APPLE MUSIC BRINGS JEFF MILLS TO ADE FOR A DEEP DIVE INTO SPATIAL AUDIO’S FUTURE

One of Amsterdam Dance Event’s standout moments this year came courtesy of Apple Music, who hosted a forward-looking panel with techno pioneer Jeff Mills at Dolby Atmos House. Joined by Stephen Campbell (Global Head of Dance, Electronic and DJ Mixes), Frankie Hutchinson, and Clif Norell (Lead Spatial Audio Mixing Engineer), Mills explored how immersive sound is reshaping the way music is produced, experienced, and archived.

all images courtesy of APPLE

The discussion centred on Outer to Inner Atmosphere: The Escape Velocity Mix — the first-ever DJ mix created specifically for Spatial Audio on Apple Music — and the Spatial Audio release of Tomorrow Comes the Harvest. Played in full during the session, both works showcased how multi-dimensional sound can alter perception and build entirely new listening environments.

Mills reflected on the emotional and technological possibilities of the medium, noting that Spatial Audio allows listeners to “experience how I might play records together” decades into the future. Looking ahead, he pointed to immersive formats as a bridge between eras — a way for audiences to learn, remember, and even feel present in historic studio moments.

As he put it: As he noted, the goal isn’t only improved sound — it’s a new way to experience musical history and creative process.