IDA Radio brings together a wide selection of music, talkshows and a community driven ethos. Founded in Tallinn, Estonia, in 2018, IDA soon expanded by launching a second channel and opening a studio in Helsinki, Finland in March 2020, seamlessly bridging cultural scenes between the two capitals.
Today, the Tallinn channel alone features over 200 different shows with a musical programme that spans from Country and Classical to Jazz, Rock and Experimental Electronica. Beyond its diverse musical offerings, IDA engages listeners with contemporary talk shows that explore art, literature and pressing matters such as human and animal rights. In addition to all things radio, IDA has organised concerts, sound residencies and collaborated with festivals like Meakusma and Intonal.
With a flourishing international presence and exciting collaborations in the works, IDA stands as a cultural hub for curious music heads and creative spirits. We speak to the team to talk about the burgeoning creative scenes in Estonia and Finland and their plans for expansion throughout the world.
How did IDA Radio come about?
IDA began out of a need to give a voice to music lovers we saw didn’t have a platform. We say ‘music lovers’ because we didn’t only want DJs to be featured on the channel, but people with sharp ears and extensive record collections. People who maybe hadn’t even thought of doing a radio show before we approached them to join IDA.
What are some of the things that are important to you as a radio station and creative platform?
Nothing is important and everything matters! No limits — come as you are.
You’re based in both Tallinn and Helsinki – tell us about those cities. What’s happening culturally right now?
It’s been our goal to introduce likeminded music lovers from two different countries, being a cultural bridge of sorts. The distance between Tallinn and Helsinki is only 88 kilometers or a two-hour ferry ride, but the cities are still quite different. Helsinki in Finland has a very vibrant nightlife and high standards when it comes to building club spaces and festivals. Estonia on the other hand has only been an independent country for 34 years so we are a bit behind on things. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have the same amount of passion and talent hidden, ready to bloom. That’s the beauty of the internet era, our influences are as modern as can be.
Do you engage with your local community? What does that look like?
Since we moved IDA to a new space that’s a bit bigger than our previous locations, we’ve been able to host events every weekend, from DJs to live performances. The terrace will be open soon!
What are some of your golden tips for building a community?
Staying open-minded and having no prejudice. There’s no right or wrong direction or approach when it comes to music and radio shows. Doors and inboxes are open for all those who are interested. Obviously some filtration has to be made in the process, but we try to be as fair as possible. Even replying to some e-mails might take us weeks (months?!). We’re a small operation – sorry for that!
What are some of your proudest achievements as a creative hub so far?
It’s still hard to believe we’ve been working on all things IDA for seven years. Achievements? Being a home and a safe space to hundreds of DJs, music lovers and talkshow hosts in Estonia, Finland and beyond. We also won Estonia’s ‘Radio of the Year’ award at the 2025 Estonian Music Industry Awards (EMEA), although we asked not to be nominated this year. Oh well…
What have you got planned for 2025?
We’ll finish renovating the second floor of our space to open up a recording studio and office to expand our endeavours and host regular artist residencies. IDA stations & studios in Berlin, Tokyo and Paris are also coming soon!
IDA Recommends
Poptones with Heivi S — Always eclectic and adventurous!
Rat Rights — A cassette label from Vienna playing everything raw and real. Mainly Punk and Industrial stuff.
Frotee Lainepikkus — Frotee label duo Martin Jõela & Erki Pruul’s mainly Balearic, easy listening show.
Shit Day Shampoo with Susanna Raiend — From easy listening to deep club explorations.
Localhosts – Laura and Sven with the best sonic emotional baggage.
The Coldpakk Show — Joining the dots between new club sounds. From Gqom and Amapiano to Broken Beat and UK Funky. DJ’s Comaz and mikkotraz have got you covered.
Deep Space Helsinki — Deep Space Helsinki focuses on contemporary Techno, Ambient and Experimental music. The latest releases and promos from the underground are selected by Samuli Kemppi and Juho Kusti.