Over the years radio has played a huge part in promoting electronic music. With the power to reach millions, radio offers a unique platform to producers, artists and DJ's. It provides that sought after opportunity for people to establish themselves among the music elite. Receiving backing from a radio DJ that dig your music has the ability to instantly transform careers. Huge news broke this week with Kaytranada being given a monthly radio show on the BBC, but here are some of the most influential radio shows over the past two decades:
1. Rinse FM
Founded in 1994 originally promoting jungle music, the radio station made a name for itself on the turn on the century as its attention shifted to Grime with big players such as Wiley, Dizee Rascal and later on, providing coverage for the up and coming dubstep scene, SKREAM and ONEMAN.
Now however, the sounds that Rinse FM seeks to promote have become substantially broader and the radio station hosts mixes for a wide variety of different artists. The station has been huge for electronic music and we're very thankful for its continued support of all things electronic.
2. Deja Vu
Deja Vu was born in the living rooms of small flats across north London. It might not sound glamorous, but pirate radio played a huge part in the formation of urban music around the UK. Many of these outfits were amateurish and fade away as quickly as they spring up, Deja vu however managed to negotiate the legal perils of illegal broadcasting long enough to establish itself as a major player on the airways.
Turning its attention to Garage and later following the development into grime. Deja Vu have been the undisputed champions at pioneering London's new underground music genres, a large sample of the UK's top DJ's, artists and producers who have since broken into the mainstream market were first brought to you courtesy of Deja Vu. The Radio station now broadcasts online releasing Podcasts from a broad number of genres including Garage, Grime, Drum and bass, Dubstep and House.
3. DJ EZ Kiss FM Show
DJ EZ dropped a huge bombshell when he announced his 14 year reign on Kiss FM was coming to an end. From this weekly show he was able to bring the very best in the world of Garage, House and Bassline to his huge following. The king of UK garage will still be making guest appearances on the show along with introducing some of his own mixes. A great advocate for garage music this show will be deeply missed!
Read More: Did We Ever Leave The Garage?
4. Choice FM
Grime's rise to fame wasn't a smooth ride. Choice FM marked a huge point in history being the first real beacon for the scene. The UK's first 24 hour black music station with a license that championed all things grime. Unfortunately Choice FM was eventually re-branded to Captial Xtra and many of the DJ's that had helped form choice FM's legendary status were axed.
This decision was met with a huge uproar with many critics stating that the station was losing its original urban essence and move further into the commercial realm. It's surprising that this would ever happen as the market continues to cry out for a credible, representative outlet for black music. Famed for it's part in bringing Grime to the mainstream, the station saw years of success helping young artists develop the scene including Dizzee Rascal and Wiley. It was a great example of the power of radio.
5. BBC Radio 1's Essential Mix
Probably the most popular UK radio show, originally broadcast in 1993 the Essential Mix has been active ever since. Currently still thriving, the radio show releases a new mix every week featuring contemporary DJ's and producers of electronic music. Mixes in 2014 include Skream, Joy Orbision, Jackmaster, Bonobo, Caribou, Shadow Child and MK all making guest appearances. All of these mixes are posted online which is lucky is you don't happen to be up for the airing time.
Far from damage radio, the internet has only made the platform stronger. No longer restricted to geographical areas, all radio stations can make a big impact online. BBC's Essential Mix receives listeners from across the world, DJs and guests who hosts such far reaching shows have the opportunity to play to thousands of international listeners which undoubtedly helps fresh new talent rise.
Joe Rowntree
Listen: 5 Must Hear Remixes Of 2014
