Around the globe, thousands of radio DJs spin Anglophone pop and rock. They have their own definitions of world music, often featuring artists like REM and Queen. But, there’s a world of radio stations, both mainstream and obscure, from various cultures worldwide, playing music from past and present times.
When it comes to virtual travel, music offers the easiest and most enjoyable escape from Covidland to places you’ve been or plan to visit in person. While the internet is chaotic, packed with aggregators and companies, there are ten exceptional music radio stations from all over the world.
Lets begin with the list of Top 10 best music radio stations
Mexican and Border Music
Radio Campesina offers a diverse selection of Mexican and border music. It’s a constant source of Latin pop, Tejano fusion, and Norteño music. Viva El Mariachi, on the other hand, offers a conversation-free celebration of rancheras and boleros. If you understand the language, it’s a delightful experience.
Country and Americana
Toronto is the unexpected hub for cool Americana livestreams. American Roots seamlessly transitions through a variety of genres, and Nashville’s WSM AM radio station offers a dose of classic bluegrass, gospel, and contemporary country music.
| Radio Stations | Country | Interesting Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Bollywood | India | Is the most popular film industry in the world, producing over 1,000 films per year. |
| Brazilian Music (The Matrix) | Brazil | Is known for its use of percussion instruments and its lively rhythms. The film “The Matrix” was inspired by Brazilian martial arts and capoeira. |
| Mexican and Border Music | Mexico | Has a rich tradition of mariachi music, which is characterized by its trumpets, violins, and guitars. |
| Country and Americana | United States | Is characterized by its use of acoustic instruments and its focus on storytelling. |
| Aussie Indie and Community | Australia | Is known for its unique sound, which is influenced by both European and Aboriginal music. |
| Argentine Folklore | Argentina | Is characterized by its use of traditional instruments and vocals. The tango is a famous Argentine folk dance. |
| New York Jazz | United States | Is one of the most important jazz centers in the world. The city has produced many legendary jazz musicians, such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. |
| African Music | Africa | Is home to a wide variety of musical traditions, each with its own unique sound. |
| Korean Music (Arirang) | South Korea | Is known for its beautiful and haunting melodies. The Arirang song is a famous Korean folk song. |
Aussie Indie and Community:
Run by volunteers, 2XX FM 98.3 in Canberra plays a wide range of Australian music, showcasing emerging talents and offering a platform for ethnic shows. DJs here are well-versed in exotic music from places like Africa, China, and the Philippines.
Argentina “Folklore”:
Argentina’s music scene isn’t just about tango. Radio Folklore 90, based in Buenos Aires, brings the powerful songs of artists like Mercedes Sosa, Atahualpa Yupanqui, and others from the Andean roots music tradition.
Map the World:
This unique radio, launched on April 1st, is brought to you by the same folks behind Oslo World, an annual music festival in Oslo happening from October 27 to November 1. It’s a virtual guide to festivals worldwide, offering playlists of 20 songs curated by local programmers for each festival. They’re facing uncertainty, just like everyone else during these lockdowns.
Bollywood:
Bollywood Retro Bollywood delivers the soulful melodies and fusion of Indian and Western elements from the golden era of music, spanning from the 1950s to the 1980s. With livestreams for both old and new music, it celebrates lyricists and singers, showcasing complex orchestral arrangements in recent Bollywood tunes.
Brazil:
Brazil’s Salvador da Bahia-based The Matrix radio station stands out in a nation with about 15,000 licensed and pirate radio stations. Music has always been a core part of Brazilian culture, blending Bossa Nova with upbeat bossa beats and Afro-Brazilian sounds. It’s a melting pot of music and culture.
New York Jazz:
WBGO in New York, known as the “Jazz Capital of the World,” offers a diverse selection of jazz, from classics to contemporary Latin jazz. Bobby Sanabria, a renowned percussionist, hosts shows that highlight Latin jazz.
Africa:
African culture is rich and diverse, and during lockdowns, Okay Africa showcases Scenic Illustrations of Black People in Safe Spaces. For a musical journey across Africa, check out curated playlists on Mixcloud, Spotify, and Real World’s introduction to 14 African music styles and artists.
Korea:
Arirang in South Korea, specifically from Jeju Island, plays a wide range of English-language K-Pop, offering sultry ballads, funky RnB, and electronica. The evening shows often dive into current issues, interspersed with tunes from previous programs.
These ten radio stations paint a vivid sonic picture of the world’s musical diversity, from Bollywood’s golden age to the Andean roots of Argentina and the electrifying beats of K-Pop in Korea. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or simply curious, they’re your passport to a global sound journey.
