Lower Grand Radio has always been less about fitting into a sound and more about creating space for many of them to coexist. Broadcasting from Oakland, California, the station champions community-led radio that values curiosity, conversation and deep listening just as much as club energy.
From Asian American Jazz and Ambient experiments to Italian library music, Gospel-inflected grooves and Downtempo club styles, Lower Grand’s programming reflects the people behind the mic. Thoughtful, intentional and deeply rooted in their scenes. Below, Station Manager Alex Shen highlights some of its most essential shows, each offering a distinct window into the worlds Lower Grand Radio continues to nurture.
Contents
Hush! Radio
Alex Shen: “Cara Nguyen crafts a podcast style radio show called ‘HUSH!’ once a month. Influenced by and prioritizing Asian artists, musicians and creatives, Cara serves up a scene report across genres. Everything from Asian American Jazz and singer-songwriters to hardcore front people in Vietnamese and Pinoy bands! Dive into this intentional get-to-know show every 2nd Sunday at 7pm PST, featuring one guest a month.”
The Pantry
“Lonald J. Bandz has been active and not passive in the Bay Area. Involved with collectives like Strapt (as a Founder and former member), Lonald has been organizing functions across the Bay for years. They bring energy and exciting club styles together through ‘The Pantry.’ As well as organizing an event series, Menace 2 Menace. Lonald also supports DJs learning tricks of the trade. They’re probably in the studio the most out of anyone on the schedule! Tune in every 2nd Saturday at 11am PST.”
Agony Aunts
“Advice, or at least good advice doesn’t come cheap. But Agony Aunts will not only give you free advice, but you can also call in before their show to submit a question or ask it live. Freeform radio is far from dead and the Agony Aunts have been helping keep it alive here on Lower Grand Radio. Call 925-471-6086 every 3rd Saturday at 11am PST.”
Departures
“Mari J. What can we say about Mari J? Apart from being a lowkey legend, Mari cold-contacted the station and said, ‘I got an idea for a show, with a general concept of Italian Library music, Ambient, Musique Concrete and early Electronic music. The overall mood would be contemplative, cerebral, stimulating, with feeling.’ Simple, to the point and clear! Say no more Mari! That was three years ago now and she’s only getting better. Mari is on every 3rd Wednesday at 1pm PST.”
Cone Zone Radio
“DJ NFS and Matt run Cone Shape Top, the record store, book and ephemera shop in the front of our studio. Apart from highlighting shop essentials, favorites and inventory on their monthly radio show, they have also been releasing vinyl by local artists and fusing art and overall electronic headiness together through the label, space, and shows in Oakland and San Francisco. We’ve been so happy to collaborate together on the space. One team, one dream as they say. In this economy, this current world, together is better. Come visit next time you’re in the beautiful city of Oakland, California! Tune in every 3rd Monday at 8:30pm PDT.”