Independent stations across L.A. are dedicated to featuring the scene’s underrepresented artists.
From the hilltops of Laurel Canyon to the congested off-ramp sending drivers on route to Pasadena, L.A. radio stations aim to reach Angelenos across the city. In this new age of streaming services, local broadcasts are less often blasted out of cars on Sunset Blvd or heard from transistor radios in the park. Listeners have turned to curated Spotify or Apple Music playlists for their early-morning drives.
Still, independent radio remains interwoven within the heart of L.A.’s identity. KRLA Pasadena, an early rock and roll pioneer, was the first SoCal station to play The Beatles in 1964. Youth-run programs in the 1970s spoke favorably about the new genre of music, kick-starting the cultural music revolution that inspired generations. College radio strives to play underground artists, bringing light to the many young innovators making L.A.’s scene what it is.
The pure existence of independent radio is a revolution in itself. Here are some L.A. stations focused on the eclectic, experimental, newly released, and underground sounds of the city. Tune in to brighten your traffic-filled Tuesday morning.
Broadcasting from the Valley at California State University, Northridge, The SoCal Sound focuses on new music and underground L.A. artists. Shows such as ‘Music In The Morning’ play an eclectic range of newly released tracks, such as David Byrne’s new political single ‘Let Me Sell You A Dream.’
Yvonne Wolfe, a business manager at 88.5 FM, believes that independent radio is a vital part of L.A.’s music scene. “We have a goal of trying to give up-and-coming artists a chance. It’s something that we’ve done all along – just try and help the underdogs.” The SoCal sound is known for its promotion of deep cuts and demos, cultivating a sound reflective of the ever-changing West Coast culture.
“There are so many people out there trying to be heard,” Wolfe says. “It’s important for bands and radio stations to communicate and help each other out.”
Have questions? Get answers.
Scroll to continue reading
Tuning into KCRW 89.9 FM on a Monday morning, it’s clear that a wide range of genres are broadcast from the sunny streets of Santa Monica. Sent through radio waves coming out of the Santa Monica College Center, shows such as ‘Morning Becomes Eclectic’ feature a diverse variety of tracks. From Tame Impala’s Piece of Heaven to Remi Wolf’s newly released Covered In Mud, listeners can enjoy a tasteful genre whiplash that fluctuates alongside the many emotions felt while heading down the 405 Freeway.
KSPC 88.7 FM takes listeners across decades with shows dedicated to different corners of the world. DJ Luna’s Eclectic Underground plays an array of the curator’s favorite picks, giving a taste of their current wavelength. Started by Pomona College students in the late 1950s, KSPC has since spread to the many Claremont colleges. The station is still run by students and features physical-media tracks centered on the personal picks of each music lover.
Dia Hakinna, the Admin Associate for KSPC, states that “nonprofit independent stations are really important because they help students learn about community service. An important facet of independent radio is that we do community service. We’re able to run messages to the surrounding communities about safety, food resources, and houselessness. Often, stations that are making money don’t do that.”
Hakinna speaks about the importance of physical media to KSPC 88.7 FM. “Students learn how to speak in front of audiences because they have radio shows. They’re learning how to use different types of software and hardware. They’re introduced to physical media, which a lot of people are not attached to right now.”
Playing CDs and vinyl is an important part of what makes KSPC run, alongside aid from the community. “It’s really important to support independent stations, because a lot of them are non-profit. They stay running with the help of donors.”
KJAZZ 88.1 is the #1 full-time mainstream jazz radio station in the United States. With a transmitting power ranging from 6,500 to 30,000 watts, KJAZZ brings the beauty and innovation of jazz music across generations of listeners. With an emphasis on live jazz and L.A. County originals, the station focuses on the up-and-coming trailblazers in the genre.
Tune in to archival demos, live sessions, and bebop classics as the station strives to keep jazz alive in the L.A. music scene.
Mega 96.3 FM is an L.A. radio station focused on bringing Latin music to the city built on the genre. Broadcasts are offered in Spanish and English, featuring an array of artists from the L.A. area and beyond. They are available online for digital listeners and feature interviews, sessions, and entertainment news. The website also features podcast-format broadcasts, available in addition to live recordings.
La Musica plays music from stations all over the world, with DJs based in New York, Puerto Rico, Houston, and more. Mega 96.3 FM focuses specifically on the heart and soul of L.A. Latin culture.
All across L.A., independent stations are dedicated to the music of underrepresented artists. DJs feature songs and demos unique to their playlists, sent from the small artists who make the L.A. scene so wonderful.
