A Conversation with Zane Lowe
In the world of music journalism, few names carry as much weight as Zane Lowe. As a prominent figure at Apple Music, he has built a reputation for conducting interviews that go beyond the surface, drawing out candid and insightful conversations from some of the most celebrated artists in the industry. Over his 11 years with Apple Music, which followed stints at MTV Europe and BBC Radio 1, Lowe has engaged with a wide range of musicians, including Kanye West, Rosalia, Bad Bunny, and Harry Styles.
The experience of being on the other side of the interview table can be daunting, but for Lowe, it’s become a source of gratitude. “I used to find it awkward because I always felt more comfortable trying to help other people find answers rather than provide them myself,” he says. “But now I’m grateful for any opportunity to have a conversation with someone and explore whatever the curiosity is.”
Lowe emphasizes the importance of meaningful dialogue, especially in an era where music journalism is often undervalued. He recalls the recent layoffs at The Washington Post, including pop critic Chris Richards, and highlights the broader issue of underappreciating the arts. “There’s been a consistent through line of the arts being undervalued whenever someone needs to save money in the budget,” he explains. “It’s such a short-sighted thing because, like, what a gift! How much do we get out of exploring the art that’s created by other people?”
The Role of In-Depth Interviews
As one of the few platforms regularly conducting in-depth, long-form interviews with major artists, Lowe’s conversations often shape the cultural narrative around an artist. His interviews are known for their earnestness, vulnerability, and revealing nature. The New York Times once referred to him as “pop’s unofficial therapist.” While Lowe doesn’t see himself in that role, he acknowledges his passion for creating a safe space for artists to explore their thoughts and experiences.
“I’m a musician first and foremost,” he says. “I don’t go to those places much any more. I’m trying to get inside how someone feels about themselves and about the world and what’s inspired this music.”
In an age dominated by viral trends and catchy headlines, Lowe’s interviews stand out for their depth and authenticity. He appreciates shows like Hot Ones and Call Her Daddy but emphasizes his focus on building genuine connections with artists. “I prefer to open the door and see how far the artist wants to go through and then go with them as far as they want to go,” he says.
A Musical Journey
Chill as ever in khaki pants and a beige cardigan, Lowe is sprawled on a sofa in his office in Apple Music’s headquarters in Culver City, Los Angeles. He’s preparing for an “in conversation” appearance at Vivid Sydney and working on his first album in years. “I’m just finishing it right now,” he says. “It’s been a really rewarding and beautiful experience for me, and once I put one out, I know I’m just gonna go ahead and make another 20 of them.”
Despite his extensive experience interviewing top artists, Lowe remains humble. “Can you imagine how awful that would sound if I made an album that sounded like a conglomeration of everything I’ve learned regarding music?” he jokes. “It’d be like that episode of The Simpsons where Homer gets to design his brother’s car.”
The Future of Music
Industry titan Jimmy Iovine recently suggested that streaming services could be obsolete soon, citing concerns about income distribution and ethical issues. While Lowe respects Iovine’s perspective, he focuses on the music itself. “I just follow the music and I always trust the artist to figure out what is most important to them,” he says.
Lowe left BBC Radio 1 for Apple Music in 2016, recognizing the shift towards streaming. “I went, OK, I want to keep being a part of the storytelling around music and I want to keep exploring that curiosity, so I’m going where the music is going – and it was going to streaming services.”
He envisions a future where artists aren’t solely defined by metrics or social media engagement. “I think sometimes the results side of this business has become very high-frequency and very high-anxiety,” he says. “If I was a young artist today, I would look at the internet as an undeniable tool, but I’d also have enough altitude to see what it promises and doesn’t deliver on.”
The Importance of Community
Lowe reflects on the DIY scene in Chicago and the resurgence of traditional methods of connecting with audiences. “Musicians are figuring out that there are new ways of doing things,” he says. “Hard work still matters. Tending to an audience and fostering that relationship still matters.”
He also shares his thoughts on the decline of major music festivals in Australia. “I’m sorry to hear that,” he says. “I remember when they announced the Big Day Out wasn’t coming back and I was crestfallen.” He suggests a shift towards grassroots events that prioritize accessibility and community engagement.
“I think the audience want something like that,” he says. “I want something like that! I would love to go and see a bunch of bands that perhaps on a big festival would be sitting at the 2pm to 5pm space, going on at 9pm in front of a smaller crowd in a more affordable way.”
Zane Lowe: In Conversation is at City Recital Hall as part of Vivid Minds on May 24.
