MUMBAI: Internet radio-Pandora and Ford F-Series Trucks has entered into a partnership to produce an experience titled 'Country Built'. The initiative will pay respect to “the grit and endurance that have shaped the sounds of country music,” said a statement by Pandora. It will highlight select next-generation artistes carrying the responsibility of the future of country music. It will be presented through a series of custom-curated mixtapes, interviews, exclusive performances and behind-the-scenes videos.
The season kicked off with a themed mixtape, expert interviews and a session performance with Nashville newcomer Cale Tyson. It will continue all through 2015 giving details of country music. Upcoming guest interviews include Jay McDowell, curator at The Musician's Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, noted author and journalist Barry Mazur and Peter Cooper from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
There is a sub-section for ‘Country Built’ and the non-frequent radio program is narrated and hosted by American alt-country singer-songwriter Otis Gibbs. The special initiative will also include Pandora re-directing listeners to a section where they can learn about the genre and the impact it had on American culture.
Commenting on the partnership, Pandora SVP Music Makers Group Lars Murray said, “Our content team worked closely with Ford to create a station where the content matches the product perfectly. Generations of country music have played on the radios of Ford F-Series pickups over the past 60 years, and we built a station that celebrates both the heritage and vibrant present of country music.”
Pandora also stated that “this series with Ford Trucks demonstrates our ability to create compelling, customised content that translates to personalised experiences for country fans.” Ford Truck Group marketing manager Doug Scott said, “Many of our truck customers enjoy and identify with Country music. Ford F-Series is celebrating 66 years of heritage and highlighting Country music from its early days through today is the perfect way to also celebrate these customers.”