Tastemaking BBC radio host and DJ Zane Lowe has been recruited by technology giant Apple, to reportedly work on the company’s iTunes Radio music streaming service. The New Zealand-born Lowe will leave the BBC next month.
According to The Guardian, Lowe’s time at Apple will involve working on iTunes Radio, which is still only available in the US and Australia, with Apple currently working to integrate the Beats Music subscription streaming service it acquired last year.
“I want to thank everyone at Radio 1 for their support and friendship,” Lowe says in a statement (via BBC). “The station has allowed me to share incredible music with the country’s best music fans.”
During his time at the BBC, Lowe has become revered for championing new artists and pushing for breakthrough tracks, naming them the “hottest record in the world”. Throughout his time at the broadcaster, he has interviewed the likes of Eminem, Jay-Z, Chris Martin, Rick Rubin, and gave us that famous soundbite-friendly Kanye West interview (below).
Production wise, Lowe also has credits on songs by Sam Smith, Example, Tinie Tempah and Chase And Status.
Lowe joined BBC Radio 1 back in 2003, and will host his final evening music show on 5th March. Taking over Lowe’s position will be fellow BBC presenter Annie Mac, who will begin on 9th March.
Watch: Kanye West BBC Radio 1 Interview with Zane Lowe (Pt. 1) — Also see parts two and three
