TTC and Universal Music ‘Tracks on Tracks’ program curates new exclusive Apple Music playlists for commuters

Program launches with playlists created by artists Billie Eilish, Johnny Orlando,
and notable Toronto athletes Serge Ibaka and Marcus Stroman.

Toronto, ON (May 28, 2019) — TTC customers can now listen to six new commute-enhancing playlists exclusively on Apple Music featuring Universal Music artists such as Ariana Grande, Post Malone, Shawn Mendes, Migos, Billie Eilish, Kacey Musgraves, and ‘Underground Sounds’ competition winner, Leo Zhang, as part of the ‘Tracks on Tracks’ program.

Tracks on Tracks, created by the TTC and Universal Music Canada, offers commuters a range of ever evolving curated playlists on Apple Music to enjoy while riding the rocket.

“We worked with the TTC to create a fully-integrated program that connects both music and culture in this vibrant city through Apple Music,” said Amy Jeninga, Vice President, Digital Strategy, Universal Music Canada.

“We are excited to share personal playlist selections from artists like Billie Eilish alongside the highly-anticipated release of her debut album, ‘WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?’, and rising star, JUNO Award-nominated singer / songwriter Johnny Orlando, who shared his playlist selections on the ‘Next Stop’ playlist with his more than 16 million social followers. Tracks on Tracks is also thrilled to offer listeners playlist selections from Toronto athletes, such as basketball forward Serge Ibaka and pitcher Marcus Stroman, personally curated with their favourite songs.”

Tracks on Tracks playlists are refreshed every Friday on Apple Music can be streamed or downloaded for offline listening. In 2019, “Tracks on Tracks” expands to include the following six distinctive rider-friendly playlists on Apple Music:

• Pop Hits, featuring the biggest names in pop music
• Hip-Hop Hits, featuring the tracks dominating hip-hop right now
• Country Hits, featuring today’s top country music
• Next Stop, featuring the artists you need on your radar now
• Chill Commute, featuring soothing music for a relaxing ride home
• Throwbacks, a playlist to transport you through the decades

Each playlist is designed to fit whichever vibe customers are looking for during their commute. Throughout the year, each playlist will include regular guest-curation by Universal Music artists sharing their favourite songs and sounds.

Leo Zhang, Underground Sounds winner, featured on Chill Commute Playlist

After winning the 2018 Underground Sounds competition, Canadian cellist Leo Zhang recorded and released ‘Cancion‘ (Ft. Leopoldo Giannola) and is featured on the Chill Commute playlist.

  

“I want to congratulate Leo for being the first of our amazing Underground Sounds musicians to have a song included in a Tracks on Tracks playlist on Apple Music,” said TTC Chair Jaye Robinson. “He’s one of the many talented musicians who brighten Torontonians' days by performing in the subway system and now his incredible music will be available for people around the world to enjoy.”

Zhang was among 180 musicians to enter the TTC’s Underground Sounds competition and one of 10 finalists for the grand prize, judged by Universal Music Canada and the TTC. A total of 90 performers, including the 10 finalists, received three-year licenses to perform in 31 designated TTC station locations beginning this fall. The subway musician program has been enhancing TTC customers’ experiences for almost 40 years, while providing exposure to local musicians. Past and current TTC musicians include JUNO Award winners, Royal Conservatory of Music graduates, symphony performers and published musicians.