When Apple announced Beats 1 At the Worldwide Developers Conference, details were thin on the ground. We learned that Zane Lowe, Ebro, and Julie Adenuga would spearhead the radio side of things, but beyond that we were given few facts. Now, Apple has shared a few more details of how Beats 1 will work and who will be involved through a Zane Lowe interview in the New York Times.
According to the NYT, “the station will alternate one- and two-hour programming blocks by established broadcasters with those by musicians and celebrities, who will host and plan the shows themselves.”
It had already been rumored that Drake would be involved, and that is confirmed, as well as shows by big names like Pharrell Williams, Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, and even Elton John, presenting “Elton John’s Rocket Hour.” Jimmy Iovine will also have his own show, “The Pharmacy.”
Maybe even more exciting: Jaden Smith (legendary!), St. Vincent, and Disclosure will also have shows, with more names to presumably be announced in the future.
The NYT piece also reveals a little more about Zane Lowe’s rather uninspiring selection for his first interview on Beats 1, which is with Eminem, and some of the topics they cover (Eminem’s work on the music for the new film Southpaw, his time as a boxer).
Of course, we knew Apple would have impressive access to artists, and we will see how Beats 1 works when it fully launches, but it is certainly encouraging to see them tapping at least some rising talent. The world needs Jaden Smith radio, that much is certain.
