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Gig economy: Airbnb debuts Music Experiences

Airbnb has partnered with ‘secret gig’ promoter Sofar Sounds to launch Music Experiences, a concert and music event series on its new Trips platform.

The online lodging service, known primarily as a way for those with spare rooms or vacant homes to rent them to holidaymakers, recently launched Trips, which lists experiences and excursions hosted by local guides. Music Experiences, initially available in 13 cities, launched on 8 March in London with an event hosted by Reggie Yates and featuring performances by Emeli Sandé, plus Clean Cut Kid, and Jodie Abacus.

In addition to live music with Sofar Sounds, the 100+ current Music Experiences include vinyl shopping in Tokyo, violin-making in Paris, a guide to grime in London, film-making in Miami and DJing in Nairobi.

“We’re excited to welcome Airbnb travellers into our community, allowing them to discover and get closer to the best music experiences that cities have to offer”

“Music is an incredible way to bring people together,” says Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky. “We’re launching Music Experiences to give people access to exclusive and immersive music events, from intimate live performances [to] special pop-up gigs, underground music sessions and meeting local artists and performers. Through the platform, we’re able to support up-and-coming and local artists by connecting people to their events and bringing their music to even more fans around the world.”

Rafe Offer, co-founder of Sofar Sounds (which recently secured investment from Sir Richard Branson), adds: “Sofar Sounds, like Airbnb, is all about global community: the magic that happens when people come together around the universal things that really matter, like music. We’re excited to welcome Airbnb travellers into that community, allowing them to discover and get closer to the best music experiences that cities have to offer, every night.”

Hotel chain Ibis in November launched its own concert series: Ibis Lates.

 


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