Zane Lowe Leaving BBC Radio 1 to Work at Apple, New Role at Company Unknown

Apple is adding a big name to its crew in March. BBC Radio 1 host Zane Lowe will be leaving his longtime DJ position to work with the tech company in a new, unknown role. The move will end Lowe's impressive 13-year run at the radio station where he became one of the most respected names in the business.

"I want to thank everyone at Radio 1 for their support and friendship," Lowe said. "The station has allowed me to share incredible music with the country's best music fans."

No details have been given about Lowe's new job at Apple. He will be the third big name the company has acquired in the past year. Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre became part of the company in August after Apple purchased Beats Electronics. Perhaps Lowe will contribute to the company's streaming music service, or maybe there is a new project that Lowe will help develop.

"Zane is one of the foremost music tastemakers in the world, and a legendary music curator. We're excited to have him join the music team," Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr told Billboard.

Lowe has interviewed influential artists and producers like Jay Z, Kanye West and Rick Rubin. From 2002-12, he took a few days during one month of the year to discuss classic albums. Masterpieces on his show included Radiohead's OK Computer, The Clash's London Calling and Amy Winehouse's Back to Black.

During his tenure with Radio 1, Lowe raked in four NME award for Best Radio Show and four gold Radio Academy Awards. The DJ was even nominated for a Grammy this past year for his work on Sam Smith's In the Lonely Hour. He has also been producing albums for other artists.

"I did three days with Future earlier this year, which was an incredible experience; to work with someone who has that natural ability. He's one of those artists who will -- you'll come up with something, and he'll be absorbing, that's how I would describe it," he told Noisey about working with the rapper.

Lowe will finish out February on Radio 1 before heading to California.

Tags

Zane Lowe, Apple, BBC Radio 1