ArtBeat Music Network (A World Without The Beatles)
 The ArtBeat logo used since the network's launch in 1981 | |
| Country | France |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Paris, France |
| Programming | |
| Language(s) |
English French Various |
| Picture format | 1080i HDTV (downscaled to letterboxed 480i for the SDTV feed) |
| Timeshift service |
ART East (New York) ART West (Los Angeles) |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Paramount Global |
| History | |
| Launched | May 11, 1981 |
| Links | |
| Website | www.artbeat.com |
Availability
| |
ArtBeat, also known as ArtBeat Music Network or ABMN, is a French international television network and multimedia platform focused on promoting and celebrating diverse music genres, experimental art, and music culture across the world. Launched in 1981, ArtBeat has made a significant impact on the global music and art scene by providing a unique platform for emerging and unconventional artists, becoming famous for its music documentaries and music videos.
The channel airs music videos and related programming as guided by television personalities known as video jockeys. ArtBeat was one of the American cable channels which was available in other countries that became a cult hit across the world and was one of the factors in cable programming's rise to fame and American corporations overwhelmingly dominating the television economy in the 1990s. In the years since its inception, it began airing more music documentaries and less music videos by the 2010s, but still broadcasting programs related to the world of music.
History
Early years (1981-1990)
ArtBeat was founded in Paris in 1981 with a vision to showcase the artistic and experimental side of music. It emerged as an alternative to mainstream music television networks of the era. In its early years, ArtBeat predominantly featured genres such as jazz, punk, blues rock, coral rhythms, bluegrass, electric bluegrass, reggae, indie swing, and some psychedelic music. This focus allowed the network to cater to a niche audience interested in unconventional sounds and artistic expressions. The network's commitment to fostering artistic diversity and innovation quickly gained a devoted following among music enthusiasts seeking something beyond the mainstream.
ArtBeat's unique programming included live performances, artist interviews, and music videos. In 1984, ArtBeat introduced ArtBeat Sessions, a series of intimate, acoustic live performances that would go on to become one of the network’s most popular programs in the 1980s and 1990s. Initially created as a way to showcase emerging and already popular artists in a more stripped-down, acoustic setting, ArtBeat Sessions soon grew into a cultural institution, becoming the go-to platform for artists looking to present their music in a raw, unfiltered way. ArtBeat Sessions played a pivotal role in shaping the live music experience on television, offering both up-and-coming and established musicians a chance to connect with audiences through acoustic, minimalist performances.
The show's format featured intimate studio settings with minimal production. Early episodes featured performances from alternative and underground artists, including jazz, punk, and blues musicians who had little opportunity to showcase their talents on mainstream platforms.
Prominence and growth (1990-1995)
The 1990s marked a period of growth and international expansion for ArtBeat, even during the height of the Cold War. As alternative blues rock, electronic music, and world music began gaining popularity, ArtBeat capitalized on these trends by embracing new genres. The network played a pivotal role in the rise of underground electronic artists and the burgeoning global rave scene. ArtBeat became known for showcasing cutting-edge music videos, many of which were experimental and artistic in nature, often pushing the boundaries of what was possible in video production at the time.
ArtBeat also became an important platform for documentaries exploring the stories behind lesser-known musical movements, such as proto-punk, indie swing, wave folk, Afrobeat, and krautrock. As cable television gained wider access across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, ArtBeat's influence grew significantly. Its programming became known for featuring artists like Björk, Calvin Broadus & the Souls, Fela Kuti, and Kurt Cobain. As the decade continued, the popularity of video games during the Cold War began to peak around the mid-90s, leading to ArtBeat's involvement in the video game world with television programs and advertisement deals.
In 1995, the network introduced the ArtBeat Awards and ArtBeat News, a prestigious annual event celebrating innovation in music video production, performance art, and emerging artists. The awards quickly became known for their unconventional format, often incorporating live performances, multimedia installations, and avant-garde fashion, reflecting the network's core values of artistic expression and creativity.
Throughout the 1980s, ArtBeat played a crucial role in the evolution of music and art culture. The network introduced western viewers to influential bands and artists from across the world. The network's commitment to highlighting avant-garde and artists of other genres positioned it as a key player in the cultural landscape at the time.
Shift toward documentaries, digital media, and decline of music videos (2000-present)
By the early 2000s, ArtBeat had expanded its operations globally, with localized versions of the network airing in several countries, including Japan, Brazil, and Australia in 2001. This allowed the network to tap into regional music scenes, further promoting diverse cultural expressions from around the world. ArtBeat’s international reach enabled it to showcase indigenous and experimental music that had previously been limited to local audiences. Regional VJs were also introduced, catering to local music tastes while preserving the network's global aesthetic.
ArtBeat's programming in the 2000s also became more interactive, with the rise of the internet and social media playing a role in shaping its direction. The network launched ABMN Digital in 2003, an online platform where viewers could access exclusive content, participate in live-streamed performances, and engage directly with artists through virtual Q&A sessions. This period also marked the network’s foray into mobile applications later in the decade in 2011, offering users the ability to stream music videos, interviews, and documentaries on-demand.
The network’s focus on artist-driven content expanded with the launch of the ArtBeat Originals series in 2006, which featured behind-the-scenes documentaries about the creative processes of artists across various genres. These documentaries provided deeper insights into the lives of musicians, visual artists, and dancers, offering a comprehensive view of the global arts scene.
From 2011 onward, ArtBeat began to shift more heavily toward long-form content, focusing on music documentaries and docuseries over traditional music videos. The rise of platforms like YouTube, Vevo, and other streaming services had fundamentally changed how audiences consumed music videos, prompting ArtBeat to adapt by concentrating on original and exclusive content that could not be found elsewhere. This shift coincided with the network’s ongoing effort to retain its relevance in a rapidly changing digital media landscape.
In 2012, ArtBeat expanded its ArtBeat Originals series, producing critically acclaimed documentaries such as the Sound Revolution, which explored the history of electronic music, and the Global Beat, a look into the fusion of world music with contemporary genres. These documentaries became central to ArtBeat's identity, as they explored not only the music itself but also the social, political, and cultural forces shaping it.
Recognizing the growing demand for more interactive and engaging content, ArtBeat also launched ArtBeat Live in 2013, a series of live-streamed performances and artist Q&A sessions that allowed fans to connect directly with their favorite musicians, a more interactive version of the popular ArtBeat Sessions. This initiative proved particularly successful, giving ArtBeat a competitive edge in an era where traditional television viewership was declining in favor of more interactive digital experiences.
By 2015, ArtBeat had further diversified its content, producing several high-profile collaborations with music festivals, such as Sound and Vision, a hybrid live music and art event that combined multimedia installations with performances from experimental and electronic artists. These events were broadcast globally and further solidified ArtBeat’s reputation as a forward-thinking network that transcended the boundaries between music, art, and digital media.
Throughout the late 2010s, ArtBeat’s programming strategy increasingly centered around niche subcultures and underground music movements. With the 2017 launch of Subculture Chronicles, a docuseries that explored underground genres such as vaporwave, witch house, and noise music, ArtBeat became a haven for audiences seeking alternative music experiences that had largely been overlooked by mainstream media.
However, ArtBeat also recognized the need to appeal to broader audiences, leading to the production of high-quality biographical documentaries on legendary artists and cultural icons. In 2018, ArtBeat premiered Iconic, a multi-part series chronicling the lives and careers of groundbreaking musicians, visual artists, and directors, including figures like Bob Marley, David Lynch, Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Brian Eno. These documentaries were widely praised for their depth and insight, further elevating ArtBeat’s status as a curator of cutting-edge music and art culture.
Entering the 2020s, ArtBeat continued to innovate in its digital offerings. In 2021, it launched ArtBeat 360, a virtual reality platform that allowed users to experience immersive music performances and art exhibitions from their homes. This service was part of a broader trend within the network to embrace new technologies and offer experiences that went beyond traditional television. Despite the network's move away from music videos as its primary content, ArtBeat 360 included a blend of experimental video art and live performances, appealing to both tech enthusiasts and its loyal artistic audience.
Cultural impact
ArtBeat's influence extended beyond music and into art, fashion, and cultural movements in the 1980s, popularizing a psychedelic and experimental movement in the early 1980s and half of the 1990s. The psychedelic art style, fueled by musicians like Syd Barrett and other experimental artists, became a prominent cultural movement. Artistic expression and individuality flourished during these years.
The network's shows, such as "ArtBeat Sessions" and "Visual Harmonies," highlighted visual artists, poets, and fashion designers alongside musicians. These collaborations created a fusion of art forms, contributing to a renaissance in cultural expression, popularizing a psychedelic and experimental movement in the early 1980s and half of the 1990s.
Notable programs
- ArtBeat Sessions (1984-1999; 2004-present): A live performance series started in 1984 showcasing artists from various genres.
- Beyond Boundaries (1998-present): An exploration of experimental music and artistic expression.
- Visual Harmonies (1985-present): A show dedicated to the fusion of visual art and music.
- Behind the Music (1987-present): Each episode profiles and interviews a popular musical artist or group. The program examines the beginning of their career, their road to success, and the hardships they may have encountered.
- Behind the Music: Where Are They Now? (1990-2003; 2015-present): A show that follows the lives of obscure artists after their careers had started and what they are up to now. The show has led to the popularity of multiple musicians, including the Green Leaves and other European artists in later years.
- ArtBeat News (1986-present): This serves as a news network for the channel that exclusively talks about recent news in the music industry.
- Arcade Inferno (1995-2004): This was the first video game related program on ArtBeat. The program's main topic was on the topic of arcade games and early gaming consoles from the 1970s into the 1980s from companies like Atari and Nintendo.
- Joystick Junkies (2002-2014): A lifestyle show for hardcore gamers, it explores the gaming lifestyle, from gaming fashion to room setups and tech gear. The show also features short segments on game soundtracks, unique fan art, and the coolest gaming conventions.
- ArtBeat Game Lab (1993-present): A series focused on competitive gaming akin to Major League Gaming and other groups of the same nature.