NEW YORK – November 8, 2012 – Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, the leading media company in America with a greater reach than any other radio or television outlet, today announced the launch of EVOLUTION, a new Electronic Dance Music (EDM) station on iHeartRadio, Clear Channel’s industry-leading digital radio platform.  The station will celebrate the recent explosion of electronic music and will be hosted by Pete Tong, the iconic British DJ behind BBC Radio 1’s renowned Essential Mix radio show.  Evolution will kick off November 12, with a five-day studio takeover by Tong as well as an intimate iHeartRadio Live performance by Grammy winning DJ/producer, Afrojack, in New York City on November 14.

 

The station takeover will feature special interviews with world-famous DJs such as Axwell of Swedish House Mafia, all-new guest mixes and non-stop music from Pete Tong’s hand-curated playlist.  Beginning November 19, the station will air its full schedule of programming and will feature “All Gone Pete Tong,” a live, two-hour daily show that will include Pete’s Essential New Tune of the Week, as well as hit songs from the global Top 100 chart on Beatport.com, the world’s largest music store and community for DJs.  The show will broadcast Monday through Friday from 7-9 p.m. EST.

Tong’s show will join an impressive lineup of radio shows hosted by a rotation of popular and up-and-coming DJs including: Diplo; Wolfgang Gartner; Morgan Page; Fatboy Slim; Yung Skeeter; Dim Mak; Manufactured Superstars; Roger Sanchez; Dillon Francis; Doorly; Eats Everything; Jaymo and Andy George; The 2 Bears; Tom Staar; and Hot Since 82.  Evolution will also air exclusive content from Swedish House Mafia’s final tour in addition to their featured show with all-new mixes.  Programing will also include special spin sessions, on-air interviews and guest-hosted radio shows with world-class, progressive DJs and EDM producers. 

“I’m excited to be a part of Evolution,” said Tong.  “Electronic Dance Music has seen a major rise in popularity in North America over the past few years so this is exactly the right time to provide a new and groundbreaking music service.  I have spent my whole career seeking out and championing the hottest new electronic artists and I’m inspired by the opportunity that iHeartRadio has given me.  Clear Channel is dedicated to giving a voice to a variety of music genres, and I’m sure Evolution will grow to become a major asset to electronic music.  I look forward to working with iHeartRadio to provide a new platform for both the established and most exciting new artists and DJs.”

The dynamic station will be promoted across Clear Channel’s Contemporary Hit Radio, Rhythmic and Alternative stations, on iHeartRadio’s digital EDM stations Electric Sound Stage and Trancid, and in leading dance clubs and venues across the country on Pete Tong’s North American ‘All Gone’ Tour beginning November 23.  Listeners will be the first to hear exclusive show content and will enjoy a robust variety of EDM, ranging from bass-heavy dubstep and moombahton, to house, techno and electro. 

 

 

“We’re thrilled to kick off our newest EDM station with Pete Tong – the collaboration is a natural fit,” said Tom Poleman, President of National Programming Platforms for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment.  “As the popularity of electronic music increases, the introduction of Evolution shows Clear Channel’s commitment to its listeners as well as to music variety and discovery.  iHeartRadio has an unparalleled ability to connect with its audience through a variety of great music and top-billed live events.  At this year’s iHeartRadio Music Festival, performances by EDM artists Swedish House Mafia, deadmau5 and Calvin Harris were highlights for many of our listeners and reaffirmed that Evolution will be a popular addition to our station lineup.”

To celebrate the launch of Evolution, Afrojack, one of the most sought-after producers and DJs in the world, will perform live at the iHeartRadio Theater presented by P.C. Richard and Son in New York City on Wednesday, November 14.  The private, live performance will feature his massive dance beats, previews from his upcoming debut album, his recent radio hit “Can’t Stop Me” featuring Shermanology and the No.1 Beatport hit, “Rock the House.”

EDM fans can listen to Evolution at www.iheart.com/live/5953.  iHeartRadio delivers everything listeners want in one free, fully-integrated service: instant access to more than 1,500 of the nation’s most popular live broadcast and digital-only radio stations from 150 cities, plus user-created custom stations inspired by favorite artists and songs. 

 

 

Pete Tong’s ‘All Gone’ North American tour dates:

 

22-11 Beta - Denver

23-11 Ruby Skye - San Francisco

24-11 Exchange - Los Angeles

25-11 XS - Las Vegas

26-11 Caprice - Vancouver

05-12 The Estate - Boston

06-12 Lit Ultrabar - Philadelphia

07-12 Pacha - NYC

08-12 - UR1 Festival, Miami

09-12 Mansion - Miami