We all know that the city of Liverpool is one of the greatest musical areas in the world and is a continuous hub of culture. Following in the footsteps of giants – while carving out its own lane – is SVARA Radio, which exists to plug the gaps between radio and the city’s musical underground.
Active since 2021, the station broadcasts alternative music while promoting the talent of some of the best creatives in the city. As a result they’ve built relationships with artists, DJs and brands alike, working with the likes of Adidas, New Balance and On, while also cooperating with local institutions like Royal Albert Dock and 24 Kitchen Street. They’ve also broadcast live from Glastonbury Festival, bringing their community along with them.
We spoke with SVARA Co-Founder Mark Owens to learn about the station’s journey.
How did SVARA Radio come about?
Mark Owens: In lockdown Josh and I decided to bring SVARA to life after feeling like the city’s culture and underground music scenes weren’t represented at all by commercial radio stations.
As a radio station, what are the things that are most important to you?
Our community first and foremost brings people together and allows them to elevate creatively and personally through using our platform. All elements of creativity are welcome.
You broadcast from Liverpool, what’s happening in the cultural scene these days?
The city isn’t flourishing right now with a lot of grassroots venues and clubs shutting down. It’s more important for us to keep our platform expanding to give the city more to shout about.
Do you work with your local community? What does that look like?
Collaboration with independent businesses and organisations in our city is something we regularly partake in. We help utilize our platform for whoever needs it, giving a voice to the voiceless.
What has satisfied you the most about building the SVARA community?
Seeing some of our community play at Glastonbury and go on European tours. As well as working with some amazing brands like Adidas and New Balance, venues like Rough Trade Liverpool and Ministry of Sound and community projects.
Who are some members or residents of SVARA that we should be keeping an eye on?
Total Niceness, Jade Edwards, Amber Rose and Emmett Gallagher.
What are some of your proudest achievements as a station so far?
Celebrating four years of operation. It hasn’t been easy but we’re proud of how far we have come and how much we have grown. This and having a takeover at Glastonbury in 2023.
What would you say to anyone who wants to build a community?
Don’t dilute your ideas for anyone. Let things happen naturally and organically, and be patient.