talk travel, family, and of course, music.
Tell us a little about Spotify and what your day-to-day role involves?
We are generally up and awake by around 6.30. On Mondays and Tuesdays I need to get the kids to kindy so I have to get them ready, pack their lunch etc. My drive to work is usually pretty tedious as I live on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Thank god for bluetooth so I can listen to soothing music! When I arrive at work I generally grab a coffee to get me started.
Every day is different and filled with many challenges and tasks. I attend client meetings, meet with folks at the music labels, have one-on-one meetings with my team members, deal with my crazy and loud staff, conduct press interviews (sometimes even TV!), meet with all sorts of interesting people in the industry, respond to a crazy number of emails, keep my manager in the US across what’s going on in the business, jump on calls to people in HQ in Stockholm….the list goes on….
How much travel is involved with your job? What destinations has your role taken you to?
In my role as AU/NZ Managing Director for a global company like Spotify, travel is a necessary and consistent part of the job. I regularly visit our headquarters in Sweden, as well as NYC where my boss and the majority of my team sit. I’m also regularly in Asia (predominantly Singapore), New Zealand and interstate. I ensure I make the most of my frequent flyer and traveller programs!
Kate in Tulum, Mexico
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Disneyland, USA
As you mentioned, Spotify’s headquarters are in Sweden. Do you have any travel tips and tricks for travelling in Sweden?
Yes! It’s a long way, some 30 hours, so make sure you are comfortable on the plane. Being a frequent flyer gives me access to lounges where I can shower and freshen up on the way. If you have ever been to Sweden, you’ll notice that people are not only incredibly beautiful, but they dress well so I make sure I take clothes that look stylish but keep me warm in the cold Swedish weather.
Tell us about your favourite holiday.
Because I spend so much time away from home and my family with work travel commitments, I love a really nice family holiday. My favourite place for a family holiday is Bali. It’s so close and easy to get to. We get to stay in the most beautiful, luxurious villas which come so reasonably priced. The restaurants and bars are amazing. My husband’s best mate and his wife also live in Bali so we get to see them too.
What are your must-have songs for any holiday playlist?There are not any particular must haves per se; however before any holiday we always put together a Spotify playlist relevant to where we are going and who we are going with. I always ensure to sync my Spotify playlists to offline mode on my devices (laptop & iPhone), which ensures I can listen to my music without needing an internet connection – perfect for travel! It also ensures we have a musical souvenir of the holiday.
What is your number one piece of travel advice?It’s soooo boring however, make sure you are insured! I’ve made the mistake before and never will again.
What celebrity would you most like to find yourself sitting next to on a plane?
Probably Kate Moss (naturally in first class) because I love her style and I’d love to have a champers with her.
Where is next on your travel wish list?
My husband and I are desperate for a trip to South Africa and to go on a Safari.
What are the top five up and coming bands that we should all be catching onto?• Lorde
• The Naked And Famous
• Haim
• Matt Corby
• Big Scary
And what does Spotify’s Managing Director like to listen to? Check out Kate’s fave Spotify playlist here.