Music Legend Quincy Jones and Rock Icon Travis Barker Offer Inaugural Interviews
Westlake Village, CA – Guitar Center (www.guitarcenter.com), the world’s largest musical instrument retailer, has just added a free podcast to its list of music programming. At: Guitar Center with Nic Harcourt is a new podcast hosted by renowned music tastemaker and music journalist Nic Harcourt that will feature riveting interviews and intimate performances with some of the biggest names in music. The podcasts are available now on the iTunes, Zune and Blackberry networks and at www.atguitarcenter.com/podcast.
The free podcast is an extension of the same concept behind the award-winning television show Guitar Center Sessions, a series also hosted by Harcourt that runs exclusively on DIRECTV and features exclusive performances and in-depth conversations with revered musicians. The podcasts will highlight compelling artists by engaging them in insightful conversation that inspires musicians and encourages individuals to make music a part of their lives. Past sessions have recently presented Weezer, Cake, Peter Gabriel, Jane’s Addiction, Buddy Guy and The Cult. For clips of upcoming episodes, visit www.guitarcenter.com/sessions.
“When Guitar Center asked me to be a part of this new podcast, I was excited at the opportunity to engage artists in conversations they’re most passionate about – music,” said Harcourt. “No noise – no advertisers – just the stories behind the great artists of our time, told from their perspective. I’m excited that Guitar Center recognizes the potential in a program like this.”
“Nic is a phenomenal talent with an unparalleled taste in music,” said Dustin Hinz, director of music and entertainment marketing for Guitar Center. “He is authentic and credible throughout the industry, and his ability as an interviewer to dig deep with some of the household names in music and get incredible stories never ceases to amaze us. Guitar Center is honored to work with someone who continues to make such a lasting impact on popular culture.”
At: Guitar Center with Nic Harcourt is free to stream or download, and is readily available for subscription via iTunes, Zune and Blackberry Podcasts. The current podcast includes an in-depth live studio interview with innovative artist and producer Quincy Jones, featuring the legend’s take on art, production and an uncertain future of the music industry.
“I think the consumer wants to be closer to the creator,” said Jones. “We are all trying to figure it out. We’ve never faced it before, but it’s here.”
Nic Harcourt, renowned tastemaker and host of the award-winning program Guitar Center Sessions on DIRECTV, is a highly regarded interviewer and an authority on music and pop culture. From his post as music director of the legendary radio station and Los Angeles cultural institution KCRW, and as host of the station’s Morning Becomes Eclectic program, the New York Times dubbed the United Kingdom native “America’s arbiter of cool music.” Harcourt’s interviews have told the story of some of pop history’s most iconic artists, and he has been credited with helping launch the careers of numerous popular acts, including Coldplay, Norah Jones, Death Cab For Cutie and Sigur Ros, among others.
In his roll on Guitar Center Sessions, Harcourt delves into the anatomy of a successful band, offering real connections between fans in the live studio audience and their icons. At: Guitar Center with Nic Harcourt furthers the retailer’s mission to advance the aspiring artist by bringing real stories of success within arms reach of any listener.
Leave a Reply