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 |
| 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
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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, 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.
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: A live performance series started in 1984 showcasing artists from various genres.
- Beyond Boundaries: An exploration of experimental music and artistic expression.
- Visual Harmonies: A show dedicated to the fusion of visual art and music.
- Behind the Music: 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?: A show that follows the lives of obscure artists after their careers had started and what they are up to now.