Especially when it comes to local music, radio exceeds where websites like Spotify cannot. There is a world of music made in South Florida that moves through alternative channels. Luckily, there are still a few radio stations that look after the locals and give us the chance to enjoy and discover fresh sounds that are being baked right here in our backyard.
What makes these six Miami-based stations even more valuable is that most of their music
6. Jolt Radio, joltradio.org
With a new studio on NW Seventh Avenue in Miami — equipped for hosting live bands and events — Jolt Radio is an online station founded by New Times’ MasterMind finalist John Caignet. When tuning into Jolt, you’re just as likely to hear vintage disco as headbanging sludge metal. Jolt’s music programming includes tons of new local music and also features interviews and live shows with local bands and DJs. “Ever since I started Jolt, that’s been one of the main priorities,” Caignet says. “I remember thinking, How cool would it be to be listening to a local radio station playing a song from an artist you like, followed by a local you know and love? Now we’re talking.”
5. Klangbox,
Klangbox, another station that broadcasts online, is mainly dedicated to electronic sounds, focusing on — but not limited to — underground electronic, house, dub techno, deep disco, and indie dance. It was founded by local radio and nightlife personalities Laura Sutnick and Patrick Walsh. “We’ve always supported live musicians,” Patrick Walsh says. “We do have two shows dedicated to local music, which
4. WVUM, 90.5 FM, wvum.org
WVUM is “The Voice of the University of Miami.” Run and coordinated by students, the station concentrates mainly on indie rock, although it also has specialty shows featuring metal bands, electronic music, environmental issues, and other focuses. According to the station’s management, the DJs are expected to play at least one or two local songs per hour. Every Friday at 6 p.m., WVUM airs Locals Only, a show that features local bands playing live in the studio. And Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m., you can listen to
3. Wynwood Radio, wynwoodradio.com
As the name indicates, Wynwood Radio is located in the heart of Miami’s arts district and streams live from the Junior & Hatter barbershop. It was founded in 2010 by a group of art, radio, and music aficionados who weren’t happy with the options available. They decided to go with a community radio format, giving local organizations, artists, and musicians the chance to have their voices heard. The station’s original programs — Rhythm Radio (Tuesdays at 11 a.m.) and Underneath the Bunker (Wednesdays at 11 a.m.) are great places to hear the newest Miami bands. “Local music and local
2. WRGP, 95.3 FM, wrgp.org
WRGP is another college station, brought to you by the whippersnappers at Florida International University. Their main number on the dial is 95.3 FM, but listeners in Homestead can tune in at 88.1 FM, and listeners in North Miami Beach can tune
1. Shake 108, 107.9 FM, shake108.com
Though our beloved little Shake 108 is facing an FCC