Apple Taps Trent Reznor for Upcoming Music Service and Zane Lowe for iTunes Radio

Apple is expected to launch a new music app and a revamped iTunes Radio.

Apple has tapped two talented music artists to lead the company’s music strategy. According to the New York Times, Apple hired American singer, songwriter, and record producer, Trent Reznor, to work on its new music app. Sources with knowledge of Apple’s plans said that the Nine Inch Nails frontman is working together with Beats co-founder Jimmy Iovine.

Iovine is reportedly leading aggressive negotiations with record labels and artists to get exclusive album releases that will not streamed anywhere else, corroborating a previous report. Sources also revealed that Apple’s music streaming service isn’t free, unlike Spotify. Interestingly, Apple reportedly failed to convince record labels to license their music at a lower price, which would have allowed the company to sell its service for $7.99 a month.

Apple is also launching an overhauled iTunes radio, which will be tailored to regional markets. Taking charge is Zane Lowe, a radio DJ who joined Apple last month. Lowe is reportedly leading an effort to overhaul iTunes Radio, which will resemble a traditional radio station. Lowe will be the voice or DJ, sources said.

Furthermore, Apple’s decision to use a paid model instead of a freemium model is music to the ears of the record labels, who are now criticizing companies like Spotify for offering their music free. Sources added that Apple’s new music service is currently being tested using a new version of iOS, dubbed “Copper,” which launches this year. Apple declined to comment on the report.