Hi-Res Streamer Expanded to Canada, Named Billboard International Power Player, Signed Top-Tier Partnerships, and more.
Since ushering in the Hi-Res streaming revolution, Qobuz has maintained the top spot as the music lovers’ service of choice - and in 2023, it reached more of that music-loving audience, by far, than ever before.
Qobuz finally launched in its 26th country, Canada. The top executive, Georges Fornay, was named to Billboard’s International Power Players list for the first time. Some of the most respected labels - from Blue Note to Westbound to International Anthem - came on board for exclusive releases, playlists, and videos. The new Qobuz Magazine was launched with exclusive artist features ranging from Soccer Mommy and Samara Joy to ANOHNI and Matmos, and some of the highest-caliber journalists in the industry. Christian McBride, who had recorded and released music exclusively on Qobuz before, signed on as the second Artist-Approved Sound Spokesperson, after Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips. Neil Young continued to sing Qobuz’ praises (and release his music on the platform), as did The LA Times, New York Times’ Wirecutter, Rolling Stone, CNET, SPIN, and many more.
Qobuz continued its signature “boutique in a superstore” approach IRL, as well, with a SXSW Sessions event held at East Austin’s KMFA Studios, where seven independent artists performed and recorded their sets for exclusive release (just last week!) in 24-bit; the continuation of its live-to-record show series with International Anthem at Brooklyn’s Public Records (previous participants have included Makaya McCraven, Carlos Niño and Photay, etc.); a partnership with the Memphis Listening Lab that allows visitors to the collection to hear it in full digital Hi-Res; and activations at all the biggest Hi-Res shows: AXPONA, Capital Audiofest, Audio Advice Live, and more.
Beyond the US, the international audience was super served with partnerships ranging from London-based SoHo Radio’s popular daily show, “Morning Glory,” to Festival Bach and Off-Bach in Montreal (where Qobuz teamed up with the organizers to present three weeks of classical music), and High-End Audio in Munich.
And, in less than five years since it launched in the US on Valentine’s Day 2019, Qobuz US is now the biggest market for the company, with year-over-year growth, and more subscribers than ever to prove the domestic appetite for better sound and a more curated music experience. Like industry pundit Bob Lefsetz says, “If you want to get closer to the music, you want Qobuz.”
Read on to check out some quick ‘23 Qobuz hits below, and see you in the new year.
** Qobuz Sessions at SXSW, Volume 1 - EPs from Yazmin Lacey, Daniel Villarreal, and Shana Cleveland (of Laz Luz) - Listen HERE. Released just last Tuesday!
** The staff-favorites holiday gift guide HERE, ft. top-picks for music scholars, audiophiles, and record collectors, and the editorial team’s EOY-best list HERE, which shows the expert selection and appreciation of eclectic genres that make Qobuz stand apart
** Round Records’ exclusive-for-Qobuz Jerry Garcia playlist HERE. In the words of Trixie, Jerry’s daughter, which are perfect for the holiday season: “Sit around with friends and enjoy Jerry’s music knowing the common dedication and effort to providing fans with the best quality possible!”
About Qobuz
Founded in 2007 and a pioneer in high-quality sound, Qobuz is a French music streaming and download platform for anyone who wants to fully experience and share their passion for music. Available in 26 countries around the world, including Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, and Japan (for high-resolution download service only), Qobuz offers a range of exclusive editorial content written by a team of experts. With a catalog of over 100 million tracks, Qobuz also has the richest selection of high-resolution (Hi-Res) references on the market. Qobuz is a licensed Hi-Res Audio provider by the Japan Audio Society (JAS). For more information: www.qobuz.com
