23 Of The Best Internet Radio Stations On Your Dial
Internet radio is one amazing music discovery journey.
It gives room for just about every music expression you can think of. And that’s exactly what we need in order to save ourselves from the monotony of traditional radio.
Many radio stations are cut from the same cloth, so you will eventually find yourself looking for another alternative.
But internet radio stations stand out for their innovation, wit and charm.
Couple that with unique names and a great story behind their origins and you’re captivated.
There’s more. Dig deeper and you’ll find a passionate desire to express a different music art, along with a desire to let the listener be the king of radio. In our radio world, we always say this but never fulfill it. Yes, there are internet stations that go beyond the norms of traditional radio, overturning the rules so to speak. What emanates from these unsung heroes is a liberating radio experience. No wonder internet radio’s popularity is on the rise.
What’s the reason for this popularity? Beyond the ability to listen to live radio beyond your borders, is there something else that makes them so special?
Yes.
Being different.
For some, it’s the ability to allow listeners record their own shows, upload them to the station’s portal ready for scheduling at a future time and hour.
Others feature the most outrageous stunts, conversations and contests.
For others, it’s the peculiar penchant for liberation, unrestraint and generally freedom to express whatever you feel in the form of music. For others it’s the brilliant curation of music, arts and content. And yet for others, it’s the unique story behind the station’s origins.
These stations are the gems you’ll find people talking about, those that have such a die-hard following, you’ll find yourself converted without even knowing it. It happened to me.
When you find a station that is ready to experiment and try new ways of engaging with listeners, promoting new music and ways of expression, you got a captivating station.
That earns these 23 internet radio stations right here the rank of being one of the best internet radio stations on your dial. �
1. CYMRU FM
This is what online radio is all about.
Cymru FM, established by Marc Griffiths, allows enthusiasts to present their own radio shows, targeted at Welsh speakers, learners and those with a keen interest in everything Welsh.
It’s always a risk to pull off such an approach, but Marc seems to have gotten the formula right.
The result is a rather spontaneous sound, balanced by interesting music choices and a diverse crop of presenters. If you are interested in hosting your own show, this should be the place to start.
It really does sound nice.
2. WWOZ
The next time you travel to New Orleans, make a point of listening to WWOZ.
At first glance, it seems like a pretty regular name for a radio station, until you delve deeper and realize that WWOZ stands for Wonderful Wizard Of Oz.
With such a great title to live up to, you expect…no demand that the music stands up to the test.
It does.
WWOZ plays a mix of Cajun, Blues, country and World Music. Great listening for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz. WWOZ (“Wonderful Wizard of Oz”) stays true to that heritage, with a rich, mood improving mixture of jazz, Cajun, blues, country and world music.
3. KLOVE
KLOVE deserves a mention on this list simply because the station is so popular. I would go further to say that it’s the most popular online Christian radio channel in the world.
KLOVE features great talk shows, a fun morning show and powerful inspirational stories are just part of what make K Love the undisputed favorite with millions around the world.
They plan fun events for the family and help listeners get involved with larger ministries. They probably play the best Christian music selection of any station I know. Plus you can get a free ITunes song download every week.
Listenership in the millions is thanks in part to a broad network of stations all over the country.
And you got all your Christian music heavyweights here too, like TobyMac, Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, Big Daddy Weave, and Unspoken.
The station allows you to tell your story — a powerful way of remaining connected to your listener. I was inspired reading the testimony page. It’s real heart to heart stories from everyday people living in an everyday world.
4. RESONANCE FM
I will gladly tag Resonance FM as one of UK’s most creative independent radio station.
It works hard to earn that reputation with over one hundred shows on offer, covering everything from African development, Ideas and Culture to Opera.
There’s a show that specializes in 78rpm records. Hot Club Du Monde is nostalgic and a brilliant shade of gold, in my opinion. For the younger generation, rpm records that may mean nothing in this day of digital music but to our generation, it was magic.
5. WHISPERING SOLO PIANO
There’s no doubt the piano is the most complete instrument in music.
It effortlessly lifts you from one emotion to another in a matter of seconds.
You will get that feeling every five minutes you listen to Whispering Solo Piano.
As the name suggests, the only music on the playlist is piano music. This channel makes enchanting listening on a lazy Sunday afternoon when you want to escape from it all. But don’t let that fool you, Whispering Solo Piano features the biggest names in solo piano music, including Ludovico Einaudi, David Nevue, Brian Crain and Kevin Kern.
You will find yourself irresistibly drawn to Whispering Solo Piano on weekdays as these artists explore the dynamic brilliance of piano. If you want to be spared from all the adverts, the service offers a premium subscription. Priced at $2, it’s a bargain for money.
6. SOMA FM
Soma FM is entirely supported by listeners, which makes it even more impressive.
You get a curated number of radio channels that promote established and upcoming artists in practically every music genre, from ambient, downtempo to chill beats.
With over 61, 500 fans on facebook, quite a number of people love Soma FM.
Have a look at some of these outstanding curated channels:
Drone Zone,Secret Agent,Space Station,Lush,Dub Step Beyond,Underground 80's
I’m tempted to explain further, but that would spoil the curious listening experience. Just head over to Soma FM and listen for yourself. At the same time, support the Group to keep this creative radio on air.
7. NO SHOES RADIO
When you’re an artist and you need a stickier way of connecting with your fan base, what do you do?
If you’re Kenny Chesney, you set up a radio station.
No Shoes Radio is liberated, fun and spontaneous. With live concert interviews to back stage passes and off-the-cuff remarks, you’re going to be considerably impressed.
Yap. And there’s lots of banging music!
It’s a different way of doing radio presentation and Kenny’s pulled it off with No Shoes Radio that promotes his music, concerts and merchandise. The internet radio station has grown a loyal nation of followers in the process, so the formula is working.
It’s another great example of how an artist can self-promote without relying on middlemen who may not do your brand justice, as you deserve.
By the way, Kenny, that’s a great name for an internet radio station.
8. HEAVEN96 RADIO
The newest online urban gospel radio station has lit up the stage very quickly with its blend of fan favorites you won’t hear anywhere else.
Their unique Radio Reporter segment allows listeners from all over the world to upload and share their testimonies on radio, making for an interactive experience that listeners always covet.
Heaven96… Bringing heaven to earth one song at a time.
Add signature Theme Weekends and edgy short sessions like ‘The King and His Kingdom’ and you see why this is the fastest growing gospel radio station in the stratosphere.
9. AMBIANT SLEEPING PILL
Who would imagine a station dedicated to those who want to sleep?
Odd. But then again, there are insomniacs who need some much needed rest — even from themselves.
Ambiant Sleeping Pill promises to do this, and it won’t do it by boring you to sleep. On the contrary, the music is smooth, soft and peaceful. I don’t know how to describe this station other than you just need to listen to it.
The ambient music is designed to aid relaxation, sleep and meditation.
An Internet radio station streaming music for Sleeping, taking Naps, and other more wakeful Moments; Tranquil, Deep, Serene; no breaks, no ads, no beats.
If you think about the Music Scores used for Movies like Gladiator, Braveheart and any Movie about Cleopatra, or if you just want to sleep, then maybe you get an idea of how this station may help you.
It’s…different.
10. ICAT RADIO
I found ICat — a charming jazz and world music station in the heart of Barcelona — one of the highlights of my afternoon.
iCat.cat is all about celebrating music and culture. They offer live broadcasts of six online radio channels, on-demand audio programs, musical and cultural information, videos, concerts, contests and surveys, with a total integration with social networks and the option to participate in the selection iCat musical.
The weekly programs are diverse as well. Enjoy a wide selection of musical styles from jazz, blues, folk, rock, fusion to Indie music.
11. Ancient FM
The renaissance era was one of the most important times in music history — a time when knowledge and fine arts flourished.
So, I was happy to find a station that celebrates the incredible transformation and advancement in music notation and composition that this era defined.
If you are a lover of classics like William Byrd and Thomas Tallis, then Ancient FM will be right up your alley.
Although, I do admit, it will take a while for the station to rub off on you. It’s a volunteer project and I hope the good people behind this noble project never think of shutting it down.
12. MOSCOW FM
From the city that boasts the largest number of billionaires in the world come a contemporary sounding Hits & dance station.
Moscow FM sounds like a station straight out of London. As you tour the beautiful Izmailovo Park, keep Moscow FM on your dial to enjoy everything from Sia to Nargiz, Justin Timberlake and Alla Pugacheva.
This friendly, Moscow-based English language station works hard to brighten up Moscow with an upbeat mixture of music, news and information on cultural events in the capital.
13. ENERGY FM
This station is terrific. Simply put.
Tight imaging, short sweepers, great song selection, it sounds almost like a DJ station without those horrible horn blasts in the middle of each song. Why do DJ’s do that?
I listened all day long and found myself humming along to every song. If you love dance, pop and A/C, this station’s got you covered. It’s got its fair share of commercials, yet the flow between jingle, music and commercial sounds like one complete synchronized work of art.
Exactly what a radio station is supposed to sound like. Time flew by so fast. Although that’s what you would expect from a nonstop party as Energy FM’s tag line suggests.
The dance music playlist is terrific: Feel like its Friday on a Monday.
14. PITCHFORK RADIO
There’s something about radio stations with odd names.
They promise so much intrigue.
Pitchfork Radio doesn’t disappoint in this department.
A record store employee is behind this impressive work of art. Set up to give a platform to DJ’s to express their unique style and format, Pitchfork has now grown into a space for airing new, independent music. It’s also a highly influential and highly regarded music authority in stratosphere.
This in-house radio station launched in January 2015, and gives airtime to a magnificent bunch of DJs who specialize in various music forms.
15. SOAS Radio
London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) has a vibrant Internet radio station that works as hard as we do.
They are not afraid to step beyond the norm to produce a culturally relevant listening experience. It reminds me of BBC.
16. KISS FM
Dublin is famous for its lively nightlife and over 1,000 traditional pubs.
Add Dublin’s Kiss to the mix. The Station lives up to Dublin’s character; lively, animated and full of dance.
Dublin’s Kiss plays a variety of dance, trance, Top 40, and the pop Charts. The playlist is electric.
You’ll have great company in the form of Maroon 5, Pia Mia and 5 Seconds of Summer. And in reverent respect to the Patron Saint of love, St Valentine, yeah you’ll hear some lively love songs too.
17. 24/7 BACH
Like the name suggests, you get nothing but Bach all day long.
The minute I heard this radio station, my heart leaped in joy. Having been brought up on a diet of Classical music, I couldn’t wait to sample 24/7 Bach.
It was memorable. I must confess I then started looking for a station that plays Mendelssohn, Chopin and Mozart all in the same breath.
Having found none, I returned to this wonderful gem. Fans of classical piano won’t be disappointed either.
This online station, run by the Global Bach Community, plays nothing but Bach, all of the time. Bach would be so proud.
18. DANCERADIOUK.COM
Back in the early 1990′s, Matt regularly listened to Exile Radio, a major pirate radio station broadcasting from the heart of the UK.
It was this station, along with his love of dance music that inspired him to set up his own fully licensed Internet radio station, Dance Radio UK.
Dance Radio Uk is the home of hard house to drum and bass, techno to electro, hardcore to breakbeat and everything else dance.
This is a lively, dance all night long station.
Hosting a wide range of DJ’s with individual and unique styles, this is a lively, dance all night long station. Dance UK also hosts regular DJ sets from live venues around the UK and beyond.
Danceradiouk.com was founded by DJ Matt Jay, who had always been a massive fan of radio and dance music.
19. SALFORD CITY RADIO
The University of Salford has one of the best Post-Graduate Programmes in Communication.
5,500 students joining the Campus in September last year, so I think a lot of people agree with me.
They now have one more reason to be proud of Salford.
This big little community radio is full of life and sparkle. 94.4 FM Salford City is a multi-award-winning non-profit community producing over 80 original Shows, hosted by more than one hundred local people every week.
With Salford City Radio, emphasis is on new, unique and innovative radio with a truly relevant and local feel.
For a locally produced Radio, the Shows are very entertaining. Music ranges from jazz to rock, EDM, dance to hip hop and Adult Contemporary.
Over 80 unique, innovative shows hosted by students every single week!
Your eyes will be drooling at some of the Show selections — as mine were. Music and Musings with Dominic Williams, Unsigned, Sealed and Delivered, Local Legends and Eddie Mann’s music mix are just a couple. Lost in Music is amazing!
My favorite was ‘Something Old, Something New.’
Enjoy Salford City Radio on your television via the TuneIn App, available through a NOW TV Box.
20. AIR1 RADIO
Most Christian teens want a great combination of modern Christian rock and faithful support from the DJs.
The DJ’s get an unbelievably expansive amount of freedom in their shows that leads to lots of diversity.
Air1 doesn’t think of itself as just a radio station, but a ministry in itself. You can either find a station close to you or even listen to the Christian radio station online via a streaming broadcast.
It has probably one of the best designed websites I’ve seen in a long time.
The show content features a good collection of current news stories, features, contests, and music previews.
You can get lyrics to your favorite Christian songs on the song lyrics page. The addition of that page is remarkable, seeing that listeners the world over demand song lyrics and radio doesn’t really satisfy that demand — until Air1 came along, that is.
21. EARBITS RADIO
Joey Flores is the entrepreneur behind this hip, Los Angeles-based radio platform.
You’ll bob your head to a mix of Alternative, bluegrass, pop, EDM and hip hop.
If you have an insatiable appetite for new music, and even experimental forms, tune in to this station. It will whet your appetite.
At a time when bands feel limited in their efforts to reach out to fans, Earbits is making a difference by allowing artists to submit tracks, which are then assessed by a team of curators. The music is then arranged into playlists.
22. IRISH PUB RADIO
Yes, this is a station dedicated to the hundreds of Irish pubs in the country.
After all, the assumption is with over 1,000 pubs in the country, so they just about deserve a radio, right?
Other than a liberal splashing of pubs all over the country, Ireland is known for the world record for the largest glass of beer in the world — a 1,499 litres glass of Guinness prepared at The Auld Dubliner Irish Pub in Tustin, California on November 21, 2009. The glass itself measured 7 ft 11 in tall.
But I digress.
Rather than beer, Irish Pub Radio celebrates everything Irish, with a proud sense of culture and belonging. Expect U2 and Thin Lizzie to The Pogues.
23. PLANETRADIO CITY
India’s largest network of web-radio stations recently added five new streams to their already impressive portfolio.
Their catalogue now sits at a whopping 21 radio streams with the addition of Radio City Ishq, Radio City Wellness, Radio City Sufi, Radio City Metal and Radio City Faith.
Radio City Ishq offers a mixture of evergreen hits from Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar to current chartbusters by Arijit Singh and Mohit Chauhan.
Radio City Metal brings the best of Metal genre from the Indie scene. The devotional music of the Sufis is now available 24×7 on Radio City Sufi.
Radio City Faith plays contemporary Christian music round the clock, along with teachings from the Bible.
Radio City Wellness will provide music for individuals to meditate, relax and calm their nerves. There will also be special shows every month, such as ‘Meditation Special Dhyaan’ by Pandit Ronu Majumdar and ‘Patanjali Yog Sutra’ by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
With a clean minimalistic website design, you won’t get tired on being on their website at all. And they serve you a good dose of news and information to keep you entertained all day long.
The best part of it all is that you can listen to all these curated online radio stations for free.
Conclusion
The internet is awash with exciting internet radio stations. Considering the massive growth in listenership numbers, fans are definitely enjoying this boom.
And it’s certain to grow as more people begin to express their creativity by setting up niche-centered radio channels, proving there is an audience for just about any music expression you can think of.
It’s a huge step forward from the limitation and monotony of traditional analogue stations!
