What happens when you take all the nuances of music from the USA and blend them with the exciting sounds coming from Hong Kong? You get Eaton Radio. A community-based radio station with a DIY spirit, Eaton emphasises the grassroots, engaging with local creative scenes and programming shows that speak to this variety.
Based in both Washington, D.C. and Hong Kong, the station’s approach is worldly. Global sounds are approached with care through a rich and varied rotation of DJ mixes, live acoustic performances and more. Thanks to this approach, you can hear anything from Go-Go to Cantopop on any given broadcast.
We spoke to Eaton’s Director of Music & Radio Andrew Grant to get the lowdown on the station and the cultures it serves to represent.
What is the genesis of Eaton Radio?
Andrew Grant: Eaton Radio exists as a pillar of the Eaton Workshop branding. A dedication to community and arts through music and interviews that align with our ethos.
How do you think broadcasting from both the USA and Hong Kong informs the variety of your programming? What does that allow you to tap into?
I know that whatever James Acey does at Eaton Hong Kong, it’s always going to be quality. This allows us to tap into various music styles and interviews. As a result, we showcase how diverse the two locations are yet have synergy and common lanes we weave in.
What are some musical genres or scenes you weren’t aware of before Eaton that you now champion via the station?
Having grown up in Baltimore and toured as an artist I feel lucky to have a deep appreciation for all styles. I would say that since being in D.C. I have a newfound love for Jazz and a deeper understanding of the genre. The Go-Go community here is also very special as the homegrown sound of D.C. and that alone can never be substituted.
What are some of the values that Eaton pushes as a radio station and creative platform?
Giving space to communities and artists allowing them to broadcast their message and unifying common threads and concerns.
What has satisfied you most about building the Eaton Radio community?
Helping people, Eaton Radio gives us a non-commerce space that holds true to local artists and important cultural conversations.
What would you say to someone who wants to build a community in the way Eaton has?
Be available when they need help, offer as much as you can within your own bandwidth, donate time and energy when others can’t. Finally, listen.
Who are some members of your community that we should be looking out for?
I have to shout out dimneonsum, DJ Duchess, Mösee, PaeMe, DJ Geena Marie, Nia and AfroPino.
What are Eaton’s plans for 2025?
We are hoping for more interviews and pop-ups around various locations. Hosting the D.C. Record Fair, Art Basel in Hong Kong and working with the Phillips Collection towards activations.
What are Eaton’s proudest achievements as a station so far?
Personally, I enjoy the interviews! Especially those by Nina Brewton, Denise Fairley, and Marcus J Moore. Listening to those and others discuss important conversations makes me proud they chose Eaton Radio as their platform.
Eaton Radio Recommends
If I was to highlight something it would be our live shows from Allegory, our award-winning bar, where we focus on Vinyl Only shows.