It’s been a pretty big week for Microsoft and Xbox, which by default makes it a pretty exciting week for gamers. Earlier this week the software corporation announced their next generation Xbox console, the “Xbox One”, the successor to the Xbox 360.
Now, Microsoft have made an announcement that will appeal to music fans: a new music service exclusive to Xbox users.
It’s called “The Music Room”, and Engadget have likened it to a musical “choose-your-own adventure” – a kind of music reality TV show with almost RPG-style choices placed in the hands of the viewer.
In a sixty-second promo video, UK host Laura Jackson eloquently outlines the show’s premise.
“With a focus on music content, The Music Room will be “showcasing the hottest new bands around and catching up with some musical legends as well. Each episode will introduce three of the most exciting acts of the moment performing live and talking to me,” she explains. “It’s like telly, but loads better.”
Showing that they’re down with the cool kids, Microsoft have reportedly enlisted hot indie acts for the debut episode, including Everything Everything, Don Broco, and Swim Deep to perform live on the program. Meanwhile, former Libertines co-frontman Carl Barat will make a cameo appearance as a special guest. Alongside the exciting live bands, a key feature of the show is its interactivity. Ultimately, the show is in the hands of the audience with live voting and polling…
Alongside the exciting live bands, a key feature of the show is its interactivity. Ultimately, the show is in the hands of the audience with live voting and polling that will “determine the show’s finale in real-time,” according to Microsoft.
As seen in the trailer, viewers will also be able to control Jackson in small segments called “What should Laura do next?” that transcend the line between reality and The Sims. For example, they’ll be able to decide whether she should “play Dance Central 3“, “sneak into soundcheck” or “nose around backstage”.
The Music Room is Microsoft’s latest attempt to position Xbox as a one-stop entertainment hot spot that is as much about TV, movies, and music as it is about videogames. With its launch date steadily approaching next week, it will be interesting to see how the Xbox’s vast demographic responds to this revolutionary style of user-driven TV.
The interactive two-part series kicks off on Wednesday 29th May and is exclusively available to Xbox Live Gold subscribers using Xbox 360.
Meanwhile in Australia, much needed platforms for music television appear to be emerging. Last week, the SBS subscription channel STUDIO announced a new music programme that will be hosted by iconic You Am I frontman Tim Rogers. STUDIO at the MEMO will premiere on Foxtel on Tuesday July 16, and is set to fill the void in Australian TV’s music-related programming.
