Live Nation Urban’s Brandon Pankey Launches Artist-Focused VOD Network APEX
Written by djfrosty on February 28, 2023
Entertainment industry veteran and Live Nation Urban vp Brandon Pankey has announced the launch of Artist Presented Experiences (APEX), an advertising-based video-on-demand streaming network exclusively featuring programming presented by and for music artists.
Set to launch Tuesday (Feb. 28) on iOS and Android, APEX will offer a range of diverse and artist-centric content, including original scripted, unscripted and licensed programming. The network is powered by brand services agency Quantasy + Associates.
APEX’s programming lineup features content designed to allow artists and production partners to deliver their unfiltered creative vision directly to fans, with programming partners including Raedio, Complex Media, Mercury Studios, Live Nation Urban, LVRN co-founder Sean Famoso and director Stacey Muhammad (OWN’s Queen Sugar, BET’s First Wives Club). The network’s slate of original programming includes Raedio Presents The Playback, executive produced by Benoni Tagoe and Morgan Davis; On the Record, executive produced by Muhammad and Marc Lamont Hill; SuperShorts, executive produced by Famoso; and Help Wanted, a scripted comedy series executive produced by Max Smith and Atlantic Records recording artist Symba. Other original series slated for release on the platform this year include titles such as How I’m Livin, Ring Walk, APEX Acoustic and Generally Speaking.
APEX has also secured licensing agreements for episodic content from Complex Media (Brackets, Making It) and music documentaries from Mercury Studios, a division of Universal Music Group, featuring music superstars such as Amy Winehouse, J Balvin, Tupac Shakur, Miles Davis, Queen and Joni Mitchell. APEX will additionally offer exclusive themed national and international concerts and events.
“The vision for APEX has never been more clear,” said Pankey in a statement. “Artists deserve a platform to share their stories and connect with fans in a meaningful way. APEX has been a dream of mine since I started in the music industry. We’re providing a first-of-its-kind network exclusively featuring programming presented by and for music artists, allowing them to showcase their unique perspectives and creative visions. Artist innovation and creativity now has a home to live and to thrive.”
For more information on APEX and its programming slate, please visit watchapex.com.