Over the years, we’ve been grateful to be a home for radio stations around the world. From established entities like NTS and The Lot to stations at the very start like Headstream, global radio communities have kept us seriously entertained. While many still remain, there are those that have sadly reached the end of their journeys. We want to show them some love.
Here are just a few radio stations that we miss.
Red Light Radio
Based in Amsterdam’s Red Light District, Red Light Radio (RLR) was active from 2010-2020. It broadcasted daily shows from local and international artists. Over the years it welcomed the likes of Seth Troxler, Joy Orbison, Chelsea Wolfe, Homeboy Sandman and Mac DeMarco through their doors. The results were thrilling guest mixes, shows and DJ sets that really explored the broad spectrum of music RLR was a home for. As a result, half of its listeners lived outside of The Netherlands, demonstrating its global appeal.
In 2015, the station won Mixcloud’s Best Online Radio Station award and RLR went on to put on parties and its own festival, Strange Sounds From Beyond. As a beacon of Dutch music and community, RLR was extremely impactful and we salute their contributions to radio worldwide.
Melodic Distraction
In its eight year run from 2015 to 2023, Liverpool-based Melodic Distraction broadcast over 9000 shows and hosted numerous live events. Channelling the passionate and creative talent pool within the North West of England, the station became part of the furniture in the region. A ground for musicians, DJs and radio hosts to thrive and find their voices. For everyone involved, Melodic Distraction continues to hold a special place in their hearts.
Room 404 Radio
Over in Indonesia, Room 404 Radio captured the growing excitement and creativity of the local electronic music scenes in the mid to late 2010s. It became a home for up and coming DJs to embrace the new culture. There was always amazing music and moments on show, from Reggae and Dub to dreamy Pop. Their run showed that scenes can really take shape through the medium of radio and define generations.
1020 Radio
Bristol radio station 1020 ceased programming in 2023 after an exciting eight year run. In that time, it hosted regular shows from Alya L, Kareem, Girls of Grime, ELEANOR and more. Not only that, but they blended every genre imaginable. Its impact was such that nothing has quite replicated 1020’s run since its closure.
Naps Digital
Back in 2021, Bali-based station Naps Digital announced it was pausing broadcasting until further notice. They have yet to return and while we’re patiently waiting, we have fond memories. Naps was only around for just over a year before its pause. But it made Indonesia and the world jump in a short time. Getting us through lockdown with everything from Ambient and Balearic to Slow Jams and Experimental, Naps captured every feeling and emotion attached to that period. Here’s hoping for a return!
Berlin Community Radio
Berlin Community Radio presented everything that came from, passed through and influenced the creative scene in Berlin. Home to over 100 shows covering arts, music, culture, relationships, queer politics, literature readings, feminism discussions, gender and internet phenomenons, BCR aimed to bring together the continually evolving communities of the city and to establish a modern platform for cultural exchange. With shows from the likes of Kode9, John Glacier and LSDXOXO, BCR had an open door policy that generated incredible memories. The station went off air in 2019 but the spirit it cultivated lives on.