Radio is unfortunately a dying entertainment industry. Due to applications with more autonomy and options, like Apple Music and Spotify, tuning in has become increasingly unpopular. If you are one of the few who still listens to radio, it’s probably a commercial station, like MOViN 92.5 or KEXP. These stations are typically owned by big companies like Audacity or iHeartMedia and are run at a strong frequency to reach a bigger audience in different areas. While these stations can be great, they often have lots of advertisements and play the same group of songs over and over. What many don’t know is that there are many smaller radio stations that are typically volunteer-run and play smaller and often local artists. They are called low-power FM stations and there are many in Seattle.
One low-power FM station is KHUH 104.9 Hollow Earth Radio. This station is located in Eastlake and powers in the Central District area. At the moment, they have 29 different shows mostly focused on “things that feel real,” like field (live) recordings, found sound, bedroom recordings, local musicians, and general storytelling. They also host live events, this isn’t happening currently due to some setbacks from Covid, but are sure to be up and running again. If you’re looking for extremely underground and/or local music to listen to, Hollow Earth is the way to go.
Another station is KXSU 102.1. Run by Seattle U students, this station is mostly made up of songs and artists that the students enjoy and want to share with the public. Alongside several radio shows, students write different articles for the radio’s blog including album reviews, artist profiles, and looks into different types of music. If you’re looking for a laid-back place to listen to some music you may already know and find some you don’t, KXSU might be for you.
If you were born in the wrong generation, KBFG 107.3 might be a good fit. Broadcasting to Ballard, Greenwood, and Fremont, KBFG has lots of variety when it comes to the type of shows they offer. From 40s and 50s hits to a show about space travel and sciences, there’s something for everyone.
