Music magazine Complex has published a new interview with Apple Music execs Zane Lowe, Bozoma Saint John, and Larry Jackson. The piece mainly focuses on the first year and a half of Apple Music, but the trio also talk about competition such as Spotify and the future of Apple Music.
Jackson and Saint John say that Apple Music isn’t just about music. Jackson specifically noted that the goal of Apple Music is to make it an “intersection of all things pop-culture.”
Lowe was asked about the challenge of getting artists on board with Apple Music. He stated that artists such as Drake saw Apple’s vision from the beginning while others needed more convincing.
Trying to work out what our personality is, and how to define what Apple Music is going to be, that’s been happening in front of people.
When questioned about lessons learned, Saint John immediately pointed to their ability to change. Apple Music began with a design that didn’t make much sense for the service, but was able to rebuild that at a later date.
The majority of the conversation came about when asked about how Apple Music manages to work as a subsidiary of the larger Apple company.
Jackson says Apple “can’t take credit for the work,” as artists such as Taylor Swift brought some ideas to the table.
We can’t take credit for the work. Taylor Swift came in with a great idea earlier this year [for her 1989 World Tour documentary]. It’s just collaborating in a really beautiful sense.
Saint John says she’s optimistic about the future of the Music industry, with Apple Music in mind.
We’re developing something very special and we just want people to pay attention to it. My five-year vision is that I want every single person on the planet to be engaged on Apple Music. I truly believe we’ve created something very, very special. I don’t think anyone else can do this. I will scream from the mountain top until everyone knows.
The full interview can be found here.
