With the introduction of on-demand music apps such as Spotify, Apple music and Tidal it keeps getting harder and harder for radio to attract the same traffic of listeners to their stations.
Today there are less and less DJ being raised and shaped from radio that there are the self-title DJ that believe a Spotify playlist will give them the same credit.
In London, the culture of listening to the radio is slowing drifting away. Nowadays, we only listen to music in the car by plugging our phones and scoff at our parents listening to the radio and their ‘talking’ programmes.
Yet, London has always been one of the most musical cities in the world, we gave the world the genius that is Amy Winehouse, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, Queen and David Bowie - masters in their own craft. They all were born and supported by radio stations, first to recognise their talent. Their music was the first thing their fans fell in love with, not their face and celebrity personality, which is something this tech savvy generation will never understand.
London radios stations are struggling but they are not dead, they still have some fight in them as they continue to do what record labels, social media and television are forgetting.
Supporting new talent and giving them a chance to be heard!!!
These are some of London based Radio station that you have to start listing to again to really have an insight in today’s music climate and be the first to ‘discover’ new talent and hits.
Capital FM is the most popular independent radio station in London; in their words "London's number one hit music station." One of the first independent local radio stations in the UK - started broadcasting on 16 October 1973. Their primary broadcast the best Pop chart music, aimed primarily at a young audience. The breakfast show is the most popular slot which is now hosted by Roman Kemp. Their high-power high-energy feel of this station makes you feel unnaturally happy all the time, but if you want pace, current hits and a "being there" feeling, this is your place.
Smooth Radio, previously known as Jazz FM, is a London based radio stations that brings to its listener the best set of smooth music that helps you cruise the streets of London. Adele is defiantly one of their favourite artist - let’s just hope you don’t see your ex at a stopping light (*sobbing hazard!!!).
Greek music this way! ^^^
For the circa 310,000 Greek Londoners. This radio station bring to London a little bit of home with some of the best music from Greece. Every Friday they have segments called ‘pre-drinks’ and ‘Friday night’, filled with music that gets you ready to start the weekend in style.
It is supposed to me ‘London Only Alternative’ music station that brings you some of the most classic and alternative sounds London has to offer. You're likely to hear the Artic Monkeys, The Lemonheads and The Ordinary Boys. Gammin’ with your friends is ON!!!
Magic station is supposed to be London’s "relaxation station" and "the stress-free way to spend your day”. It brings you the most soulful. their take over the music has became slightly more modern, but the station still has a sound which is different to anything else available in London - to its credit.
"London's best music mix" - a mix of light music and entertainment, launched in September 1995. Music is less rock oriented than, say, Virgin. It has a refreshing friendly female feel to this station, unique compared to many of the radio stations. They are the second biggest independent station in London, after Capital FM, with 1 million listeners a week. Sing your Heart out!!! <3
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