As we come closer to Apple reveal of its redesigned Beats streaming service, we're getting a better sense of what Apple wants it to become, as well as what the company is willing to do to make it succeed.
Latest reports reveal Apple is continuing to hire staff from BBC 1. After poached popular DJ Zane Lowe from the British station a few months ago, Apple has set the music business buzzing by pinching "our producers from the station – including key talent from BBC Introducing," Music Business Worldwide reports. The four hires will join Apple after BBC 1's Big Weekend Event, which will occur the weekend of May 23.
The four hires include DJ Zane's former producer, James Bursey who is reportedly planning on moving out to California to work directly with Zane on the service. The other three hires will stay in Apple's London offices.
Apple isn't done with Radio 1 yet. MBW are hearing a number of rumors that seem to imply Apple will try to acquire other notable names from the British music station. "Names rumoured to be on Apple's shopping list include Natasha Lynch and Kieran Yeates, both considered star producers at Radio 1." Lynch used to produce the popular music-based Huw Stephens show, and was featured in the The Guardian's Music Power 100. In contrast, Yeates is the man who discovers all the new talent for Radio 1's program BBC Introducing.
So why is Apple so interested in BBC radio's talent?
"Well, we can deduce that the Cupertino giant is clearly impressed by the contextual appeal of British broadcast radio – particularly when it comes to attracting young listeners – and wants to borrow some of that magic in the digital world. It's also presumably interested in giving a leg-up to the kind of emerging artists who would be selected to appear on BBC Introducing," reports MBW.
Apple plans to reveal its redesign of Beats on June 8 during its annual developer's conference.
