PressClub United Kingdom · Article.
Coldplay talk tech, touring and kinetic dancefloors on BMW Play Next podcast hosted by Edith Bowman
20.09.2023 Press Release
• In the latest episode of BMW Play Next, Coldplay’s Will Champion and Guy Berryman engage in a dynamic conversation with Edith Bowman, delving into the intricate innovations underpinning their ground-breaking global tour • The band elucidates how cutting-edge technology plays a pivotal role in their journey, working in collaboration with BMW - a game-changing cooperation that is setting new industry benchmarks and a blueprint for the entire live industry
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Chris Overall
BMW Group
- In the latest episode of BMW Play Next, Coldplay’s Will Champion and Guy Berryman engage in a dynamic conversation with Edith Bowman, delving into the intricate innovations underpinning their ground-breaking global tour
- The band elucidates how cutting-edge technology plays a pivotal role in their journey, working in collaboration with BMW - a game-changing cooperation that is setting new industry benchmarks and a blueprint for the entire live industry
- In a compelling second interview featuring breakout pop and rock ensemble Porij, lead vocalists Egg and Tommy offer unreserved insight into their ascent as a breakthrough act, the pivotal connections they’ve forged, and their experience sharing the stage with Coldplay
The acclaimed hit music discovery podcast, BMW Play
Next, hosted by Edith Bowman is making an exciting return. Renowned
for its reputation as a space for pioneering artistry and
ground-breaking music from the next generation of talent, the latest
episode, set to air on 20 September, brings together British rock
sensation Coldplay and genre-splicing Manchester fourpiece, Porij and
a hand-picked playlist of emerging hot-off-the-press tracks.
Bowman leads an insightful conversation with Will Champion and
Guy Berryman around the ever-evolving industry landscape and the
modern-day challenges confronting artists, uncovering the core
principles of their approach - environmental impact and generation
accessibility. Talking about their proudest achievements to date,
Champion says, "We're running shows completely from a battery
now, so we're not using any outside power. They're re-purposed BMW car
batteries, it's something that's not been done before."
In 2021, BMW contributed to the creation of the world’s
first-ever mobile, rechargeable show battery for the band’s ‘Music of
The Spheres World Tour’. Supporting the British band with its ambition
to become more sustainable - a game-changing cooperation that is
setting new industry benchmarks and blueprint for the entire live
industry - recyclable BMW i3 batteries now provide the necessary super
low-emission, electric power to replace the usual diesel and petrol
generators. This results in a significant reduction of the carbon
footprint of many of the band’s live performances, contributing to one
of the greenest tours in music history.
“The power is recharged using a range of renewable sources
including solar installations, a kinetic stadium floor and power
bikes, that harness the collective power of the fans themselves,” adds
Champion. The BMW i3 batteries were the first in the worldwide
automotive industry suitable for second-life use without additional
processing; a technology that is an essential part of the BMW Group’s
vision of sustainability and circular economy.
With an unyielding commitment to sustainability and approaching
a 50% reduction in carbon production on their tour, Berryman
highlights the in-person role longstanding team members play in the
band's vision and innovation, adding “Misty Buckley and Phil Harvey
are instrumental in the design and shape, and Chris as well –
certainly when it comes to the physical structure’. Accessibility and
innovation have remained paramount since the band’s inception in 1997.
Steps include giving deaf and hard-of-hearing fans the chance to
experience their music at live gigs by giving out Subpacs at shows.
Subpacs are wearable bass-responsive amp and speaker systems.
Speaking of sparking nostalgia and championing breakthrough
talent, Berryman reflects “There’s a nice part of the show where we
play on what we call the C-stage. It’s just bass, guitar and a piano –
and we always talk as a band before we perform a song about how this
is how we started in Jonny’s bedroom.” This reality has truly
materialised for emerging pop and rock Manchester four-piece, Porij.
In a second long-form interview, Bowman explores Porij’s unique
perspective on dancefloor culture. Vocalists, Eggy and Tommy, openly
express the need for a transformative shift in the music industry's
infrastructure to enable emerging artists to adopt more
environmentally friendly practices and be seen. Eggy candidly
addresses the challenges their band has encountered, and she offers
insights into the intriguing blend of "jazz, post-punk"
sounds that define their upcoming album.
From being chosen to support Coldplay in 2022 to touring the UK,
they expand on the diverse genre influences and experiences that have
shaped them as musicians today, Tommy adding "Manchester offers a
rich tapestry of musical inspiration, especially when you're finding
your feet and meeting with others starting out. It’s been a priceless network.”
Listen and visit previous episodes of BMW Play Next at https://podfollow.com/play-next
ENDS
BMW Play Next
Renowned as a hub for pioneering artistry and
groundbreaking music from the next generation of talent, the BMW Play
Next podcast has showcased prominent breakthrough acts and industry
figureheads. A lineup that has included Mercury prize-winning British
band Wolf Alice, Emily Eavis, co-organiser of Glastonbury, and rising
stars including Attawalpa, a British Peruvian artist, and the talented
songstress Nao. Hosted by Edith Bowman, the podcast not only
celebrates up-and-coming artists but also highlights industry insights
and demonstrated technological strides that are reshaping the
landscape of music.
The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW
Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of
automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and
mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30
production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in
more than 140 countries.
In 2022, the BMW Group sold nearly 2.4 million passenger
vehicles and more than 202,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit
before tax in the financial year 2022 was € 23.5 billion on revenues
amounting to € 142.6 billion. As of 31 December 2022, the BMW Group
had a workforce of 149,475 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term
thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the
future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and
efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from
the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.
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