EDM (electronic dance music) has never been bigger. From festivals to the pop charts, EDM is now an irrepressible force in dance music culture.
Although dance music’s popularity has skyrocketed, terrestrial radio has struggled to keep up. Clear Channel abandoned two HD Dance channels in 2008 and then, due to the merger between XM/Sirius channels in November, several others disappeared as well.
Web-Based Radio Shows
Utilizing streaming platforms to broadcast weekly radio shows allows DJs to expand their audiences and share their music with fans. Furthermore, online dance music radio shows provide DJs a platform on which to build their brand and establish themselves as leaders within the dance music scene. As more opportunities present themselves for connecting with listeners directly online dance music radio shows continue to gain in popularity.
If you’re planning to host and stream your own web-based dance music radio show, there are numerous free hosting and streaming websites that offer these services. Each offers unique features like custom player, user-friendly interface and allows upload of audio files (podcasts and mixes). Some even include an automatic news feed which updates automatically so you can find articles or blog posts related to your topic of choice.
Many online dance music radio shows are community-driven, spotlighting local artists and scenes. Curated shows may feature established producers or musicians; other programs focus on supporting new talent with an aim of giving them their shot at success. The internet has proven invaluable in spotlighting some of these best local talent examples such as Palestine’s Radio Alhara or India’s Boxout FM, for instance.
Online dance music radio shows provide an ideal platform for discovering local music as well as emerging songs and DJs. Many shows feature live sets recorded at clubs or festivals, while others may present playlists or feature special guest appearances.
As examples, INSOMNIAC’s DAYS like NIGHTS Radio can stream all his recent gigs, while Nora En Pure’s Purified Radio showcases her signature sound – from her blissful progressive tracks to emotive melodic house by Eelke Kleijn’s sensuous DAYS like NIGHTS Radio.
Smartblocks are another fantastic feature of online dance music radio, providing an easy way to curate playlists with specific criteria, including BPM, genre and date range. Airtime Pro makes this process straightforward so you can quickly start creating an audience-specific dance music radio show that meets their needs!
Radio Shows on FM Stations
FM radio stations feature music broadcasted over FM broadcast frequency. FM shows offer an easy way to listen to your favorite songs without purchasing CDs or digital downloads; moreover, hosts frequently discuss each track being played as listeners can call in and share their personal experiences with it.
Some radio shows provide in-depth discussions of the music industry and current trends, while others take a lighter approach. No matter their topic of focus, these radio shows still hold appeal for those who appreciate an entertainment/music mix. Some even offer special segments featuring artists’ back catalogues along with their best hits!
Other radio shows also offer live performances from well-known artists to build relationships and keep listeners tuning in. Furthermore, expert guests such as scientists or historians are frequently included to explain the background behind songs or genres being discussed on the show.
Radio stations that specialize in one genre of music offer a distinct niche in the market. Their niche appeal draws listeners who share an affinity for that genre; thus making these stations ideal for promoting emerging artists and growing their fan bases. Furthermore, many of these stations feature interviews with musicians and industry professionals to keep listeners up-to-date on current musical developments.
Radio stations can use their programs not only to promote up-and-coming musicians but also local events or news, host contests to engage their audiences and host shows such as NS10v10 (DJ versus producer battle royale). One such show pits two rival DJs or producers against each other for musical catharsis.
No matter your taste in music, from dance tunes to hearing your favorite band play live shows, there are numerous online radio options for you. Web radio is accessible on virtually every device with web browsing capabilities and requires far less infrastructure to run than an FM station – plus anyone can create their own unique radio experience through its use!
Radio Shows on Streaming Platforms
SoundCloud gives dance music fans many options for listening to their favorite DJs and producers, from one-hour mixes to live recordings of gigs. DJs can connect with their audiences and build brand loyalty using these platforms; some DJs even broadcast shows in multiple languages for an even wider reach.
Online radio has also proven an invaluable asset to local scenes and sounds, shining a spotlight on artists that may otherwise go unseen on FM airwaves. For instance, Bristol-based Noods has been championing Bristol’s trip-hop and dubstep scene since 2015 through their Noods show, also spotlighting Bahraini collective Dar Disku, Hessle Audio’s Regis as well as deep house producer SOHMI.
Radio can provide artists with an incredible platform to showcase their talent and connect with new audiences, but success on air may not come automatically for newcomers. To get noticed by larger audiences, artists must craft an engaging show featuring relevant content with a unique style that stands out among its peers as well as an engaging personality who draws listeners in.
Many popular radio stations specialize in one musical genre or style. For instance, contemporary hit stations typically play rock and urban styles while CHR stations will cover most recent hits. Other stations specialize specifically in dance music genres like progressive house or melodic trance.
No matter the genre of dance music, accurate mixing and high-quality production are required for listeners to experience all its beats and lyrics fully. This is especially important with tracks featuring vocals; any error in pitch or timing could completely change their emotion and change how listeners experience the tune.
DJs need the appropriate equipment in order to produce quality mixes of songs, such as a high-quality microphone and recording software like Audacity or Garageband. Furthermore, an encoder program must be utilized so the file does not become corrupted during streaming and must also prevent itself from becoming interrupted during its journey across the internet.
Radio Stations that Play Oldskool Classics
Radio stations that specialize in Oldskool Classics tend to focus less on today’s top pop and dance hits and more on music from older musical eras, often more well-known songs from that era that elicit a stronger emotional response than many modern pop songs. Some stations even focus specifically on rock or country while other stations may include classical, jazz or disco music genres as well.
Disco radio stations were popular during the 1970s in the US, yet were virtually extinguished during its backlash. Although some may still remain, most have since transitioned into other electronic music forms, like hard rock or contemporary pop. There are also numerous online radio stations dedicated to dance music which cater specifically to an audience rather than broadcast radio and thus do not face legal restrictions that broadcast radio would encounter.
Most commercial radio stations utilize music formats in order to attract listeners and generate advertising revenue. The value of advertising determined by audience age, wealth and demographic data provided by commercial statistical service Arbitron; most urban commercial stations in the US follow top-40 formats.
Other popular formats include classic hits, which features top-40 hits from multiple decades; variety hits – an eclectic-pop format; and podcast radio, which has become increasingly prevalent at college radio stations and has since become an influential force in the music industry.
Outside of its music offerings, key components of a radio station include its on-air personalities and style. Prominent US broadcasters have employed several popular on-air personalities in order to increase brand recognition of their stations; those most successful at creating appealing personalities that reach out and touch listeners are those that succeed at crafting someone who both attracts listeners while being sympathetic with them.
Most radio stations feature a daytime schedule with syndicated or voicetracked DJs; others hire live DJs for drive time or other important programming blocks. From midnight until the start of daytime programming begins, usually low-key music with minimal or no announcing is played – this time period may also feature documentary-style programs or infomercials on some stations.