Online hospitality marketplace Airbnb has revealed plans to break into the music industry with the launch of its Music Experiences project.
The launch was celebrated last night (March 8) with an intimate central London gig featuring performances by BRIT Award-winning singer Emeli Sandé, Clean Cut Kid and Jodie Abacus. The event was hosted by presenter Reggie Yates and Airbnb founder Brian Chesky.
Operating via Airbnb's global Trips platform, Music Experiences will offer access to intimate live music performances, underground nightlife and special experiences hosted by artists, industry professionals and local scene experts.
One of the key hosts will be Sofar Sounds, a brand that specialises in bringing informal gigs to local neighbourhoods in over 300 cities around the world. Artists who have played Sofar gigs since the company launched in 2010 include Bastille, Hozier, Leon Bridges, James Bay, Yeasayer, George Ezra, Karen O, Tom Odell and Wolf Alice.
Music Experiences is currently on offer in 13 cities: London, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Barcelona, Nairobi, Cape Town, Detroit, Miami, Paris, Havana, Tokyo, Florence and Seoul. A certain number of Sofar Sounds gigs are now bookable in San Francisco and will soon be available in London and Los Angeles, with a view for further expansion in the future.
Brian Chesky, Airbnb CEO, said: “Music is an incredible way to bring people together. We’re launching Music Experiences to give people access to exclusive and immersive music events - from intimate live performances, special pop up gigs, underground music sessions and meeting local artists and performers. Through the platform, we’re able to support up and coming and local artists by connecting people to their events and bringing their music to even more fans around the world.”
Rafe Offer, Sofar Sounds co-founder, added: “Sofar Sounds, like Airbnb, is all about global community; the magic that happens when people come together around the universal things that really matter, like music. We’re excited to welcome Airbnb travellers into that community - allowing them to discover and get closer to the best music experiences that cities have to offer, every night.”
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