For over seven years, Kiosk Radio has entertained Belgium and the world. An online community station streaming 24/7 from a wooden kiosk in the heart of Brussels’ historic Parc Royal, it prides itself in uplifting the voices of the country’s wide and varied musical scenes. Home to the likes of Lefto Early Bird, Black Artist Database and Neffa T, Kiosk thinks big when it comes to making a home for musicians and artists. It’s even hosted its own festival, Woodblocks, for the last two years, proving just how much it continues to impact Belgian music culture. The best part? The station isn’t resting on its laurels.
We caught up with Kiosk Radio to hear about their shack studio, the Brussels music scene and providing a spotlight for artists at home and abroad.
How did Kiosk Radio come about?
Kiosk Radio started in 2017 as a joint effort by five friends tired of commercial radio stations. Following a call for proposals from the City of Brussels, the aim was to repurpose an abandoned wooden kiosk situated in Brussels’ central park, known as “Parc Royal”.
What are some of the things that are important to you as a radio station and creative platform?
Since its very foundation, our mission has been to unite Belgium’s diverse music scenes under one roof. Our programming features a mix of live DJ sets, pre-recorded mixes – known as the Outsiders programme – and interviews showcasing our favorite local and international artists. While our lifeblood remains our local community of artists, Kiosk Radio has organically grown into a global project. We aim to connect Belgium to the world and vice versa, as we believe this is the best way to support under-the-radar talent. What we call “the best of the rest!”
What are some of your biggest wins so far?
Seeing people happy to come to the kiosk. The richness and diversity of our programming. Being able to make the Belgian scene resonate beyond our borders. We remain independent and have been able to nurture more links between people, strengthening the music community in Brussels and beyond. Being able to start our own Woodblocks Festival.
Kiosk is based out in Brussels – what makes the city tick culturally?
There is a lot going on and it’s probably caused by different factors such as the amount of different cultures living in Brussels and the musical background of the country. Not to mention the fact that it’s so central and the money invested into the cultural sector. Musical projects are flourishing, but also initiatives in the arts, dance, fashion, theatre sectors! All this combined makes the city a true hotspot for culture.
What would you say to anyone hoping to build a community?
Be nice to others. Promote collaboration instead of financial transactions, focus on what matters to the human, the music.
Who are some members of the Kiosk community that we should be keeping an eye on?
DJs like Pala10, iced lattina and Shorlax!
What’s on your schedule for 2025?
A lot is brewing. We’re planning a third edition of Woodblocks Festival, a charity event with Doctors Without Borders and a curated stage at Horst Festival. But also new radio content with New York City’s own The Lot Radio, projects with the city of Brussels as well as with Creative Europe.