In 2004, Apple built a special edition version of their then increasingly popular iPod music player in honor of multi-platinum rock band U2. Over a decade later, Apple has now become synonymous with how we listen to music. So it was no surprise when last year, they turned to their friends U2 once again to help them take their next leap forward in audio with the launch of “Apple Music”, a new subscription based streaming service.

In “Song For Someone” the viewer is initially encompassed in a 360 degree spherical view from the floor of a massive, entirely empty Toronto stadium, surrounded only by the band. But as the music plays on, fans from around the world begin to appear and play along with U2, creating a sonic tapestry stitched and woven with a common thread made more unique and colorful as it passes through each culture.

U2 began by showing the music video to fans outside of their concerts on “The Experience Bus”, a vehicle which followed them on their world tour. The bus was equipped with iPad’s and VR headsets and occasionally a band member himself. The music video was then made available on our app to be enjoyed by those who didn’t make it out to the concerts.

“Song For Someone” was Apple’s first foray into VR but by the time it had been released, we were already working with Apple once again on a post apocalyptic action VR film for the band Muse. When asked about their future plans for VR, the famously tight lipped company’s head of content for Apple Music, Larry Jackson said that creating these pieces “signals and symbolizes something.” What that something is we’ll just have to wait and see...