Wavemakers opens call for women 40+ to submit songs for new Spotify playlists

Wavemakers Women & Music is seeking original songs and music videos from women over 40 for its new Musical Apothecary, a seven-playlist Spotify project built around the idea that music is medicine. The public launch is set for Nov. 8, 2026, in Austin, Texas, alongside the debut of a new YouTube channel for women 40+ music videos.

Why it matters: - Wavemakers Women & Music is trying to create more visibility for women 40+ in music and related creative industries. - The Musical Apothecary is designed to turn curation into discovery, giving women over 40 a new route to reach listeners. - The project also feeds a new YouTube channel that will feature music videos exclusively by women 40+.

What happened: - Wavemakers Women & Music opened a call for original songs and music videos from women musicians over 40. - Submissions go through an online form. - Wavemakers members can submit for free, and membership is free to join. - The Musical Apothecary will launch as seven themed Spotify playlists. - The public launch of the playlists and the YouTube channel is scheduled for the Austin Woman’s Thrive event on Nov. 8, 2026, in Austin, Texas.

The details: - The seven playlists are built around the idea that music is medicine. - The playlist themes are Heartbreak Survival Kit, Grief Is Its Own Country, Through the Fire, The Great Reclamation, The Exhale, Full Body Yes and Make Your Money Moves. - Wavemakers says each playlist is meant to match a different mood or life moment, from heartbreak and grief to transformation, rest, body reclamation and financial empowerment. - The playlists are meant to spotlight the voices, stories and sounds of women 40+. - More information is available from Wavemakers Women & Music.

Between the lines: - The launch reflects a broader push to challenge the cultural invisibility of women over 40. - The project positions music curation as both community-building and career visibility, not just entertainment. - The YouTube channel adds a second discovery path, which could help extend reach beyond Spotify listeners. - Founder Lurleen Ladd said the goal is to put women 40+ music in front of people in a way that feels meaningful, discoverable and medicinal.

What's next: - Wavemakers will announce details for the Austin Woman’s Thrive launch event soon. - The organization will review submissions and build the seven playlists from the songs selected. - The YouTube channel will open as part of the same public launch window in November 2026. - Wavemakers will continue promoting membership, submissions and upcoming events through its website and social channels.

The bottom line: - Wavemakers is turning playlist curation into a platform for women 40+ to be heard, discovered and celebrated.