Whatever Happened to John Lennon’s Beloved MUZAC Channel?
In a music culture forever altered by the rise and fall of companies, technologies, and cultural icons, the story of Somerset Entertainment and its brief affiliation with the legendary MUZAC channel is a story worth telling.
For fans of background music, John Lennon included, who famously swore by it during his New York City residency at the Dakota, and music lovers alike, MUZAC played a comforting role in connecting listeners to an ambiance that floated through elevators, stores, and social gatherings.
Prior to his untimely, tragic murder in 1980, John Lennon was interviewed by Playboy Magazine. When asked about his listening habits at the time Lennon remarked:
“Muzak or classical. I don’t purchase records. I do enjoy listening to things like Japanese folk music or Indian music. My tastes are very broad. When I was a housewife, I just had Muzak on, background music, ‘cuz it relaxes you. I like all music, depending on what time of day it is. I don’t like styles of music or people per se. So I can’t say I enjoy the Pretenders, but I like their hit record. I enjoy the B-52s, because I heard them doing Yoko. It’s great. If Yoko ever goes back to her old sound, they’ll be saying, ‘Yeah, she’s copying the B-52s.’”
But whatever became of Lennon’s beloved MUZAK?
Somerset Entertainment, established in 1994, was a beacon of innovation, creating and distributing concept-based music targeted at consumers over 30. With a sprawling network of over 28,000 interactive kiosks across 20 countries, they sold over 16 million records in 2007 alone, generating $90.6 million in revenue. Yet, by November 2009, Fluid Music Canada, Inc. snapped up Somerset for a whopping $53.1 million. Shortly thereafter, Somerset joined forces with Mood Media, a company hell-bent on expanding its commercial sound empire.
The year 2011 marked a seismic shift. Mood Media acquired the legendary MUZAK brand for approximately $345 million, perpetuating the trademark synonymous with “elevator music.” Once a staple in nearly half a million establishments solely in the U.S., MUZAK became the go-to provider for in-store marketing, creating atmospheres as comfortable as they are forgettable. However, this consolidation was short-lived, as by 2011, Mood Media began dissolving these beloved entities.
In 2013 the Mood Entertainment division of Mood Media was sold to Allegro Corporation who changed the name back to Somerset Entertainment, effectively reviving the brand. In December 2015, it was sold once again to Digital Funding LLC who currently controls the entire catalog of Somerset Entertainment including the Reflections Records brand responsible for releasing all of The Superstarz Kids albums including:
Christmas Party Mix (2007)
Country Superstarz (2007)
Pool Party Mix (2007)
School Dance Party Mix (2006)
Boyz Rock! (2005)
Superstarz! (2013)
Vamos a Bailar! (2013)
Hip Hop Dance Mix (2013)
Sleepover Party Mix (2013)
Superstarz 80’s (2013)
Superstarz Country Hitz! (2013)
Superstarz Dance Party (2013)
Superstarz World Tour (2013)
My Fab Christmas (2014)
It’s My Party (2014)
Fashion Show Mix (2013)
Cheerleaderz! High School Party Mix (2013)
80s Dance Party (2013)
Disco Dance Party (2013)
The purchase of Somerset Entertainment by Digital Funding LLC in 2015 further complicated the legacy of the music amidst an ongoing struggle for survival in the changing world of music consumption.
Who Are The Superstarz Kids?
Meanwhile, lurking on the fringes of pop culture is The Superstarz Kids, an ensemble reminiscent of Kidz Bop but with a funky twist. Established in 2005, this Toronto-based group specializes in crafting catchy covers of popular rock and hip-hop songs tailored to a younger audience. Their discography features a colorful array of albums—a kaleidoscope of sound that includes notable albums “Boyz Rock!”, “Hip Hop Dance Mix,” “80s Dance Party”, “Disco Dance Party” and many others.
The Superstarz Kids burst onto the children’s music scene, delivering fun, playful renditions of well-known tracks. In fact, their 2005 album “Boyz Rock!” features child-friendly covers of hits like “I’m Just a Kid” and “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” that resonated well beyond playgrounds and school dances. Yet, their contributions were not limited to just pop music.
Was Drake Ever a Member of The Superstarz Kids?
In perhaps one of the most interesting twists in this music saga, the indelible figure of renowned rapper Drake, current reigning champ as one of the titans of hip-hop, has roots that intertwine with The Superstarz Kids legacy. Back in 2006, before his rise to superstardom, Aubrey Graham—better known as Drake—lent his distinctive voice to several tracks on the Superstarz Kids’ album “Hip Hop Dance Mix.”
In a now-revered collection of tracks, Drake is found rapping kid-friendly versions of classic hits. Songs like Lupe Fiasco’s “Kick, Push”, Bow Wow’s “Basketball” and Run-D.M.C.’s “It’s Like That” bear the unmistakable flavor of Drake’s style. His name, however, often goes unrevealed in credits, leaving many to wonder if he was an official member or merely a session musician gaining invaluable experience earning a living before skyrocketing to superstardom.
The echoes of his vocals beautifully blend into the whimsical reimagining of these tracks, inviting listeners to envision a time when a future rap artist was merely creating joyous tunes for children. This blend of childhood nostalgia with the sharp edges of Drake’s later work creates a layered story of a young artist finding his groove in unexpected places.
The Legacy
The saga of MUZAC, Somerset Entertainment, and The Superstarz Kids presents a legacy of innovation, adaptation, and the sometimes tumultuous journey of music in a changing world. MUZAK served as a backdrop to countless moments in life, while Somerset’s acquisition stories illustrate the industry’s evolution. Simultaneously, the playful renditions by The Superstarz Kids, featuring unlikely contributions from soon-to-be global icons like Drake, reveal the magic that happens at the intersection of childhood dreams and musical aspirations.
As we look back on these tales of pop culture, one can’t help but wonder: what will become of these cherished legacies in the future? Will the sounds of MUZAK and the cheerful anthems of The Superstarz Kids continue to thrive, or will they become mere whispers in the grand orchestration of music history? Time will tell, but for now, the echoes of their stories remain as vibrant as ever.