1/ Song identification apps
2/ Station’s website or app
3/ Online Databases
4/ Lyric search tools
5/ Ask communities
6/ Contact the station

1. Use Song Identification Apps

The fastest way to identify a song is by using an app specifically designed for this purpose. If the song is still playing, you can quickly pull out your phone and let technology do the work. Bear in mind that for this method to work, you need to be quick! Song recognition apps will only help you find radio songs if the tune is still playing, as they analyse the audio to give you results. Here are some of the most popular apps to help you find radio songs:

Shazam

Shazam is a popular app that appeared in 2019. It has since become a go-to tool for identifying songs by using a smartphone or computer’s built-in microphone to analyse a sample of the audio. The app uses an audio fingerprint to identify the song based on it’s vast catalogue of music. It allows you to listen to an audio snippet to ensure that it has correctly identified the music.

Shazam will analyze the audio and provide the song title, artist, and album. Plus, it saves your searches, so you can revisit songs later!

SoundHound

Similarly to Shazam, SoundHog allows you to provide an audio snippet of a song that is currently playing. However, it provides an additional feature: you can hum or sing the melody if the song is no longer playing! This gives you an advantage, as you may not be able to open the app before the music is over.

It’s a great solution if you only remember part of the tune but not the lyrics!

Google Assistant & Siri

Vocal assistants such as Siri and Google Assistant are also capable of helping you find radio songs. Similarly to the previous apps mentioned, you can ask “What is this song?” or “Identify this song” while the track is playing. This is a handy solution if you do not have Shazam or SoundHog already downloaded on your device. It’s also a great hands-free solution if you’re listening to radio in the car for example.

Much like SoundHog, Google Assistant even lets you hum the tune to find a match!

If the song is no longer playing, don’t worry! There are other ways to track it down.

2. Check the Radio Station’s Website or App

Many radio stations have online playlists or widgets that list recently played songs. For this method to work, you’ll need to remember the exact time at which you head the song in order to find it. Here’s how to check:

• Visit the station’s website: Look for a section like “Recently Played” or “Now Playing.”
• Check their app: If your favorite station has an app, they might have a history of played songs.
• Follow their social media: Some stations post song lists on Twitter or Facebook, especially during popular shows.

RadioKing’s radio website service includes a “recently broadcast” widget that allows you to search all songs that have played on that station by date and time!

3. Use Online Databases for Radio Playlists

Did you know that there are several websites that track what’s playing on different radio stations? These databases are perfect if you missed the song title but remember the station! Let’s take a closer look.

TuneFind

TuneFind was originally designed for TV and movie soundtracks, however some radio stations share their playlists here. If you’re lucky enough to track down your favourite station on the website, you can easily find the song that you’re looking for.

Radio Station-Specific Logs

Some stations have logs that show every song played in the last 24-48 hours. You can try searching “[Station Name] playlist” on Google to find it.

4. Use Lyric Search Tools

This method is slightly old-school, but can also prove effective to help you find radio songs! If you have a good memory and are able to retain a snippet of the lyrics, you can use a search engine to find the song:

• Google Search: Type in a few lyrics inside quotation marks (e.g., “I wanna dance with somebody” lyrics).
• Genius.com: A huge database of song lyrics, often with annotations explaining their meaning.
• Lyrics.com: Another searchable lyric database.

Even if you only remember a few words, this method is surprisingly effective.

5. Ask Online Communities

Sometimes, the best way to find a song is to ask other music lovers. There are plenty of online communities dedicated to helping people identify songs.

Reddit – Try r/NameThatSong

• Post whatever details you remember about the song, and fellow users will try to help you out.
• You can even upload a clip of you humming the tune to give people as much detail as possible and increase the probability of someone recognizing the song!

WatZatSong

• A community specifically for identifying songs based on user descriptions.

6. Call or Message the Radio Station

Ask and thou shalt receive! If all of the above methods fail to provide you with an answer, your best bet is to contact the radio station directly. Many stations have phone lines for song requests, allowing you to call and ask what was played at a certain time. You can also send them an email or contact them on social media with as much detail as possible (time and date of the broadcast). 

Many stations will be happy to get back to their loyal listeners and will probably even thank you for tuning in!

7. Save Future Songs Easily

To avoid going through the search process every time you hear a song you like:

• Use music recognition apps regularly.
• Keep a playlist of songs you discover.
• Follow radio stations’ social media or website for updates.
• Use apps like Spotify or Apple Music, which generate playlists based on your tastes.

Frequently asked questions

Finding a song played on the radio doesn’t have to be a frustrating mystery. With the right tools (whether it’s an app, a search engine, or even a simple call to the station), you can easily track down that tune. Next time you hear a song you love, don’t panic. Just use one of these tricks, and you’ll have the title in no time!

Cet article How to find songs played on the radio? est apparu en premier sur RadioKing Blog.

1/ On the radio – Donna Summer (1979)

This song is about somebody pining for a lost love with hopes of reconnecting by broadcasting their feelings on the radio. They put their hopes into the fact that the song being played on the radio will let the person know their true feelings. This record was a milestone for Donna, making it her tenth Top 10 hit in the USA and also her 8th consecutive Top 5 entry.

Fun fact: It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, but lost to Bette Midler’s “The Rose.”

2/ Video Killed The Radio Star – The Buggles (1980)

Arguably one of the most popular songs about radio, it reflects on the fact that technology was on the verge of changing everything. This is why lead singer Trevor Horn’s voice is robotic, and the all instruments were processed to give the tune a computerized feel. In his book ‘I want my MTV’ Trevor said: “Video recorders had just come along, which changed people’s lives. It felt like radio was the past and video was the future.”

Fun fact: It was the first video to air on MTV.

3/ Do You Remember Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio? – Ramones (1980)

This song forecast the downfall of rock music, whilst celebrating the iconic era of the genre from the 50s-70s that influenced the band. There are various references throughout the lyrics to various DJs and musicians.

Fun fact: The opening line of the song “Come on, let’s rock and roll with the Ramones” is Sean Donahue, a DJ who worked at radio stations in San Francisco (KSAN) and San Jose (KOME, KSJP).

4/ The spirit of radio – Rush (1980)

Neil Peart, Rush drummer and lyricist, explained this song in an interview with Billboard magazine by saying: “It was actually written as a tribute to all that was good about radio, celebrating my appreciation of magical moments I’d had since childhood, of hearing ‘the right song at the right time.”

Fun fact: Just before the song goes back to the main riff, there is a sound that is supposed to imitate the turning of a radio dial. When using analog dials to switch between stations, there’s a brief moment where you can catch multiple radios at once.

5/ This Is Radio Clash – The Clash (1981)

Originally, the idea for this song came from a conversation between singer Joe Strummer, and manager Bernie Rhodes, about setting up a radio station for the band. The lyrics evoke the rebellious nature of Pirate Radio broadcasting, and even begins with a statement announcing the interruption of all programs.

Fun fact: the song was featured in season 2, episode 4 of Stranger Things.

6/ Around The Dial – The Kinks (1981)

This tune tells the tale of a frantic listener going through stations around the radio dial in order to find his favorite DJ. This DJ was taken off the air, as he didn’t necessarily stick to trends and play what the labels told him to. He simply wanted to play music that the people wanted to hear! The protagonist of the story is determined to find this DJ so that he can enjoy listening to the radio again.

Fun fact: At the beginning of the song, you can hear an actual radio being tuned at the start off the track – no electric guitar used to imitate the sound!

7/ Radio Ga Ga – Queen (1984)

This iconic anthem expresses both a critique of radio stations becoming overly commercialized by always playing the same songs, as well as an undying love for the medium as it was slowly overtaken by TV. Roger Taylor wrote it after realizing that many kids where choosing to tune into MTV over the radio.

Fun fact: Whilst filming the music clip, the extras got the clapping sequence right on the first try although they had never heard the song before, whereas it took multiple takes for the members of Queen to get it right.

8/ I Can’t Live Without My Radio – LL Cool J (1985)

This is essentially a love song about LL Cool J’s beloved JVC boom box. It was released at a time where boom boxes had almost become an accessory, with people carrying them around on their shoulders, blasting tunes from the radio or cassettes for the whole neighbourhood to hear.

Fun fact: LL Cool J’s radio liked to blast various radio stations such as WBLS (notably when Rap Attack was on), as well as the New York University station WNYU. 

9/ The last DJ – Tom Petty and the heartbreakers (2002)

Another hit that speaks of people, like you and me, who love music and are saddened by the loss of their favorite DJ. At first glance, the lyrics talk about corporate radios taking away freedom from DJs who just want to broadcast good music. However, when you look deeper, you can see that radio is a metaphor for society’s loss of a moral compass.

Fun fact: Unsurprisingly, the song got very little airplay, which in a way proved Petty’s point.

10/ Radio – Robbie Williams (2004)

Robbie Williams is essentially talking about an entertainer going mad in this popular hit from the early 2000s. In the chorus, radio is referred to as a source of familiarity and confort: “Listen to the radio, and you will hear the songs you know.”

Fun fact: it was written for Williams’ Greatest Hits album, which was the best selling album of 2004 in the UK.

Obviously there are many more songs about radio out there, these are just a few that we love here at RadioKing! What are some of your favorite songs about radio?

Cet article 10 great songs about radio est apparu en premier sur RadioKing Blog.

1/ Streaming platforms

2/ Use Shazam to discover new music

3/ Audio distribution platforms

4/ Interactive Music-Map

5/ Blogs and specialised websites

6/ The musical time machine

7/ Discover new music with Groover

• you discover music in line with your editorial line
• you contribute to the discovery of emerging artists – and who knows what future music stars are hiding in there!
• you get paid for listening and responding to music proposals.

Get 10% off your next Groover campaign with the code RADIOKING10

There you have it, you now have all the keys to discover new music for your media library! Don’t have an Internet radio station yet? Why not try our free 14 day demo?

Cet article How to discover new music or artists? est apparu en premier sur RadioKing Blog.

1/ Terry Gross

Terry Gross is unanimously one of the best in radio broadcasting. If there’s one person who truly masters long-form audio interviews, it’s her, with her NPR radio show “Fresh Air.” Terry Gross has been doing her job for many decades, and her dedication to quality journalism never diminished. She has earned numerous awards, including several Peabody Awards. Former U.S. President Barack Obama even honored her with the National Humanities Medal in 2015. With an impressive roster of guests, including Paul McCartney, Dolly Parton, Meryl Streep, and Denzel Washington, it’s no wonder Terry Gross manages to gather more than 5 million weekly listeners. Her skills in conducting insightful and in-depth interviews have set a benchmark in the radio industry. You can catch ‘Fresh Air’ every day online on NPR.org.

2/ Ira Glass

“Little Movies for Radio” is the best way to describe what Ira Glass created with “This American Life” in 1995. Starting as an intern at NPR, Ira’s journey to becoming a leading personality in narrative journalism is nothing short of inspiring. His innovative approach to storytelling, blending journalism with personal narratives, has earned him numerous awards, including several Peabody Awards and the very first Pulitzer Prize awarded to a radio show or podcast. Over time, Ira has honed his skills, refining his ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with his audience that includes more than 4 million weekly listeners. His show has become a beacon for those seeking engaging and thought-provoking content. You can listen to “This American Life” on weekends on NPR in the USA, on CBC in Canada, or on Radio National in Australia.

3/ Stuart McLean

When discussing storytelling in radio, Stuart McLean’s name inevitably comes up. His radio show, “The Vinyl Cafe,” captured the hearts of listeners across the globe. Even though his show is no longer on the air, the impact of his storytelling continues to resonate with listeners. More than a million weekly listeners followed the journey of Dave, McLean’s fictional character, whose daily adventures took place in a record store, allowing for pleasant musical interludes. McLean’s ability to weave humor, warmth, and relatability into his storytelling made “The Vinyl Cafe” a beloved show for many. His career in radio spanned decades, and his legacy as a master storyteller lives on.

4/ Delilah

Delilah’s passion for music began at the age of 14 when she started DJ’ing. In the 1990s, she decided to share her passion by creating her own eponymous radio show, where she broadcasts love songs and dedications. Her comforting presence and heartfelt conversations now resonates with over 8 million listeners each week. Delilah’s ability to connect with her audience on a personal level, sharing stories and dedications that touch the heart, has made her show a favorite for many seeking comfort and connection through music. Over the years, she perfected her skills as a radio personality, creating a safe and welcoming space for her community to share their stories and express their emotions. You can still find her night-show online and on several stations across the USA. A great radio show to listen to with your family!

5/ Tom Joyner

The “Tom Joyner Morning Show” was the first nationally syndicated radio program hosted by Tom Joyner, known for its mix of urban music, comedy, and commentary. Broadcasting for over two decades, the show targeted African-American audiences and hosted celebrity interviews, news updates, and community-focused content. Tom Joyner, aka “The Fly Jock,” was a pioneering figure in urban radio, and his show became a cultural institution by addressing social issues. His impact on the industry is undeniable. Even if you can’t find this show on any radio station anymore, it was known for its energy, engaging banter, and commitment to both uplifting and best providing education to its community.

6/ Casey Kasem

Casey Kasem created one of the radio shows that will be the most listen to in 1970: “American Top 40”. This syndicated radio countdown program showcases the week’s top 40 most popular songs in the United States, based on music charts such as the famous Billboard Hot 100. The show features a mix of chart-topping hits, personalities interviews, and music industry news. Over the years, various hosts, including american personality Ryan Seacrest, have taken on the role of presenting the countdown. “American Top 40” has become a widely recognized and influential platform for music enthusiasts, offering listeners a weekly snapshot of the country’s music trends and chart standings. It has remained a favorite destination for music lovers for years, cementing its place in radio history.

7/ Mary Louise Kelly

If there is a show that provides insightful analysis of important issues, “All Things Considered” has the best place. The radio show is a renowned news program broadcast on NPR (National Public Radio) launched in 1971 in the USA. With her engaging style and rigorous reporting, Mary Louise Kelly has become a trusted voice of the program for more than 20 million listeners, covering a wide range of topics from politics and economics to culture and science. Her expertise and dedication to journalism have earned her widespread recognition and respect in the media industry. Over the years and her different reporting jobs, Kelly has honed her skills as a radio personality, delivering news, education and analysis that informs and enlightens her audience. You can follow worldwide news with Mary Louise Kelly and other specialized hosts on “All Things Considered” on NPR.

8/ Robin Quivers

Robin Quivers, best known as the longtime co-host and one of the news personalities on “The Howard Stern Show,” has also made a significant impact on the world of radio. Her intelligent commentary, wit, and engaging on-air presence have been instrumental in the show’s success and popularity. Beyond her role on “The Howard Stern Show,” Quivers has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including raising awareness about endometrial cancer. Her career in radio has spanned years, and her contributions to the industry are recognized and celebrated by listeners and peers alike.

9/ Diane Rehm

Diane Rehm is a respected radio host known for her long-running talk show, “The Diane Rehm Show,” which aired on NPR for over three decades. Known for her thoughtful interviews and discussions on a wide range of topics, Rehm’s radio show became a platform for meaningful dialogue and debate. Since retiring from her job at NPR’s station, Rehm has remained active in the media world, hosting a weekly podcast and continuing to engage with audiences on important issues. Her career in radio has spanned years, and her dedication to fostering informed discussions has left a lasting impact on the industry.

10/ Bob Edwards

Bob Edwards is a veteran radio personality known for his work on NPR, where he hosted the popular morning news program “Morning Edition” for many years. Edwards’ calm, authoritative delivery and insightful interviews made him a trusted voice for millions of listeners. In addition to his work on “Morning Edition,” Edwards has authored several books and continues to be involved in various media projects, showcasing his influence and contribution to the world of radio broadcasting.

Bonus/ Dan Patrick

Dan Patrick stands as one of the best in the world of sports broadcasting. As the esteemed host of his self-titled show, Patrick navigates the landscape of sports with finesse and expertise. His job isn’t just about discussing scores or stats; it’s an art form that requires precision, insight, and passion. Dan Patrick brings to life the stories behind the games, providing listeners with a unique perspective on the sports they love. His meticulous approach to his work sets him apart, ensuring that every show is both informative and engaging. With Patrick at the helm, sports enthusiasts are treated to a blend of in-depth analysis, compelling interviews, and the unmatched energy that only a seasoned host can deliver.

We hope that you will take time to listen to some of these amazing shows if you did not already know them all! From heartwarming dedications to groundbreaking stories or even epic sports moments, it’s clear that radio is more than just a medium—it’s a companion, a storyteller, and a journey in itself. You too can, from home, follow in the footsteps of these radio personalities thanks to RadioKing! You don’t need any station, you can create your own talk radio show or night music program for free for 14 days.

Cet article 10 best radio personalities of all time est apparu en premier sur RadioKing Blog.

For a long drive (with or without kids)

For wild blindtests

To admire the sunsets

For well-deserved siestas

We hope you’ve enjoyed this selection and we look forward to your recommendations!

Want to create your own radio station? Start your free 14-day trial with RadioKing today!

Cet article The summer radio selection est apparu en premier sur RadioKing Blog.

1. lowercase
2. Kawaiicore
3. Folktronica
4. Pirate Metal
5. Witch House
6. Math Rock
7. Vaporwave
8. Spytrack
9. Black MIDI
10. Cloud Rap

1. lowercase

Thought to have been inadvertently created by Steve Roden with his album “Forms of paper” where he recorded himself handling paper in various ways. He has described the genre as “…the opposite of capital letters—loud things which draw attention to themselves.”

Digital magnification is used to intensify micro-sounds to create new auditory experiences. By using amplified contact microphones, sounds such as underground ant colony chambers, snow falling and even plants are captured and rendered accessible to the human ear.

2. Kawaiicore

This music genre (also known as cute metal, or kawaii metal) can be recognized by its blend of heavy metal and J-pop elements. You will typically find a combination of instrumentation found in various types of heavy metal music, mixed with J-pop melodies as well as a Japanese idol aesthetic.

When it comes to lyrical topics for Kawaiicore, they are much less hostile than those of other heavy metal genres and include cute, loveable and kid-like themes. The success of this music genre is often credited to the Japanese girl group Babymetal.

3. Folktronica

Folktronica is considered a hybrid music genre. It simultaneously blends acoustic instruments found in folk music and some types of indie rock with the drum machines and synthesizers of electronic music. Three key elements make up the Folktronica music genre:

• Electronic rhythm components
• Traditional folk instruments playing harmonies
• A wide array of vocalists

The English group Ultramarine released their album Every Man and Woman Is a Star in 1991, which became a kind of role model for the movement. 

4. Pirate Metal

As the name indicates, Pirate metal is a style of heavy metal music. The genre is mainly characterized by the incorporation of pirate mythology within the music itself, and lyrics often include piratical jargon. You’ll hear a combination of multiple music genres, such as thrash metal, speed metal, and folk metal, as well as traditional-sounding songs like sea shanties. During live concerts, you’ll often find that band members dress up in period costume (as do their fans!)

The most popular band of the pirate metal genre is Alestorm. The Scottish group’s fourth album Sunset on the Golden Age reached Number 1 on the UK Rock Chart, which is a huge accomplishment for such a niche genre.

5. Witch House

Known for its dark, occult themes, Witch House is generally accompanied by eerie, horror influenced aesthetics. The musical style itself is heavily influenced by chopped and screwed hip hop, as well as industrial music, ethereal wave and dream pop. It also incorporates a mix of synths, drum machines, obscure samples, droning repetition, and vocals that are heavily altered.

Emerging in the late 2000’s and early 2010’s, the genre was heavily influenced by paranormal films and series such as The Blair Witch Project, Twin Peaks, Charmed, as well as various horror and terror themed pop culture references.

6. Math Rock

Math rock is a music genre that is characterized by complex, atypical rhythmic structures. Odd time signatures such as 5/4, 7/8, 11/8 or 13/8 are also used (as opposed to a traditional 4/4 meter.) Whilst drums have a great role in Math Rock when it comes to creating complex rhythms, guitars are used to build on them with loop pedals and tapping techniques. Vocals are seen as another instrument in the mix, and lyrics are not the main focus for this music genre.

7. Vaporwave

Vaporwave is a microgenre of electronic music and visual art style that emerged in the early 2010s. It’s another one of those music genres that is defined partly by its slowed-down, chopped and screwed samples. It combines a number of genres such as smooth jazz, elevator, R&B, and lounge music from the 1980s and 1990s.

The genre is associated with an having an ironic take on consumer capitalism and techno-culture. It’s also said to be one of the rare music genres that privileges the visual form over the music itself.

8. Spytrack

This music genre is exactly what you think it is: music that sounds like it should be part of a spy movie soundtrack. The genre emerged between the 60s-70s and mixes jazz and orchestral elements to create a sense of mystery and intrigue. Often characterized by its use of percussion, brass and strings, it can also include electronic instruments like synthesizers.

9. Black MIDI

This music genre consists of MIDI piano compositions that are so dense that they would appear completely black if scored on sheet paper from the amount of notes. It is said that black MIDI was intended as more of a remix style than an actual genre, as compositions are typically covers or remixes of original songs (usually video game music.)

10. Cloud Rap

Cloud rap is a form of Hip Hop characterized by a distinct form of production that emphasises relaxed, ethereal, dream-like, and reverb-heavy sounds. The genre often involves detailed electronic production compared to earlier hip hop production styles.

The style was popularized through rappers such as Lil B, Soulja Boy, and A$AP Rocky, and the cloud rap reach extended, especially through online platforms.

We hope that you found this article interesting, and that you discovered some new music genres that you can share with the listeners of your radio station for World Music Day!

Cet article 10 music genres you didn’t know existed est apparu en premier sur RadioKing Blog.

Is it too early to broadcast Christmas music on your radio station?

Some will tell you that it’s never too early to start playing Christmas music, while others will disagree. Whether Mariah Carey fans like it or not, Christmas music is linked to a specific period from which it should not deviate, especially on the radio!

In the United States, it’s customary to wait until Thanksgiving to bring the holiday spirit to the airwaves. In Europe, although most stores immerse themselves in Christmas decorations the day after Halloween, the first day of December seems to be the reference to which many radio stations adhere. We therefore recommend that you wait at least until November 25th before importing Dean Martin, Maria Carey, Bing Crosby or Michael Bublé into your music library!

Why is it important to broadcast Christmas music on your radio?

Radio stations and major media play an essential role during this part of the year. They are responsible for creating and sharing the magic of the holiday season. They are, in a way, the Christmas countdown that we like to listen to with family and friends (even for the Mr Grinchs of the world).

If you don’t follow this trend on your radio, you risk losing listeners who will look for an alternative station more suited to the season. If, on the other hand, you think that your listeners will not be receptive to this particular season, you can also choose to temporarily open a new radio station dedicated to the festive season! You can integrate this temporary radio into the multi-stream player of your Radio Website or as a secondary stream in your Mobile Application.

Having trouble imagining how to transform your radio for the holidays? Don’t worry, this article should be helpful!

What music to play on your radio for Christmas?

This will mainly depend on the tone of your radio. For example, a rock radio station could seek out rock versions of the great Christmas classics so as not to destabilize its listeners. However, there are some must-haves that you can broadcast on your radio to bring the Christmas spirit, such as:

• Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow ! – Dean Martin
• Holly Jolly Christmas – Michael Bublé
• I wish it could be Christmas everyday – Wizzard
• All I want for Christmas is you – Mariah Carey
• Last Christmas by Wham!
• It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas – Bing Crosby
• I wish you a Merry Christmas – Bing Crosby
• Sleigh Ride – The Carpenters
• One Wish – Whitney Houston

If you’re looking for inspiration, check out this list of the 93 best Christmas songs ever!

Are there any radio stations that only play Christmas music?

Yes, whether temporary or annual, many radio stations are created at this time of year to bring joy and good cheer. One example is RADIO NOEL, which offers a unique blend of Christmas spirit from October 1st to January 31st.

Don’t have a radio station yet?  Why not take advantage of this time of year to start your own Internet radio by clicking on the button below.

Cet article When to start playing Christmas music on your radio? est apparu en premier sur RadioKing Blog.

So what are you waiting for! Put on the kettle and head over to the Radio Manager, it’s time to create that merry playlist for your loyal listeners. 

We hope that our Christmas playlist will help inspire your festive broadcast!
Wishing a very merry Christmas to you and your listeners.

Cet article The Christmas Playlist: as good as candied chestnuts est apparu en premier sur RadioKing Blog.

Whether your listeners are commuting to school/work or working from home during this global pandemic, get them in the right mood thanks to your radio station!

Hot releases from 2020:

Cet article Back to School Playlist 2020 est apparu en premier sur RadioKing Blog.

Cet article Love is in the air: Valentine’s Day Playlist 2020 est apparu en premier sur RadioKing Blog.