Beats 1 Turns 5
Apple’s Beats 1 radio station launched on June 30, 2015.
Beats 1 radio, Apple’s streaming radio service, launched 5 years ago on June 30, 2015. Brian Eno’s 1-1 played in the stream before Zane Lowe took to the airwaves at 09:00 PT to launch the service.
“Alright man, we've got to kick this whole thing off at some point. We've spent the last three months trying to build this radio station, and now we can build no more, we must launch. We've had all sorts of ideas about the first song, things that made statements, things with fanfare, but ultimately there's been one song that all of us keep coming back to. We've tested sound to it, I've referred to it lyrically when I needed a boost because it's been stressful at times you know and exciting and challenging. We've even cut demos of it to convince people to continue to support this radio station.
This band put this EP out a few months ago with little or no fanfare outside of core fans, but they're building. That's exactly the kind of story, the kind of record we need to kick this whole thing off with because man it's not about fanfare, that's fireworks and a hangover the next day, it's about quality and consistency. We're Beats 1, we're worldwide, and from now one, we're always on…”
The first song Zane Lowe played on Apple’s new streaming radio station was City by Spring Kings.
Two of my favourite shows on Beats 1 radio since its launch has been Joe Kay’s SOULECTION & Elton John’s Rocket Hour. Each has amassed a back catalogue of hundreds of shows, with new episodes released weekly.
SOULECTION Radio
Joe Kay hosts a weekly show featuring various artists who bring their chill & soulful mixes to the station. This show is my go-to for when I want to unwind or bring a relaxed ambience to the room or gathering.
”Since 2011, Soulection has been a global creative hub for innovative musicians, crate-digging DJs, and open-minded fans. What began as an independent radio show has blossomed into a worldwide community, united in a borderless, genre-bending musical movement. It's a testament to Soulection staying true to its roots in the age of digital music, from putting out independent releases with producers such as Ta-ku, Sango, Dpat, and Atu to being the first collective invited to play Coachella. Today, Soulection exists as an Apple Music show, an independent music label, a festival (Soulection Experience), and a world-touring concert and clothing line.”
Elton John’s Rocket Hour
An hour-long show featuring a curated and eclectic mix of music. It’s a show where Elton plays music he loves, but have no expectations because Sir Elton’s tastes are all over the map. He’ll mix rock, pop, and whatever random Korean song he’s digging at the time, and his decades in the industry guarantee an enjoyable show packed with tidbits and the artists, their process, and nuances to the music.
“The career of international singer/songwriter and performer Elton John has spanned more than five decades. He is one of the top-selling solo artists of all time, with more than 250 million albums sold worldwide and the record for the biggest-selling single of all time, "Candle in the Wind.” He is a multiple GRAMMY® winner and the first recipient of the BRITs Icon Award. He has won an Academy Award and Tony Awards, alongside the Kennedy Center Honor for his lifetime contributions to American culture and excellence through the performing arts. Since 1992, the Elton John AIDS Foundation has raised more than $300 million for HIV prevention, treatment, and advocacy programs across the globe.”
External Link
YouTube: Beats 1 Launch
