Apple renames flagship radio station, launches two new channels

Dubai - Beats 1 now Music 1; Hits and Country to spotlight most popular music genres

Apple on Tuesday announced changes and new additions to its Music application, as it seeks to further expand its offerings in the increasingly competitive digital music scene.
The iPhone maker - which earlier on Tuesday announced a revamped Maps service in the UAE - said that its flagship radio station, Beats 1, has been renamed to Apple Music 1.
Apple has had a long partnership with the Beats brand, which was founded and made popular by American music artist Dr Dre. Apple acquired Beats Electronics in 2014 for $3.2 billion, which remains the company's largest acquisition so far and was one of the most significant deals in the early years of Tim Cook's reign as CEO.
In addition to the rebranding, Apple also announced two new radio stations: Apple Music Hits, which focuses on music from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, and Apple Music Country, putting the spotlight on country music.
"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," said Oliver Schusser, vice-president of Apple Music, Beats and International Content.
"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 1 has studios in Los Angeles, New York, Nashville and London. Aside from broadcasting music, it is also a melting pot for pop culture conversation and artist-led programming, as well as a springboard for artists to release new music.
Its programme line-up features some of the biggest names in the industry, including 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 and Young M.A, among several others.
It also features a number of shows dedicated to highlighting the Latin and African music industry.
Apple Music Hits, meanwhile, will celebrate the mix of the genres that defined three decades, from new wave to hiphop, pop to ballads and grunge to alternative.
Exclusive shows from the Backstreet Boys, Ciara, Mark Hoppus, Huey Lewis, Alanis Morissette, Snoop Dogg, Meghan Trainor, Shania Twain and more have also been lined up.
Apple Music Country, on the other hand, aims to be the definitive place for every lane of an increasingly diverse genre.
The station offers a mix of today's best music of today while introducing fans to up-and-coming stars and reminding them of the legacy legendary artists and tracks have left and how it paved the way.
Artists 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 headline exclusive shows, alongside those from legendary producers and songwriters like Dave Cobb, Jesse Frasure and Luke Laird, and journalist Hunter Kelly.
- alvin@khaleejtimes.com