Thanks to the death of dial-up, the rise of cloud computing, and the geniuses behind streaming content, online radio has blossomed into a thing of beauty. Whether it’s label takeovers on the UK bass station RinseFM, rising stars spinning on NTS Radio, or celebrity cameos on Boiler Room, there will never be enough time in the world to listen to it all. Where to start? Here is your expertly curated selection of dance music radio shows that you need to listen to.
Beats in Space with Tim Sweeney
Hosted by DJ and label-head Tim Sweeney, Beats in Space has run every Tuesday from 10PM to 1AM since 1999. Hosted from inside NYU’s WNYU 89.1 FM, the show has become an institution in the dance music world. Tim consistently impresses listeners with his stellar live mixes and extensive electronic music collection, not to mention his weekly guests. Everyone from Four Tet and Jamie XX to James Murphy and Nicolas Jaar have graced the show with an on-air mix.
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Benji B on BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1 isthe be-all-end-all of tastemaking radio stations in the UK, with a mission to introduce the world to the best electronic artists—past, present and future. Benji B’s show is so ahead of the game that he has to go live at 2AM just to ensure it’s still “the future.” Dropping exclusives and premieres with little regard for genre, Benji B—who you may know from the globe-trotting Deviations party—makes everybody jealous with the roster of mega guests artists he lands every week.
Rinse FM
Rinse FM launched in 1994 and quickly became the crown jewel of pirate radio stations. In 2010 the station received a proper opertaing license and now acts as a barometer of who’s hot when it comes to the UK’s homegrown talent. Don’t sleep on radio shows from labelsl like Hyperdub, Hessle Audio, Butterz, as well as appearances from artists like Four Tet and SBTRKT, who each have their own bi-weekly shows. No matter what show is on, you know you’re in good hands.
LuckyMe/Numbers
Two of Glasgow’s most prominent labels, which are also behind some of the best parties you’ve never been to, progress the sound of dance music each week with their alternating shows. The labels, which are home to groundbreaking acts like Hudson Mohawke, Rusty, Jacques Greene, Machinedrum and SOPHIE, enlist DJs like Jackmaster and Éclair Fifi to play host. They also make sure there’s plenty of inaudible Scottish banter and special guests.
Horse Meat Disco
Hosted by DJs James Hillard and Jim Stanton, Horse Meat Disco is basically a lesson in the origins of dance music going back to the days of early acid house, Balearic beat, and yes—disco. All that feel-good shit for you Ibiza beach party. If you thought you knew your way around the more ecstatic side of dance music, these guys prove you don’t know shit.
Andriana lives in Brooklyn, but met all of her friends on Twitter. Follow her at @itsadredogg
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