UPDATED: Does a new hire signal that Amazon Music is about to follow in the footsteps of its streaming competitors and produce more exclusive music content? It’s certainly a strategy that Amazon has used effectively within its video service.
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Former EMI and Apple exec Alex Luke has joined Amazon Music team in the newly created “leadership position” og Global Head of Programming & Content Strategy. He will report directly to Steve Boom, VP of Amazon Music and be based in Amazon’s Seattle headquarters.
Prior to Amazon, Alex was a founding member of the Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm, The Valley Fund, managing developing investments in digital media and entertainment. He also served as Executive Vice President of A&R at EMI Music, where he signed Capital Cities, and focused on the rosters of Capitol, Virgin and Astralwerks Records, working with artists including Katy Perry, David Guetta, and more.
Luke also spent eight years at Apple as Worldwide Director of Music Programming & Label Relations.
Amazon Music does already have some original and exclusive content including two recent playlists of original music for Valentine’s Day – one for the lovers (Love Me) and one for the haters (Love Me Not).