SCG’S GUIDE TO INDEPENDENT RADIO PLATFORMS.
Our guide to independent online radio across the globe.
When it comes to music availability, in this era, we’re spoiled for choice. During the 1980s-1990s Europe’s illegal pirate radio scene was the only means of hearing new and culturally diverse music. People were taking culture curation into their own hands, mitigating the gruelling process of underground artists getting airtime. Now FM is defunct, internet radio streaming has taken it’s place — and is a lot easier to set up than hijacking FM waves. Allowing for a more eclectic mix than mainstream radio, there is a vast pool of creative talent connected through radio hubs throughout the world.
NTS need no introduction — they’re the most renowned independent radio station, with studios around the globe; starting with their flagship outlet in London, then Los Angeles, Manchester, Shanghai, and they’ve now added Dublin to their family. Our favourite show is Straight Honey on channel 2, and Charlie Bones Do!! You!! Breakfast show on channel 1.
Seoul Community Radio. Since launching in 2016, the South Korean online station has grown to catch the attention of the worldwide music network . Welcoming on air artists like Park Hye Jin, Yaeji and Akala and executing takeovers for Berlin Community radio (now defunct) and Radar, London.
Noods Radio. Streaming from Bristol, Noods provides the UK with a non-London-centric opportunity for emerging DJs to get on air. The true grassroots nature of the organisation means more room for creativity and obscure hits.
Balamii. More from the UK, but the UK music scene was built on pirate radio, with over 600 stations nationwide, by 1990. Balamii operates differently, it has an app that allows listeners to buy songs they've just heard, giving back to the artist in the most direct way possible.
Hotel Radio Paris was built by skater Jean-Charles Leuvrey, after returning from a 9 year stint in London, aiming to build a new creative community around music.
Red Light Radio, Amsterdam, have been broadcasting since 2010, though sadly this month have shut their doors. The crew will be relocating to a new home, along with Red Light Records at the RLR AMS store. You can listen to their archive online.
Worldwide FM broadcasts out of north east London. As their name suggests, they have a penchant for music sourced from every corner of the globe. Started by the infamous Gilles Peterson, who also got his start in pirate radio before signing with the BBC.
Stranded FM, based in Utrecht, showcasing both new talent and forgotten sounds, Stranded have been running for 5 years strong. They ‘push local musical talent, stimulate creators and provide a hub for the many cultural institutes that our city inhabits’. They’re still relatively small, so pitching a mix could be fruitful.
