Reminiscent of the 90's MTV Unplugged, Apple has introduced Apple Music Sessions. Only this time you can experience the live video performances in spatial audio.
The first two country sessions are available now from Carrie Underwood and Tenille Townes, recorded out of Apple Music's new "state-of-the-art" studios in Nashville, Tennessee.
- "Today, Apple Music is premiering Apple Music Sessions, exclusive live releases featuring some of the world’s most prolific artists and emerging artists, all in Spatial Audio," announced Apple. "These unique performances are also filmed, resulting in a special, bespoke live collection comprised of brand-new Spatial Audio tracks and companion live performance music videos that will all be available exclusively to Apple Music fans worldwide."
Unlike Netflix's recently launched spatial audio (or enhanced stereo), Apple's spatial audio system relies on a 5.1, 7.1 or object-based audio track such as Dolby Atmos. In the case of Apple Music Sessions, the company's AirPods then takes the Dolby Atmos music recording and processes it on-device for a more immersive sound experience. In addition, Apple's original HomePods support Dolby Atmos music.
The first two sessions feel reminiscent of the 90's MTV Unplugged but the initiative is also a clear response to Spotify Sessions. Spotify has yet to launch high-res audio and/or Dolby Atmos for music.
After country, Apple will expand to other genres of music in the future.
- "Apple Music Sessions kicks off in Nashville with a host of incredible country artists already lined up, including Ronnie Dunn, Ingrid Andress, and many others, and Apple also plans to expand the series into other genres of music in the future."
