Sony Music Entertainment CEO Rob Stringer took the stage at the CES 2019 technology conference in Las Vegas yesterday (January 7) to reveal that Sony Music will deliver new music experiences to fans via a 360 Reality Audio partnership.
Parent company Sony Corp’s new 360 Reality Audio experience, which was launched at the conference this week, aims to make listeners feel as if they are immersed in sound from all directions.
This new ‘experience’ is delivered by Sony’s object-based spatial audio technology.
Sony Corp is also working with other major labels, music distribution services and other music organizations to provide the technology for building a musical ecosystem around 360 Reality Audio, which will include the creation, distribution and playing of music content.
Sony has already partnered with select Live Nation Clubs & Theaters to capture audio from an array of concerts, including The Wombats, AJR, Good Charlotte and Kodaline, with more to be announced.
The Live Nation venues where this 360 Reality Audio content was captured included the Hollywood Palladium, House of Blues Chicago, Irving Plaza (New York), The Fillmore (Philadelphia), The Masonic (San Francisco) and The Wiltern (Los Angeles).
Fans can access the audio content of the aforementioned artists by using headphones and selecting the 360 Reality Audio content, which is planned to be provided via Deezer, nugs.net, Qobuz and TIDAL.
Stringer also cited Sony’s Lost In Music brand campaign as an example of combining music and Sony’s latest technology.
“Having been at the company since Sony embarked together with us on their quest for a unique joint vision of technology and content in 1989, I’ve seen countless examples of where our global roster of over 2,000 artists and Sony technology combine to create a really powerful partnership that can definitely excite the consumer,” said Stringer at CES 2019.
“In recent years we have jointly presented the Lost In Music campaign, where we have introduced the world to the Sony brand with some of our hottest brand new artists.”
“We are very excited to be partnering with 360 Reality Audio to elevate the listening experience for the consumer.”
Added Stringer: “We are very excited to be partnering with 360 Reality Audio to elevate the listening experience for the consumer.
“The results audio-wise and sonically are truly spectacular and we are now rolling out titles across our vast catalog.
“So whether it be brand new audio innovation, headphones, cameras, or gaming, the technological association with our music is organic, synergistic and our consumers are clearly the same audience.”
“We look forward to working with a growing number of digital service providers to make songs from our artists available for streaming in 360 Reality Audio.”
Dennis Kooker, Sony Music Entertainment
Dennis Kooker, President, Global Digital Business & US Sales, Sony Music Entertainment said: “Sony Music is pleased to be partnering with Sony Corporation to support the growth of 360 Reality Audio.
“We are long-running believers in high quality audio solutions that enhance the listening experience for consumers, and this three-dimensional sound format is an exciting new option for fans seeking a more immersive way to hear their favorite music.
“We look forward to working with a growing number of digital service providers to make songs from our artists available for streaming in 360 Reality Audio.”
“We are impressed with what we have heard so far, and happy to support the launch of this new technology.”
Ole Obermann, Chief Digital Officer & Executive Vice President, Business Development, Warner Music Group, said: “We are always looking for new ways to amplify our artists’ music, and fostering a diversity of listening options is great for our artists and their fans.
“Sony’s immersive audio tier will add a new dimension to streaming services and offers music lovers a high quality experience they won’t get elsewhere.
“We are impressed with what we have heard so far, and happy to support the launch of this new technology.”
Terri Liebler, VP, Live Nation Media & Sponsorships said: “We are always exploring innovative ways to extend the live music experience for fans and artists.
“Sony’s new 360 Reality Audio will truly provide fans a lifelike live music experience long after the show has ended.”Music Business Worldwide
