In 2024, the Global Wellness Institute revealed that the "wellness" economy in the US has reached a staggering $1.8 trillion. As of 2022, the global GDP was around $100 trillion, and the current market valuation of mental health alone is $87 billion. This means the US spent 1/100th of the world's goods and services on feeling good. Ironically, despite this, people are dying younger and more disillusioned than ever. So, when Apple Music launched their wellness radio channel, Chill, on December 10, 2024, it was met with skepticism.

Discover the Connection between Music and Mindfulness with Apple Music's Chill

Host Sabi and the Station's Mission

Chill is hosted by singer and radio host Sabi, who guides listeners through a full day of programming. The station's Mindful Moments offer brief breaks to be present and relax. Sabi is the daily guide, but Apple also enlisted Zane Lowe, Brian Eno, and Stephan Moccio to handle their own shows.On Sundays, Lowe hosts Zane Needs to Chill. On Fridays, Brian Eno hosts AMBER Radio, and Moccio's Feel More Radio runs every Saturday. After immersing in the station for a few days, it became a shelter from the storm.

Brian Eno's Perspective on "Chill"

During a Zoom call with Brian Eno, he explained how realizing he won't reread many books at his age gave him perspective. He said, "I have a big library, and it's sad to realize there are old friends I won't see again." He also believes music is a way to achieve silence and give the mind something to do instead of engaging with the usual distractions.Hearing this while looking at a pile of 2025 album promos made him realize that Apple Music Radio's Chill station is a way to give the mind a break and be guided towards peace.

Artists' Incorporation of "Chill" in Their Work

Jonathan Meiburg, whose band Loma is on Eno's station, said they take Eno's idea of sounds from the world fitting the music they make to heart. They incorporate sounds like dogs, frogs, and waves in their songs.Haux, another singer-songwriter on Zane Lowe's station, explained that he works slowly and lives slowly. He finds a new rhythm in nature and incorporates it into his music. His song gives listeners a taste of what he feels.

Zane Lowe's Wellness Practices

Zane Lowe created Zane Needs to Chill to bring his wellness practices to a wider audience. He believes in the importance of energy and how we use it. He recalibrates what fuels him and finds joy in creating a musical world where listeners can do nothing.He said, "It's all about energy. We have a finite amount, and we should encourage ourselves to have space to replenish." The station provides a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of life.

Alternative Modes of Listening

The channel doesn't encourage passivity but rather alternative modes of listening. Zane Lowe wants his station to mirror life with its highs and lows. He said, "Chill shouldn't just be easy. You should be able to feel like climbing a mountain with a Big Red Machine song."Will Archer, who makes mostly instrumental music, emphasized the priority of emotion over virtuosity in Eno's work. He said Eno's music grabs you quickly with its sparsity.In conclusion, Apple Music Radio's Chill station offers a unique experience. It calms listeners down and provides a different way of engaging with music. It's not just about the music but about the journey towards mindfulness.