Apple launches two new live global radio stations, Hits and Country, rebrands Beats 1 as Apple Music 1 | Music Business Worldwide
Apple has just launched two new live global radio stations: Apple Music Hits, which will play songs from the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s, and Apple Music Country. Both stations are now available in 165 countries.
In addition, beginning today (August 18), Apple’s flagship global radio station, Beats 1, will be renamed Apple Music 1.
Apple Music Hits will be presented by daily on-air hosts Jayde Donovan, Estelle, Lowkey, Jenn Marino, Sabi, Nicole Sky and Natalie Sky, George Stroumboulopoulos (“House of Strombo”), along with special shows from Ari Melber and others.
It will also feature exclusive shows from artists like Backstreet Boys, Ciara, Mark Hoppus, Huey Lewis, Alanis Morissette, Snoop Dogg, Meghan Trainor, Shania Twain, and more.
Apple Music Country’s roster includes on-air hosts Kelleigh Bannen, Ty Bentli, Bree, Alecia Davis, Ward Guenther, Nada, and Tiera, plus weekly shows from Ashley Eicher and Kelly McCartney.
Apple also promises new exclusive shows from artists like Jimmie Allen, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, BRELAND, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Morgan Evans, Florida Georgia Line, Pat Green, Willie Jones, Chrissy Metz, Midland, Rissi Palmer, The Shires, Carrie Underwood, and Morgan Wallen, alongside exclusive shows from producers and songwriters like Dave Cobb, Jesse Frasure, and Luke Laird, and journalist Hunter Kelly.
“Radio is part of the fabric of country music culture, and Apple Music Country amplifies that experience for the modern fan,” states Apple’s official announcement.
“As country music evolves and expands around the world, Apple Music Country aims to be the definitive place for every lane of an increasingly diverse genre.”
Apple launched its Beats 1 radio station at the end of June 2015 with Zane Lowe. He was followed on Beats 1 by Julie Adenuga in London and Ebro Darden in New York.
The tech company claims Beats 1 has since “grown into one of the most-listened-to radio stations in the world”.
Beats 1’s format, broadcast live 24/7 from studios in Los Angeles, New York, and London has been a key differentiator for Apple Music since its inception.
Apple describes the station as “the centre for pop culture conversation and artist-led programming, and the global destination for artists from around the world to release new music, break news, and speak directly to their fans”.
Now rebranded as Apple Music 1, the station will broadcast from studios in Los Angeles, New York, Nashville, and London is still led by presenters Zane Lowe, Ebro Darden, Brooke Reese, Dotty, Hanuman Welch, Matt Wilkinson, Nadeska, Rebecca Judd, and Travis Mills, and offers a lineup of show from artists such as Action Bronson, Billie Eilish, Elton John, Joe Kay, Lil Wayne, Frank Ocean, Vince Staples, and The Weeknd, as well as new shows from Aitch, Kerwin Frost, HAIM, Lady Gaga, Nile Rodgers, Travis Scott, Young M.A, and many more.
“Apple Music is home — it’s home to artists, it’s home to fans, and it’s home to incredible music.”
Zane Lowe
“Apple Music is home — it’s home to artists, it’s home to fans, and it’s home to incredible music,” said Zane Lowe, Apple Music’s Global Creative Director and host.
“I’m an obsessive music nerd. I love searching for the most exciting new artists and playing them right alongside the most essential, established artists of our time, because great music does not know the difference and Apple Music fans just want to hear great music. That’s what Apple Music radio is all about.”
“We will continue to invest in live radio and create opportunities for listeners around the world to connect with the music they love.”
Oliver Schusser, Apple
Oliver Schusser, Vice President of Apple Music, Beats, and International Content, said: “For the past five years, if ever there was a meaningful moment in music culture, Beats 1 was there bringing human curation to the forefront and drawing in listeners with exclusive shows from some of the most innovative, respected, and beloved people in music.
“Now, Apple Music radio provides an unparalleled global platform for artists across all genres to talk about, create, and share music with their fans, and this is just the beginning.
“We will continue to invest in live radio and create opportunities for listeners around the world to connect with the music they love.”
Apple Music landed in 52 additional countries in April . The roll-out of the streaming platform meant that Apple Music is now available in 167 markets in total.
That’s more than double the number of countries in which Spotify operates – 79 – as reported in the Swedish service’s annual results at the close of last year.Music Business Worldwide
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