Apple Music has officially opened a sprawling new studio facility in Culver City, a significant expansion aimed at bolstering its commitment to artists and content creation. Spanning 15,000 square feet, this innovative space is envisioned as a multifaceted creative sanctuary, providing musicians and other artistic talent with an all-encompassing environment for radio interviews, musical composition, audio recording, professional photo sessions, and video production.

Scheduled to commence operations this summer, the new Apple Music Studios will host prominent shows like the Zane Lowe Show, central to Apple Music Radio's programming. While the financial investment for this state-of-the-art complex was not disclosed, its advanced construction and technological integration are evident. The design aesthetic aligns perfectly with Apple's signature style, featuring rich wooden floors, sleek black wall finishes, and strategic bursts of color. The facility boasts two expansive radio studios equipped with custom-designed spatial audio speaker systems seamlessly integrated into the ceilings. These rooms are also equipped with adaptable lighting and display configurations, alongside discreetly embedded cameras. The versatile design allows for both intimate interview settings and small-scale live performances. Oliver Schusser, a top executive at Apple Music, emphasized the vision for the space, stating their desire for it to be an accessible hub for creators to interact, produce content, and connect with their audience and fellow artists. This initiative, he noted, embodies the convergence of technological advancements and artistic endeavors. Beyond the primary radio studios, the complex also includes a 4,000-square-foot soundstage suitable for live events or screenings, a dedicated photography studio, and editing suites. Reflecting Apple Music's push for immersive listening experiences, a specialized spatial audio mixing room is also on-site. Rachel Newman, co-head of Apple Music, highlighted the adaptability of the studio, designed as a customizable "blank canvas" for artists to realize their unique creative visions. She reiterated that while radio served as an initial gateway for deeper artist collaboration, the new studios significantly broaden the scope of creative possibilities, including photography and songwriting sessions, emphasizing the ability to scale and align with any artistic concept.

The unveiling of the Culver City studios coincides with Apple Music’s tenth anniversary, marking a decade since its launch in 2015. Schusser explained that the platform’s previous studios had become insufficient as Apple Music’s video content production grew. The new facility offers greatly enhanced capabilities for diverse video projects and collaborative ventures among artists. Schusser underlined the company's ongoing focus on fostering an active listening experience, contrasting it with earlier concerns that streaming might reduce music to a mere background commodity. He reflected on the initial apprehension that users might simply play music passively, which led to the emphasis on Apple Radio. The goal, he said, was to cultivate a music service for dedicated fans, a platform where artists could truly express themselves and showcase their work, given the dwindling number of such avenues. The new studios are a direct extension of this philosophy. Natalie Eshaya, head of Apple Music Radio, elaborated on the evolution of Apple Music Radio, moving beyond solely audio into a more visual content landscape. She clarified that while the foundation remains traditional radio—a host engaging with an audience and artists connecting with fans—the platform has expanded to incorporate a visual dimension in all its offerings. To commemorate its ten-year milestone, Apple Music has scheduled special programming this week, commencing with 'Don’t Be Boring: The Birth of Apple Music Radio with Zane Lowe and Ebro Darden.' This broadcast aired from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. PST on Apple Music Radio, followed by an extended special on the platform’s ten-year journey until 4 p.m. PST. Additionally, Lowe and Darden will host a live show today from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring an array of artists who have been instrumental in shaping Apple Music’s trajectory. Furthermore, beginning July 1st, Apple Radio will begin counting down the top 500 most-streamed songs on Apple Music, concluding with the top 100 on July 5th. Apple Music subscribers will also gain access to an exclusive “all-time replay” feature, allowing them to revisit their most-streamed tracks since their initial subscription.

This significant investment in a comprehensive creative space underscores Apple Music's unwavering dedication to the music community and its vision for the future of digital music. By offering unparalleled resources and a supportive environment, the new studios empower artists to push creative boundaries, fostering innovation and enriching the global music landscape. This forward-thinking approach ensures that Apple Music remains a vibrant platform for both creators and listeners, championing artistic growth and connection.