Eclectic independent UK streaming music radio available in the US
June 4, 2020 8:25 AM

I enjoy listening to streams from WFMU and WPRB--the eclectic free-form music format is great. However, 99% of the music I listen to is from the UK, and I could do with a bit less of the US music that each of WFMU and PRB play. Is there a UK equivalent to those stations that I could stream in the US?

There are a lot of streaming playlists, etc. But I'd really love actual radio, with announcers and shows and changing content. I'm pretty agnostic about genre and period--I'd be delighted if a mix went from Elgar to grime to shoegaze (or whatever! Just mix it up!).

It would be ideal if this were something that Alexa could play, as I'd like to listen while cooking. I have a VPN on my computer and phone, if necessary. Thanks!
posted by Admiral Haddock to Media & Arts (5 answers total) 5 users marked this as a favorite
6 Music is prob the closest UK equivalent. Can be a bit dull during the day (uk time), but look through the schedule for Marc Riley, Gideon Coe, Tom Ravenscroft, Nemone, Cerys Matthews - they have more varied playlists

it's a BBC station, but afaik there are plenty of US listeners
posted by rd45 at 8:51 AM on June 4, 2020


London based NTS could scratch this itch. It has a pretty varied output.

https://www.nts.live/
posted by multivalent at 9:01 AM on June 4, 2020


Not UK based by very eclectic 98.5 WYTX Rock Hill
posted by tman99 at 9:57 AM on June 4, 2020


I'd second the 6Music recommendation - it's the station I listen to basically all day, every day - and outside of the daytime shows (which skew modern alternative/indie/electronic/hip-hop), there can be a really great and eclectic mix of styles.

But also, if you want to go super-eclectic, the place where you're most likely to get Elgar, grime and shoegaze in a single show is the Late Junction on BBC Radio 3 (wiki). The last few shows have featured a collaboration between jazz violinist Georgia Ellery and producer Jamie XX, a section on Indian electronic avant-garde, and a chat with Captain Beefheart. There's nothing quite like it, and it's a genuine treasure.
posted by parm at 3:18 PM on June 4, 2020


Dandelion Radio is very good. There are around 24 hours of shows each calendar month that it cycles through so you wouldn’t want to listen to it all day every day, but still. A bit white and male, much like its inspiration (John Peel) I guess.
posted by fabius at 5:24 AM on June 6, 2020


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