AUPEO! blog

With love, Donna Summer

Fri, 18 May 2012 16:34:43 +0200

The “Queen of Disco” is dead - rest in peace Donna Summer.

Of all glittery female stars of the 70s, Donna Summer was maybe the most unlikely to be. Being born into a strictly religious family might not be the best starting point for a worldwide career as sexy Disco Vamp - but despite that Donna Summer managed to be one of the most successful stars of her era.

“Love to Love You Baby” - her lubricious collaboration with german producer Giorgio Moroder sparked a career that came equipped with an image of the female star that had a major influence on virtually all following women in Pop, be it Madonna, Beyonce or Lady GaGa. From that starting point Donna Summer jumped from peak to peak of an outstanding musical career, scoring five Grammys and countless number one hits like “Mac Arthur Park”, “Hot Stuff” or “Bad Girls”.

Her collaboration with Moroder also marked a turning point in music evolution with “I Feel Love” being the first prominent production exclusively made with electronic instruments like synthesizers and drum machines. All we can say is: Long live the Disco Queen.

AUPEO!'s 5 best Eurovision Song Contest winners

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:16:00 +0200

It’s that special time of the year again. People from far away countries dress up in silly costumes, cheer and scream until their lungs collapse and celebrate the amazing talents of their national bests. NO, we’re not talking about soccer! Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Baku, Aserbaijan on the 26th of May. So we dived into the history of the former Grand Prix Eurovision de la Chanson and found treasures of international format - click on the pictures to listen to them! (It’s more than free)

France Gall

You might remember french songstress France Gall from her international 80s hit “Ella elle l’a“ or her rather lubricious duett “Les sucettes“ with Serge Gainsbourgh. She won the contest with another Gainsbourgh composition (“Poupée de cire, poupée de son“) in 1965 – for Luxembourg!

Celine Dion

No, you’re not mistaken. Miss Dion is certainly not european. She’s canadian, but that didn’t prevent the world from witnessing her win the contest for Switzerland in 1988. Please don’t ask about the rules of the Eurovision Song Contest – they have been chaged thousands of times and actually don’t make much sense.

ABBA

Winning Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 with “Waterloo“ sparked swedish Über-Pop-Group ABBA’s world career. If you’re into little obscurities – Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid recorded amazing versions of the song in swedish, german and french too. That’s quite european…

Katrina & The Waves

As if the revenue for 80s radio hit “Walking On Sunshine“ wasn’t enough, Katrina & The Waves returned to the big stage in 1997. They won Eurovision Song Contest with “Love Shine a Light“.

Toto Cutugno

The great Toto Cutugno won in 1990 with his biggest hit “Insieme: 1992” - a song celebrating European unity. We’re tempted to post the lyrics on this page.

AUPEO! & Pioneer Sweepstakes: the winners!

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:51:00 +0200

Thanks to all who participated in our sweepstakes!

The lucky winners of an awesome smartphone-powered Pioneer AppRadio are Lacy (from Reading, UK) and Lawrence (from Leesburg, FL).

Congratulations!
You’ll receive your prize soon - we’re sure you can’t wait!

AUPEO!'s 5 best songs to celebrate Mother's Day

Fri, 11 May 2012 10:19:27 +0200

Happy Mother’s Day! It’s time to celebrate your moms. We mean it! If your beloved Mama is allergic to roses or daffodils - here is the alternative to flowers: our top five songs about mothers.

Click on the pictures to listen to the artists’ station and share them with your mom!

The Shirelles – Mama Said

First thing you should thank your mom for: good advice. Forget Billy Joe – you deserve something better.

Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody

Sometimes your mom might be a little worried about you. But you’ll only have to play her this song and she’ll know: whatever you are doing – it can’t be as bad as what the guy in the song is doing to his poor mother.

The Pharcyde – Ya Mama

This song might not be very respectful towards other people’s Mamas. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time listening to it together with your mom. An unpayable bonding experience. “Ya mama look like she’s been in the dryer with some rocks“ …

Danzig – Mother

Good advice; episode 2. Reverse The Shirelle’s model and you get this song. The incredible Glenn Danzig giving your mom the best pedagogy lesson ever turned into a song. “Mother, tell your children not to walk my way“. Right said Glenn. But if our children started a band like The Misfits we wouldn’t tell them to stop.

Dee Dee Sharp – My Mama Said

If you believe the background chorus Dee Dee Sharp’s Mama only said things like “Lalalalala“ and “Oh Yeah“. But as always in Pop there’s a lot more hidden in the subtext of the words than you might think. This song is an elaborated piece on equal relationships. “You better watch out“ - that’s what her Mama said. Dee Dee Sharp and her mom – that’s mutual understanding.

AUPEO!'s 5 best teenage love songs

Thu, 03 May 2012 17:10:00 +0200

First kiss, first date, first love: click on the pictures to listen to the loveliest teenage love songs, in a mix of joy, drama and hormones.

Sam Cooke – Only Sixteen

The story about unrequited love Sam Cooke tells in this 1959 evergreen might be a little tragic – but somehow sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Boy falls in love with girl, they “laugh and sing and do little things, that make his heart glow” but the girl just likes to play around. But even if poor Sam never gave his heart so fast again afterwards – somehow you have to thank the nameless girl for the inspiration to this wonderful little teenage love song.

Tiffany / Tommy James & The Shondells – I Think We’re Alone Now

„Children behaaaaaaave“! Square grown ups can be a pain in the arm for young lovers. It doesn’t matter if you prefer Tiffany’s 80s Pop version of the song or the Beat-era original by Tommy James & The Shondells – this is an anthem that will help young lovers to stand their ground.

Magnetic Fields – The Book of Love

“The book of love is long and boring/ And written very long ago/ It’s full of flowers and heart-shaped boxes/ And things we’re all too young to know but/ I… I love it when you sing to me and/ You… You can sing me anything”: *sigh*…

M83 – Graveyard Girl

Ever noticed that most songs about teenage love never mention that this special someone is an oddball? Even though being, or at least feeling like one is pretty common when being young, it’s a theme rarely heard in songs. But then there’s M83’s dreamy ode to a girl who is “the dirty witch of her high school” but secretly has a “heart made of bubble gum” and “dreams of a sister like Molly Ringwald”. This is perfect indie romance!

The Get Up Kids – Anne Arbour

Oh Anne Arbour! What did The Get Up Kids do to deserve this?! You went away and all they can say is: „I still wear your heart around my throat/ With barely the air not to choke.“ Every chord and every line of this 90s Emo-classic is just heartbreaking. Thanks Anne

Behind-the-scenes at AUPEO! HQ

Wed, 02 May 2012 15:55:57 +0200

Video production at AUPEO! HQ today. Stay tuned to discover more about it soon!

AUPEO!'s 5 best songs about CATS

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:05:28 +0200

Do you sometimes wake up with your mouth full of fur? Yes? Then you’re propably a cat owner and your lounge leopard slept on your face again. Living with a cat can be hard sometimes but a purring furball warming your cold feet will surely make up for every inconvenience your elegant flatmate may cause.

Pop culture’s cat lovers know what we’re talking about as you can see in our top 5 list of songs about cats. Well, as always these songs may not be exclusively about the main subject. Click on the pictures to tune in to each artist’s station!

The Cure – The Love Cats

Rumour has it that a gruesome scene about drowning kittens from a Patrick White novel inspired The Cure’s mastermind Robert Smith to write “The Love Cats”. Nothing gruesome came out. This sweet little kitty cat of a song purrs and meows just the right way.

The Weakerthans – Plea from a cat named Virtute

A beautiful sad song with catty lyrics written from Virtute the cat’s perspective, who’s fed up with her owners depressions. “Why don’t you ever want to play?/ I’m tired of this piece of string./ You sleep as much as I do now/ And you don’t eat much of anything. I don’t know who you’re talking to/ I made a search through every room/ But all I found was dust that moved/ In shadows of the afternoon.” You like that? The Weakerthans also made a sequel songs called “Virtute the Cat Explains Her Departure”

Johnny Cash – Mean Eyed Cat

Somehow you get the feeling Johnny Cash doesn’t like his wifes “Mean Eyed Cat”. But in the end, after his woman ran away and he brought her back they all curl up on the sofa. Nice picture.

The Coasters - Three Cool Cats

Ok, these three cool cats aren’t really cats – it’s guys who get tamed by three cool chicks. Still it’s a great song! The Beatles recorded a wonderful version of it during their Decca Studio auditions 1962 too.

David Bowie – Cat People

Bowie wrote this tune together with Giorgio Moroder as theme song for the 1982 trashy horror-movie with the same title. Guess what it’s about: “Werecats”! Ha!

Win one of two Pioneer smartphone powered AppRadios™!

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:43:38 +0200

We love prizes! Especially if they’re more than just one.

Visit our Facebook page and enter our brand-new sweepstakes to win one of two Pioneer smartphone-powered AppRadios™, the first car stereo to revolutionize the driver’s smartphone experience by bringing compatible apps to your dashboard.

When connected to a compatible Apple iOS or Android smartphone loaded with Pioneer’s free AppRadio application, the AppRadio in-dash stereo provides the ultimate in-car smartphone experience. Enjoy full on-screen access and control of your contacts, calendar, maps and AppRadio compatible apps like AUPEO!, with both iPhone and Android. Sounds like a dream. But it’s real! So hurry, the giveaway ends Tuesday, May 8th!

Our thanks go out to all at Pioneer Europe and North America. To all our users who aren’t in one of the eligible countries: don’t worry. Competitions for you are coming soon!

AUPEO!’s 5 best songs about FOOD

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:03:59 +0200

Inspiration doesn’t necessarily come from the big themes of life, like love, hate or heartache. Sometimes also a steaming plate of bangers and mash can be terrifically enlightening.

With our 5 favorite songs about food we serve you a musical meal à la carte, cooked by some of the greatest chefs of music history – click on their pictures to tune in to their AUPEO! Stations!

Julia Lee – The Spinach Song

Ok, maybe this song isn’t about spinach at all. Maybe Julia Lee means something completely different by singing: “Somehow it’s always hitting the spot, especially when they bring it in hot.” But this song is great and educational at the same time: “Spinach has vitamins A,B and D” - but Spinach being high in iron is a myth.

Booker T. & The MG’s – Green Onions

Although this classic instrumental doesn’t have any lyrics about food it is still one of the best songs about the subject. And it is the best possible soundtrack for John Travolta playing cool in „Get Shorty“.

NAS feat. Busta Rhymes – Fried Chicken

An ode to Mrs. Fried Chicken, delivered in the best possible style and taste by NAS and Busta Rhymes. Both aware of the health risks that come with a serious addiction to legs, wings an breasts but not able to stop. Yes, NAS has a sense of humour. And is surely not a vegetarian…

Ben Folds – Still Fighting

No food in the title of this sentimental gem by Ben Folds. But there’s coke and fries in the song and the line „The Roastbeef combo’s only 9.95“ makes up for everything the title is missing.

The Chordettes – Lollipop

This sweet little song comes as dessert. Enjoy!

AUPEO! vibes in Shangai tonight!

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:06:53 +0200

We love music and we also have a passion for great cars. And this is going to be a big weekend for car lovers all over the wold: the 2012 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix will be on and hot in Shangai starting today!

That’s why we’re really happy to announce that AUPEO! will present today a night of cutting edge underground indie rock & dancing at Shanghai’s coolest new location, Yu Bar.

The Taiwanese DJ and producer DJ EmpathE will offer a fine selection of techno and electronic music and will be followed by Ian Late, an indie-folk songwriter coming straight from Berlin after the launch of his first EP and a successful German tour.

Beats, bass, songwriting and heartfelt tunes: sounds like a plan! Does someone have a spare ticket to Shangai?

AUPEO!'s 5 best songs about Berlin

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:29:00 +0200

You might have noticed that AUPEO! headquarters are located in Berlin, so it is kind of obvious why we chose this topic. This weird city has always been a main attraction for musicians from all over the world and our favorite songs about Berlin reflect this long-lasting relationship between music and location, spanning more than 60 years of pop culture. Have a look for yourself – and listen to all the mentioned artists by clicking on their picture!

Lou Reed - Berlin

Lou Reed may be one of the most grumpy people in showbiz but his Berlin song is proof that he had at least one good day in his life.

Bloc Party - Kreuzberg

“Crying again in the Hauptbahnhof” - Bloc Party lived in Berlin for some time and - who would have guessed - somehow the tragic side of the city’s history must have appealed to lead singer Kele Okereke. This song sums up how lonely you can feel living among 4 million other people pretty well.

Hildegard Knef - Ich hab so Heimweh nach dem Kurfürstendamm

A musical love letter to the city of Berlin from a long lost era. This song composed in 1948 still is as up to date as it was back when it was about a bombed city that doesn’t look the same as it used to. Berlin has changed so rapidly after the wall came down that somehow the heartwarming nostalgia of this song is still appropriate. Delivered by Berlin icon Hildegard Knef, it should also be obligatory for every expat living here to listen to this song once in a while.

Rufus Wainwright - Tiergarten

Rufus Wainwright’s Tiergarten song is quite a mystery. Still it’s really good.

Alphaville - Summer in Berlin

New Wave romance galore: in this song, German synth poppers Alphaville find some of the best pictures for a hot urban summer day. From heat stored in the pavement to life giving you a kiss in the middle of the crossroads, this is pretty close to perfect.

AUPEO! Android app: now playing on Pioneer's AppRadio™

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:10:01 +0200

AUPEO! Personal Radio is available in your car with Pioneer’s AppRadio™ for all iPhone and now also Android users!
Just download the latest version of our AUPEO! mobile application on your iPhone or Android smartphone, connect to the AppRadio and get ready to hit the road with a truly personalized radio experience.

Cruising the streets with your favorite music pumping – could a road trip sound any better?

Music at work!

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:47:00 +0200

Monday morning at AUPEO! HQ: turn on the screens, don the headphones, take that first sip of black coffee and get to work.

Does this sound a bit like one of your weekday mornings, too? Probably. And that’s why we thought about sharing one of our favorite office treats with you (no, not the snack box!): an energetic, mood-lifting, explosive soundtrack, mixing The Clash with Chaka Khan, Nat King Cole, James Brown and more.

Find our Music at Work station on air now on and, as some friends of ours would say, whistle while you work!

New AUPEO! player on Tonspion!

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 12:06:00 +0100

(Bilingual news! Auf Deutsch hier)

Our collaboration with Germany’s biggest MP3 blog Tonspion hits a new peak: four different channels curated by Tonspion are waiting in the dropdown menu of the new player!

Best of Tonspion provides you with songs by the most requested artists and most successful new kids on the blog
Tonspion Club makes you want to put on your dancing shoes
Tonspion Rock blows your speakers with loud guitars
Tonspion Lounge makes you melt away in style

But that’s not all: if you click the info icon in the player you’ll find the latest hottest news about the artists playing and links to where you can find their songs as free downloads.

Play it now!

AUPEO! playing in BMW and MINI

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:32:00 +0100

The AUPEO! Personal Radio iPhone app is now available for all current BMW and MINI models!
The app is downloadable free of charge from the iTunes App Store. It can be used in all current BMW models equipped with the Apps option, and in all MINI models equipped with the MINI Connected option. The required optional equipment “BMW Apps” (6NR) or “MINI Connected” (6NM) guarantees a seamlessly integrated music experience in your BMW / MINI.

The BMW Apps option provides extensive, application-based integration of the Apple iPhone into BMW models. A host of infotainment functions can be integrated seamlessly into the car, where they can be operated easily and intuitively using the iDrive system.
In MINI models, the Apple iPhone can be integrated using the MINI Connected App. The extensive MINI Connected functionality allows MINI customers to stay connected at all times, in ever-new ways to enrich their driving experience.

AUPEO!, BMW and MINI: ready to take a ride with us? Get the app now!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 23:06:00 +0100

St. Patrick’s Day is coming and here at AUPEO! we’ll drink and dance to our favorite Irish tunes with our brand-new St. Patrick’s Day station!
Tune in to it now and listen to Irish bands like U2 or The Cranberries, Irish Folk by The Dubliners and bands with genuine Irish roots like The Pogues or Dropkick Murphys.

And if you want a small impression of how your St. Patrick’s Day could be like, watch House of Pain jumping around the St. Patrick’s Day parade and warm up for Saturday’s parties!

More SXSW!

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:09:39 +0100

OH YEAH!

SXSW is in full effect!
The Interactive event ended on Tuesday and it was brilliant. The future of digital music, automotive, start-up culture, social media: all our favorite topics were covered! Great food for thought and a great view - have a look at Austin’s skyline from the Hilton where plenty of events took place.

And Tuesday was also Meet the Germans night at the Berlin Music Commission (BMC) booth! Loved the crowd at the event and ran out of AUPEO! tote bags and (AUPEO!) green gummy bears.
Pictured: a proud display of our logo.

And now it’s SXSW Music time - music, music and even more music until the end of the week!
By day, thousands of conference registrants network in the halls of the Austin Convention Center on their way to do business in the SXSW Trade Show and gain insight from legendary keynote speakers. At night, SXSW showcases roughly 2000 (!) musical acts from around the globe, representing well over 50 (!!) different countries, on over 90 (!!!) stages in downtown Austin.

And don’t forget that on Saturday it’ll also be St Patrick’s Day! These Irish fellas are here to sing us a reminder.

Running from one event to another can be exausting. We have to be prepared. First: we need a ten gallon hat to recover from the sun.

Second: a motorbike to be first in line!

Sweating crowds, refreshing drinks, exciting meetings and loudspeakers at full volume: we’re ready for more!

AUPEO! Android app – updated!

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 09:48:59 +0100

Our just-updated Android app includes new functions and several improvements. Let’s have a closer look!

What’s new? Track info is now shown in the Notifications section; on tablets with Android 3.0 and above, the music stream can be controlled directly from the Combined Bar; animated cover flip and improved background graphics for better visualization on most display types.

Plus, you’ll see plenty of improvements like a shortcut to close the app (via the Menu button on smartphones, via the Combined Bar on tablets with Android 3.0 and above), faster track downloading and more. Download it now and don’t forget to rate it!

AUPEO! at South By Southwest!

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:42:00 +0100

It’s one of the biggest conferences in the world – and we couldn’t miss it!
Just arrived, one thing was immediately clear: it’s a mash-up of extreme proportions.

Tens of thousands of techies, filmmakers, actors and musicians have been plagued by a dreary cold rain until yesterday’s return to sunshine: but thunder, gridlock and crowds are worth it – it’s a great place to meet partners and collaborators and have surprising and wonderfully unexpected encounters.

Some pics from our first days in Austin.

SXSW Interactive is on! Five days of compelling presentations from the brightest minds in emerging technology, scores of exciting networking events hosted by industry leaders and an unbeatable line up of special programs showcasing the best new websites, video games and startup ideas the community has to offer. File under: ispiring.

Lunchtime! Waffle?

Or a quite German Bratwurst?

Policemen can be hungry, too!

We’re at work, but who says work can’t be fun?
Our friends from Soundcloud are here with their awesome SoundCloud Open House and billions of parties are going on! Pick your favorite(s)!

And finally on Sunday: hot sun! You know, we come from Berlin, foggy 10 °C skies back home. Half-sleeves time!

Great networking, parties, tacos, sun! And it’s just the beginning!
We’ll be here during the whole week. If you’re going to SXSW and would like to talk about AUPEO!, music streaming and in-car entertainment (our favorite topics) drop Daniel Mieves a message (@moe21cw) or find him in the exhibition area, at the Berlin Music Commission booths (1323/ 1325/ 1327/ 1329).

Talk soon!

Berlin @ SXSW Station on AUPEO!

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:34:55 +0100

Berlin’s vivid and vibrant music scene goes abroad!

The key players of Berlin’s creative industry gather at SXSW in Austin to represent one of the most exciting musical melting pots in the world. Up-and-coming artists emerging from the dark cellars of Berlin’s creative underground can be seen and heard at several showcases – and here on AUPEO! in our Berlin @ SXSW Station!

Featuring all the artists that will play at SXSW and a selection of the best music from Berlin by Seeed, Beatsteaks, Casper, Robot Koch, Bonaparte, Ellen Allien and DJ Hell, this will take your heart by storm.