On My Radio
Why do we still need radio? Today, listeners can generate "stations" to cover any niche through websites like Pandora and last.fm. I can't be too critical here - I've immersed myself in both. They're amazing tools for discovering new music, and learning about genres; honestly, I don't think I would've founded Soundscape Memoirs if I hadn't stumbled upon Pandora in college.
Still, in spite of all that great music, these tailor-made stations lack the vital signs that make traditional radio shows tick. I'm talking about the human element here - the DJ that threads tracks together, and the general audience that tunes in to join the show. The two sides are integral: combined, they make up a community, a network of folks connected by the same interest. I find comfort in that - I feel less isolated when I'm plugged into a radio station. The DJ speaks to the audience, and to the individual; the best ones address you as a guest in their home (hell, on Dandelion Radio that's often true).
So, yes, I need radio. And I've been checking into a few stations on the web. This probably isn't a complete list, but here's what I've gathered so far. Click the banners to find each station's home page.
Still, in spite of all that great music, these tailor-made stations lack the vital signs that make traditional radio shows tick. I'm talking about the human element here - the DJ that threads tracks together, and the general audience that tunes in to join the show. The two sides are integral: combined, they make up a community, a network of folks connected by the same interest. I find comfort in that - I feel less isolated when I'm plugged into a radio station. The DJ speaks to the audience, and to the individual; the best ones address you as a guest in their home (hell, on Dandelion Radio that's often true).
So, yes, I need radio. And I've been checking into a few stations on the web. This probably isn't a complete list, but here's what I've gathered so far. Click the banners to find each station's home page.
If you've missed all my promotions for this station, I'll reprise my praise. This UK-based station was founded in honor of legendary DJ John Peel, and operates under the same curious, pioneering spirit. Every month, Dandelion airs a circuit of shows that rotate time slots every day, until the month's up. Anything could happen, on any given show - alternative darlings, obscure newcomers, traditional world music, even some well-known artists from yesteryear. Also, in the spirit of Peel's legendary radio sessions, some DJs will host sessions recorded exclusively by upcoming artists for Dandelion Radio. As varied as each broadcast can be, I've picked up on certain trends:
Wherever you land on Dandelion Radio, you'll be in for an engaging show. Click the banner at the top to find the Dandelion Radio stream for your media player, OR grab the Dandelion Radio app for your smartphone and tune in from there. Both streams offer live track and artist listings (woo!).
- DJ Marcelle is all about vinyl, and especially new electronic/ambient/experimental releases, but she's also a MASSIVE Fall fan (she even hosted a hilarious "Worst of The Fall" show last year).
- Paul Ackroyd gathers indigenous music from across the globe;
- Mark Cunliffe keeps tabs on the booming UK garage/jungle/dubstep and alternative hip-hop scene, and has even covered the new genre of "moombatron" (I could be wrong on that spelling);
- Sean Hocking monitors everything new from the Pacific (and the Metal Postcard label, in particular) in his monthly Ring of Fire exposé.
Wherever you land on Dandelion Radio, you'll be in for an engaging show. Click the banner at the top to find the Dandelion Radio stream for your media player, OR grab the Dandelion Radio app for your smartphone and tune in from there. Both streams offer live track and artist listings (woo!).
A community radio station from South Africa. I'm still learning the ropes around here, but the best shows - or the specialty shows, I should say - crop up at 3 PM EST (that'd be 10 PM in South Africa, 8 PM for the UK) from Monday to Friday. I've heard only two of these programs so far - but I'll update this as I learn more:
There's apparently another specialty program on Tuesday, that starts two hours before Hyphen's - something called "Connected 2 Jazz", that explores not just jazz, but other related genres. Sounds classy. Will investigate at some point.
To hear Bush Radio, click on the big red "listen" banner on the main page, then choose your media player.
- Monday - The Wrong Rock Show: an alternative radio show, two hours long, featuring both local artists and upstarts from abroad. Humble host Botha Kruger also invites guest artists in from time to time.
- Tuesday - The Sublime Drum N' Bass Show - South Africa's first and only drum n' bass radio show, with mix-master DJ Hyphen at the helm. A frenetic, non-stop two hours of all the wobbly bass and pulsing beats you could ever wish for. For maximum effect, hook up a speaker and crank it UP. And give master Hyphen a shout-out during the show (@hyphenza on Twitter) - he might shout you back!
There's apparently another specialty program on Tuesday, that starts two hours before Hyphen's - something called "Connected 2 Jazz", that explores not just jazz, but other related genres. Sounds classy. Will investigate at some point.
To hear Bush Radio, click on the big red "listen" banner on the main page, then choose your media player.
(a.k.a Album 88)
College radio station based at Georgia State University in Atlanta. Throughout the day, Album 88 streams out the "hottest" American and British alternative (or, you know, as hot as alternative could be) music, ranging from underground hip-hop to post-rock. As darkness sets in, the station rolls its niche programs. You can preview the schedule here, but here's a sampler of what Album 88 has to offer (and these are all EST times, by the by):
...and so, so much more. Unfortunately, the student DJs that usually man the station (especially during Rotation) are woefully rather impersonal, know zilch about what they're spinning, and speak primarily off cue cards. Plus, they air long stretches of songs without any track info, which is REALLY irksome for drivers like me that zip about on 10-minute trips. The special programs are sometimes better - especially that Reeling show on Saturday mornings - but not always.
Unlike the previous two stations, Album 88's online stream requires Quicktime to play. Just click the "Listen Live!" link under the logo at the top-left corner, and you're in.
- Tuesday, 12-2 AM: Bitrhythm88 - A bit past my personal bedtime, but apparently this program offers some wicked chiptunes.
- Tuesday 8-10 PM: Tower of Song - Prog and psychedelia from the 60s and 70s. (The adverts featured a clip from Hawkwind's classic "Sonic Attack".)
- Friday - 2-4 PM: One Step Beyond - I stumbled onto the premiere of this show a few weeks ago. As the name implies, it's a hotspot for ska.
- Friday - 6-8 PM: Dot Dash - Post-punk from then and now.
- Friday - 8-10 PM: Synthicide (Friday night is loaded, I tell ya) - synths, synths, and more synths!
- Saturday - 8-10 AM: Reeling In The Years - Currently one of my favorite shows on Album 88. Operations Manager Jeff leads you through an odyssey of deep, deep classic rock cuts from 70s. (Early T-Rex, anyone?)
- Saturday - 2-4 PM, and 4-6 PM: QCS (The Quintessential College Show) - Staples in alternative and college rock radio.
...and so, so much more. Unfortunately, the student DJs that usually man the station (especially during Rotation) are woefully rather impersonal, know zilch about what they're spinning, and speak primarily off cue cards. Plus, they air long stretches of songs without any track info, which is REALLY irksome for drivers like me that zip about on 10-minute trips. The special programs are sometimes better - especially that Reeling show on Saturday mornings - but not always.
Unlike the previous two stations, Album 88's online stream requires Quicktime to play. Just click the "Listen Live!" link under the logo at the top-left corner, and you're in.
A Newcastle-based curatorial project launched by digital media group Pixel Palace. An acronym for “Broadcast Art, Sound, and Independent Culture", Basic FM is a museum for your ears. Throughout the week, they rotate a set of “exhibits”, normally uninhibited by DJ banter (sadly!); as you listen, though, you can read about each program via the station’s website. To give you an idea of Basic’s eclectic taste, here’s what I’ve heard in one week:
Intriguing? Should be. Stream Basic’s lineup from their website, or download a stream for the media player of your choice.
- An aural rendering of a journey into the subconscious
- A recitation of William S. Burrough’s “Queer”, with musical accompaniment
- An exposé on Belgium’s own non-violent, garage rock movement
- A preview of a Swell Maps rarities album (available here on Overground Records, if you’re interested – I know I am)
Intriguing? Should be. Stream Basic’s lineup from their website, or download a stream for the media player of your choice.
An independent, freeform radio station based in New York and super-savvy with online streaming. What you'll hear depends on which DJ you catch, and his or her whims for the day; each show is loosely based on some theme, and spirals widely into multiple eras and genres. I'm still learning the crew, but thus far, I've caught some jivin' rock and roll, doomy death metal, and funk-tacular themes; who knows what I'll stumble upon next?
The best feature, however, on WFMU are the live chat sessions occurring simultaneously during each broadcast - just click on the "Playlist/Comments" link under the "Now Playing" section. Then sign up for an account on WFMU, and discuss the show with a warm and welcoming community (and the DJ, too!).
And if you really love what you hear, then pledge a little cash to the station. Choose your amount (minimum $10), pick the swag you'd like to keep, and send off your donation through a secure webserver. I haven't personally lent a hand yet - but I shall one day!
WFMU has several streams you can download for your personal media player, which can all be found on the top (the main show) and on the left sidebar (special programs).
The best feature, however, on WFMU are the live chat sessions occurring simultaneously during each broadcast - just click on the "Playlist/Comments" link under the "Now Playing" section. Then sign up for an account on WFMU, and discuss the show with a warm and welcoming community (and the DJ, too!).
And if you really love what you hear, then pledge a little cash to the station. Choose your amount (minimum $10), pick the swag you'd like to keep, and send off your donation through a secure webserver. I haven't personally lent a hand yet - but I shall one day!
WFMU has several streams you can download for your personal media player, which can all be found on the top (the main show) and on the left sidebar (special programs).
A purveyor of odd finds, small labels, and ultimately rock and roll, The Waiting Room is a weekly broadcast recorded from Cardiff, Wales. It's hosted by one man and his lovely wife, who provide long stretches of glorious music alongside their brief and humble commentary. Though the show's based in Wales, you can catch it from all over the interwebs - Houndstooth Radio's one of the best places, though, since they air the Waiting Room TWICE on Saturday mornings/afternoons, first from 8 - 10 am EST / 1 - 3 pm GMT, then immediately afterwards from 10 - 12 EST / 3 - 5 GMT. Gashouse Radio's not a shabby joint either, though, on Tuesday (10 am EST/3 pm GMT).
For updates and playlists, follow The WaitingRoom Radioshow on Facebook, and/or @TWRHQ on Twitter.
For updates and playlists, follow The WaitingRoom Radioshow on Facebook, and/or @TWRHQ on Twitter.
Mixcloud Shows
Have you heard of Mixcloud yet? It’s the happenin’ new hub for radio DJs, mixtape-meisters, and anyone else who wants to star in their own radio show. And listeners can follow their favorite broadcasts, mark the shows they love, and receive track listings for every song in the program. I’ve been keeping up with a few broadcasts through Mixcloud, and I thought I’d share the goodness…
First, though, a pair of noteworthy names that you’ve already heard:
Now, to the other shows. You might recognize the first bloke, though…
Kamikaze
Paul Ackroyd of Dandelion Radio hosts his own globetrotting radio show exclusive to Mixcloud, updated weekly. Celebrates new releases, reissues, and compilations from far-flung corners of the world. From old-world dances to minimal synth, and dub to bagpipe serenades, Kamikaze offers a cool and varied selection. Perfect for night listening.
Crow Versus Crow
Based out of Halifax, this stellar show seeks to cultivate, promote, and preserve the local music scene. And DJ Andy often accomplishes this with healthy doses of noise, experimentation, and fascination. He’s a staunch champion for independent artists and tiny labels everywhere, and provides ample links for any curious listener who wants to hear a little more from that week’s selections.
Counter Culture Radio
I probably shouldn’t have to tell you who Rough Trade are…but, then again, most of you appear to be American, so I’ll clue you in. Rough Trade is the most influential and respected independent label in London (and possibly in the UK, who knows?), and every week they compile an extensive list of new releases from both sides of the Atlantic. Now, since humble folk like me can’t run out and sample (let alone buy) all these fantastic albums, one Rough Trade staffer airs this show every Thursday to present the cream of the crop for the week. Alternative veterans and outlying upstarts are often tossed together in the same mix, and genres vary wildly, so any discerning listener can find something to enjoy.
First, though, a pair of noteworthy names that you’ve already heard:
- Dandelion Radio’s DJs upload their individual shows at the end of the month. Which is most excellent for me, since my connection to the live show isn’t always so smooth…
- The Wrong Rock Show posts its weekly broadcast onto Mixcloud directly after the program is off the air.
Now, to the other shows. You might recognize the first bloke, though…
Kamikaze
Paul Ackroyd of Dandelion Radio hosts his own globetrotting radio show exclusive to Mixcloud, updated weekly. Celebrates new releases, reissues, and compilations from far-flung corners of the world. From old-world dances to minimal synth, and dub to bagpipe serenades, Kamikaze offers a cool and varied selection. Perfect for night listening.
Crow Versus Crow
Based out of Halifax, this stellar show seeks to cultivate, promote, and preserve the local music scene. And DJ Andy often accomplishes this with healthy doses of noise, experimentation, and fascination. He’s a staunch champion for independent artists and tiny labels everywhere, and provides ample links for any curious listener who wants to hear a little more from that week’s selections.
Counter Culture Radio
I probably shouldn’t have to tell you who Rough Trade are…but, then again, most of you appear to be American, so I’ll clue you in. Rough Trade is the most influential and respected independent label in London (and possibly in the UK, who knows?), and every week they compile an extensive list of new releases from both sides of the Atlantic. Now, since humble folk like me can’t run out and sample (let alone buy) all these fantastic albums, one Rough Trade staffer airs this show every Thursday to present the cream of the crop for the week. Alternative veterans and outlying upstarts are often tossed together in the same mix, and genres vary wildly, so any discerning listener can find something to enjoy.
