BOSE and NME announce partnership

NME in partnership with Bose has announced C23 - the return of NME’s iconic C-Series mixtape, inspired by the influential C86 compilation that launched the careers of era-defining artists including Primal Scream, and had an impact on popular culture.

The C23 mixtape is a showcase of the future of music, featuring 15 exclusive tracks by 15 emerging artists from around the world. This compilation is set to introduce a new generation of music fans to a collection of artists, celebrating Bose and NME’s joint commitment to the discovery of incredible new music. The full C23 artist line-up and tracklist will be announced on March 2.

NME says C23 will be released March 15 on select digital platforms including Spotify and Apple Music. A one-off print edition of NME that explores the artists featured on the mixtape and the legacy of the C-Series will coincide with the release. There will be an exclusive showcase at the SXSW Festival in Austin, TX on March 16 to celebrate the launch of C23, where a limited number of C23 cassette tapes will be distributed. A limited run of 1000 hand-numbered C23 vinyl is set to follow later this year. Further details are available on NME x Bose’s dedicated C23 Hub, the first source for all C23 news.

Together, NME and Bose have curated a selection of innovative emerging artists who are destined to break out and connect with audiences all over the world. On digital, vinyl, and cassette C23 will serve as a who’s who of new talent across multiple genres, a defining musical moment in 2023, with the showcase at SXSW providing the ultimate way to experience artists from the C23 mixtape.

Holly Bishop, COO at NME Networks, says: “The C86 mixtape was a seminal moment in the history of NME, so we are thrilled to partner with Bose to bring back the iconic C-series in the shape of C23. Both NME and Bose are committed to new music discovery, with C23 shining a bright light on some of the most exciting emerging artists on earth. We can’t wait for the world to hear it.”

Jim Mollica, CMO at Bose, says: “Great music is a powerful force — it evokes memories, serves as an outlet of self-expression, and brings people together. Our goal is to be a brand that champions both emerging musicians and music lovers that enjoy the thrill of discovering new music — and the C23 compilation is the perfect way to connect those communities and their shared passion.”