LISTEN NOW!
While we would never tell you to stop listening to Freeform Portland, we do have more than one love when it comes to community radio. There’s nothing quite like turning the dial on a long drive, ears tingling as stations crackle in and out of range, searching for something that makes you nod your head. Or landing in a new city, popping into a bar, and seeing a sticker for a radio station plastered on the bathroom wall (or toilet seat). Music ties us together, beyond language, beyond culture, beyond a single place. The melodies seep into our souls and change us in ways that are hard to articulate. It’s why the airwaves can be a sacred place for many of us, because someone has taken the time to find and play songs they care about – and if you’re here, you’ve stuck around to listen (at least once in a while).
Today, we want to share a handful of our favorite radio stations from around the world. The ones that have stuck with us, have challenged us, have changed us. Our hope is that you find something here, give it a chance, maybe find something you love, and when you do, share it back with us.
So here we go… and don’t forget to tune into Missed Connections every other Tuesday from 6AM to 8AM on your very own, Freeform Portland (or catch up on past episodes on Mixcloud).
Cashmere Radio (Berlin)
It’s hard to even begin describing what Cashmere is beyond being a true example of freeform radio. Every block is something wildly different, and almost always something amazing and unexpected. Based out of Berlin, it is surprisingly (or maybe not so surprisingly) English forward. They don’t publish track IDs, but past shows are available on SoundCloud.
A good starting point is OBSCURED #47 entitled “Faith”. It’s a mix of dark wave, noise, and post-punk. Perfect for those gloomy Portland mornings.
Radio Paradis (Paris)
A radio station run out of an apartment in Paris’ 18th arrondissement. It doesn’t get more DIY than that. Also loving the fact that they have a page on their website detailing the specs of their sound system that they use for public events and how to get in touch with them for events. Some real hi-fi nerd stuff here.
We’re really into Panorama Radio w/ Soulist at the moment. Hearing a lot of keepers in his mixes.
KFJC (Los Altos)
“Radio that’s weirder than you, but not by much.” If that doesn’t sell you, I’m not sure what will. So, if you’re struggling to find something to listen to, give our friends down in the Bay Area some love.
KMHD (Portland)
Our Portland neighbors broadcasting in collaboration with Mount Hood Community College have some of the best funk and soul adjacent jazz programming in the country (and probably around the world). If you need an entry point, start with The Headnod Show by Headnodic. A weekly deep dive into the music that’s influenced, inspired, and been sampled by many of our favorite artists.
WFMU (Jersey City)
The longest (currently) running freeform radio station in the US. It’s hard not to take pride in my hometown station (E here), a true underdog story. It’s a reminder that great art lives everywhere – ESPECIALLY in the shadows of big cities.
If you’ve never listened to “Downtown Soulsville” with Mr. Fine Wine, set a calendar invite for this Friday, because it’ll change your life.
KPFT (Houston)
Home to our favorite hip hop show on the radio dial: “Quantum Leap.” Hosts GRANDfathercloc and Dopeako play an eclectic mix of old and new hip hop with a bit of history sprinkled in.
Houston has a rich musical history and this station does a good job of platforming musicians from Texas and around the world.
Kiosk Radio (Brussels)
This recommendation is coming to you by way of DJ Ricardo Wang, host of “What’s This Called?”, which airs on Saturday nights at 6PM Portland time. Kiosk is a small Belgian station that plays a lot of electronic music, but not only electronic music. It’s literally run out of a wooden kiosk in Parc Royal with just enough room for a DJ and a few friends.
Need somewhere to start? How about some French hip hop with Le Four.
Radio Panini (Copenhagen)
Found this station purely by accident while walking around Copenhagen. I (E) was on my way to grab a beer at Mikeller, and on the way over I heard house music thumping from inside a small cafe next door. Turns out on weekends it’s a radio station. While they aren’t broadcasting daily, they do have live streams most weekends and an archive of past shows.
I love the fact that Radio Panini is set up first and foremost as an in person experience for their community over food and drinks – and that they share that with the world.
NTS (On the web and around the world)
If you only know one station on this list, it’s probably NTS. Two streams running 24-hours, 7 days a week, with a massive archive of one of a kind and offbeat shows. Shane Anderson did a great write up for 032c called “No More Ghosts, Please: On Taste and NTS Radio as an Antidote to AI Slop” that gets into what makes NTS so special.
