Here’s what you need to know about Apple Music
Apple Music was introduced today. You’re probably all over this already. It’s the biggest story in music right now. In case you’re only vaguely familiar, Apple Music’s main enticement over other services is the premium it places on offering music filtered through the sensibilties of various musicians and music lovers. Rolling Stone and Spin have done some heavy lifting if you’re looking for a more in-depth breakdown. Otherwise, here’s a brief top-level overview of the service — what it is, what it does, how much it costs and more.
WHAT APPLE MUSIC ALLOWS YOU TO DO:
- Stream: Listen to and download music for offline consumption
- Connect: There’s a social component that allows fans and artists to interact
- Radio: Live broadcasts and custom-curated programming
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The first three months of service are free. After that, dues for the monthly membership — there are two options to choose from — are automatically collected and continue each month unless you turn off that option in the settings.
- $9.99 single membership
- $14.99 family plan, allows six users to listen simultaneously
AVAILABLE PLATFORMS:
Apple Music is available on most devices with iOS 8.4 of with the latest version of iTunes.
- iPhone
- iPad
- iPod touch
- Apple Watch
- Mac desktop
- PC desktop
BEATS 1 LIVE BROADCASTS/ARTIST PROGRAMMING
Beats 1 will have live broadcasts helmed by former BBC personality Zane Lowe – if you’re unfamiliar, Lowe conducted the interview with Kanye West in which the rapper got choked up talking about a fashion instructor friend of his who had passed — Ebro Darden, program director of and morning show host at Hot 97 in New York, and Julie Adenuga. In addition to the live programming, a number of high-profile musicians will put together programming of their own, including Dr. Dre and Elton John.
APPLE MUSIC STATIONS
In addition to all the live broadcasts and artist-hosted programming, there will also be individual genre-specific channels that can be shaped by the sensibilities and proclivities of each listener. Those channels include:
- The Soundsystem
- The Mixtape
- On the Floor
- Pop Hits
- All-City
- Americana
- Blues
- Chill
- Classic Alternative
- Dance Pop
- Electronic
- Hip-Hop
- Indie
- R&B
- Workout Anthems
FREE ACCESS WITH APPLE ID
- View artist feed on Connect (the social component in which fans/artists interact)
- Follow artist on Connect
- Listen to Beats 1 radio
- Listen to Apple Music stations (limited skip ability)
PREMIUM AMENITIES
- View artist feed on Connect
- Follow artist on Connect
- Listen to Beats 1 radio
- Listen to Apple Music stations (unlimited skip ability)
- Play and save Connect content
- Like Connect content on radio songs
- Unlimited stream capability from Apple Music library
- Offline listening availability
- Expert music recommendations
KEY QUOTES FROM KEY FIGURES:
“In 2015, the music industry is a fragmented mess. If you want to follow artists, there’s more confusion for that. Can we build a bigger and better ecosystem, with the elegance and simplicity that only Apple can do? I’m going to introduce you to Apple Music.” — Jimmy Iovine
“Right now music is locked behind a wall, even though everyone thinks it’s all free. Because there’s a lot of great music that can’t break free — there’s no one helping, no ecosystem. But we decided to put it all together.” — Jimmy Iovine
“I was on tour a year and a half ago, and I heard Zane on BBC and a couple of things stood out to me: There aren’t great stations like this in the States. I’m listening to a super obscure track followed by a pop hit, and the glue between it is that this is a guy who loves music. I’m feeling included. It doesn’t feel repulsive or mainstream and it doesn’t feel exclusive and niche-y. I thought, what if something like this could exist in America? What if we did something like this worldwide? What if it was done well enough and with enough integrity and without someone saying, ‘Research and demographics show …’ Who gives a s—t about that.” — Trent Reznor
“Everyone keeps going to their devices because of fear of missing out. I’m constantly going on Instagram, Twitter, wondering what’s going on in my friends’ lives. What am I missing? I want that for radio. What’s on right now, right now, that I didn’t know I wanted to listen to?” — Zane Lowe
“I’ll bring the attitude and music from NYC to the world. If it’s hot in the clubs or the streets, I’ve got you covered.” — Ebro Darden
“Music is the most fun when other people are enjoying it with you. That’s why you’ll always catch me dancing in a circle at a party, and sing the words really loud with complete strangers.” — Julie Adenuga
Read more from Dave Herrera at bestoflasvegas.com. Contact him at dherrera@reviewjournal.com.
