Earlier this month it was announced that producer-singer Pharrell Williams would be taking on the role of creative director of the online streetwear retailer, Karmaloop’s, new television network, Karmaloop TV. On May 19, CNBC caught up with the N*E*R*D frontman to discuss his plans for the youth-driven network.
In the interview, Skateboard P discusses the network’s goal to bring its popular Karmaloop TV original Internet programming to cable and satellite TV, a move he explains will bridge the gap between the corporate world and the burgeoning “verge” youth culture, a generation of multicultural young adults who grew up with the Internet.
“It’s a natural progression [to take Karmaloop TV to cable],” he said. “I think it’s about time for the corporate world to sort of understand that these kids have a voice and they’re no longer going to wait for the older guys to figure it out. They’re going down to Silicon Valley and they’re the interns in these big capital companies and software companies … they know what they want and [there’s] not a doubt. If you understand the space that you want to work in, then why don’t you want to go in there and make your life a lot easier?”
As Williams further explains, the network, which is being touted as a new age MTV, will feature the movies, music and style of the “verge” youth culture.
“What we’re trying to express with showcasing verge culture and all that it can do, [is] illustrating to the world the incredible possibilities and the things that are in these children’s minds. The world is changing and it’s the youth culture that’s changing it,” said Williams.
Karmaloop TV is scheduled to launch later this year. Watch Williams’ interview below.
Pharrell discusses plans for Karmaloop TV
What do you think of Williams’ plans for Karmaloop TV? Will you be tuning into the new network? –nicholas robinson
