Triple J is digging a digital evolution Part of the digital evolution ... Triple J will focus on musicians like Nick Cave. Along with "I liked their old stuff' better," and "kids these days?!," "Triple J isn't what it used to be" is one of those perennial complaints that never gets old, especially for music purists in denial that they themselves are getting older. But the mantra could be debunked as of Thursday afternoon. This is certainly something for listeners who are ready for something beyond Triple J. The national youth network will take control of the ABC's digital station Dig Music from 5pm, rebranding it as "powered by Triple J," with a playlist targeting listeners aged 30-50 who have drifted from the Triple J fold, alienated by suspicious music forms like dubsteb (aka car-alarm techno) and folk-indie (aka car-ad folk). "We've heard that message for many years," says Triple J's station manager, Chris Scaddan. People get to a point that they don't feel like Triple J works for them any longer and we are responding to that. The Dig Music "evolution" as Scaddan calls it, has two stages, first: the above, which mainly involves changing the mix to bring back artists who were Triple J favourites but aren't quite cutting edge any more (think Eskimo Joe, Tex Perkins) and classic alternative artists (think: P.J. Harvey, Nick Cave, The Breeders, The Stooges and even The Beatles). Around 25 per cent of the music will be in the latter category and just 10 per cent of the playlist will duplicate Triple J's. A crucial element in the rebirth of Dig Music will be the focus on new music: 75 per cent of the playlist will be new releases (Triple J's is an estimated 90 per cent), which raises an interesting question, what new music is better suited to older listeners than younger ones? Andre Rieu's Christmas album? No way, powered by Triple J, Dig Music will have a cool-factor. So think artists like English art-rocker Anna Calvi. Dig Music will have at least four pre-recorded guest programming spots a week. Among those already locked in are Billy Bragg Sarah Blasko, Moby, Amanda Palmer, Claire Bowditch, Kram and Adalita. There will be no live shows. Critically, the first six months of the new-look Dig Music will have a high level of audience participation: the station wants listeners to report on what works, what doesn't (clicking a "dig this" button on the website or app) and even coming up with a new name if they want to. "Triple J for grown-ups" is apparently off the table because, as Scaddan points out, "18-24 year olds [Triple J's current target demographic] are adults too." But "Dig Music" is not, should listeners prefer the status quo. In April 2014 the station will relaunch with (probably) a new name, new identity and new playlist, hopefully influenced by all that audience feedback.