The changing relationship between music and radio: Less distribution and more meeting places for artists and listeners.
The changing role of music and radio is one of the major themes at this years Radiodays Europe in RIga. Since the birth of radio 100 years ago – music has always been a central and important characteristic of radio. News, weather, debate, traffic, call ins etc yes – but music has always been at the heart and soul of radio.
This relationship seems however to be changing with the growth of music streaming -platforms like Spotify and Deezer which are now also playing music like radio – and overtaking radio in use, especially amongst younger listeners. Radio is still playing the important music, but are also increasingly relying on its other characteristics like music discovery, live concerts, building fan moments and generally emphasizing the amazing nature of music in all its forms apart from actually playing the music itself.
In the session “Where it begins – BBC Radio 1 breaking new music” we will hear about the amazing role BBC Radio 1 has played for many, many years in breaking new music in the UK. BBC Radio 1’s New music show with Jack Saunders is a guiding light for European radio – the show (and BBC Radio 1 in general) are taking on the task of bringing new music to its listeners, while at the same time playing a crucial role in the nation’s culture – especially with younger listeners.
In the session Radio Reimagined: Collaborating with the Next Generation of Music Creators, we hear from the music industry and artists. How emerging creators are thinking about the future of music and audio. How they are building global audiences through community-first platforms, short-form storytelling, and direct-to-fan strategies – and how radio remains one of the most powerful amplification tools in the ecosystem – when approached with creativity and collaboration between radio, artist and music industry.
The session The Classic Hits comeback – why heritage formats are winning again is exploring how radio can bring new life to familiar music: give loyal listeners an unexpected song or give new listeners a song that is totally new and contemporary.
We hope these sessions and many more on this theme will lead to good discussions and inspire great programming. Music and radio is not a discussion about survival or business as usual – its about reinventing the relationship between music, radio and the listener. Stay tuned to be inspired.
