Let a Human Pick Your Music

Radio Show Recs to break away from the algorithm

me behind a microphone - photo by Joi

*updated on March 26th, 2026

Hey Rock n' Roll Wonderland friend!

When preparing for my radio show, Electric Radio Club, the question I get asked often is, how do you find new music?

It usually, almost always, starts with the radio. That and reading.

Most might think that I get new record releases sent to me. Not yet at least.

The radio is always playing in my home and while at work.

I picked up this habit from my grandparents who had radios placed in every corner of their home…..even in the bathroom! No joke. No matter where you were, the radio was on.

From the crooning of Patsy Cline before we sat down for lunch to the cosmically calming voice of the radio deejay, Delilah, in the distant speaker announcing the next track as I drift off to sleep, it is clear that my grandparents’ love for music set the foundation for my appreciation of music.

corners of an antique store - photo by Joi

If you ask me, there is no better feeling than when a spellbinding song comes on the radio.

Ya know, that song.

The song that makes you want to stop all conversations, turn up the volume and take the long way home while getting lost in the lyrics.

What other art form makes you want to do that?

While I still rely on music streaming to curate and organize my playlists, I’m almost always listening to the radio over my personal music collection.

Finding a good radio show is a lot like finding a good hairstylist……or therapist. There’s got to be good energy within the airwaves to keep coming back.

I remember coming across this note by Chessa about music podcasts. I thought, well not only do I host a radio show, I know several other great ones!

After reading olivia rafferty’s post about ways to listen to music without Spotify, I decided it was a sign to create my radio show recommendation list.

But first, some business…

You can stream the archives of my radio show, Electric Radio Club, and get notified of new episodes right your email.

My radio show is free to listen and is Ad-Free. Would love to have your support by giving me a follow and supporting my independently produced radio show.

Okay, now for the radio recommendations

Little Steven’s Underground Garage

This radio show would be fitting for The Enchantment Under The Sea Dance held in the present day.

Created by, yep, Steven Van Zandt of the E Street Band, Little Steven’s Underground Garage mixes the unlikeliest of tracks that make you feel like hanging out in a cool rock n’ roll club.

He fuses tracks in punk, alternative, soul, garage and pop and samples of vintage commercials.

Who would’ve thought The Miracles blend so well with The Ramones?

If you have SiriusXM, you can listen to the latest episodes there….it’s got a whole channel dedicated to the show. Otherwise, listen to the archives on their website.

Pulsebeat

For a little more grit and punk….Pulsebeat is your show.

UK-based host Wayne Elliott curates these playlists so well. It’s got a perfect mix of new alternative releases, punk and some great garage vintage tracks.

Listen to Pulsebeat episodes on Mixcloud.

Rock n’ Rebel Radio

Okay. This is not necessarily a radio show. It’s a great playlist curated by DJ Raven-Lunachick in which she refers to her show as Rock n’ Rebel Radio on Mixcloud. Raven-Lunachick plays a mix of post-punk, new wave, garage rock and oldies thrown in with nostalgic samples of movie lines.

There’s no talking. It’s just an infinite mixtape. A fun listen!

Radio France

Radio France has ten different shows ranging from jazz, metal, world, electro, all on one station. It’s the spice rack of radio stations.

My favorites are the pop and rock shows but don’t be fooled, the pop and rock shows are very indie, alternative mixed with an eclectic mix of retro tracks.

One minute you’re listening to Nancy Sinatra and Dire Straits then suddenly there’s a LIVE Velvet Underground track and then the next thing you realize you just discovered a new indie rock band that you never heard of whose last album came out ten years ago. Also, there will be French songs aplenty.

Radio France is an array of genres with no deejays talking about records and no commercials with some specialty shows, all in French mind you.

Screenshot of what I listened to on RadioFrance while writing this newsletter

Mountain Stage

This is the folk, alternative country and blues version of MTV Unplugged and VH1 Storytellers.

Mountain Stage is a weekly LIVE concert featuring alternative country, folk and blues musicians with some discussion during the set.

I love the rawness of the performances mixed with a live audience. Perfect for Sunday morning while drinking coffee and couch lounging.

The Mountain Stage is broadcast through NPR so you’ll have to check which of your local stations carries it.

Or you can listen to the archives on NPR.

Box of Visions

Box of Visions is cinematic.

It’s a soundtrack to a movie that doesn’t exist.

Radio DJ, Mark Duggan, should add the role of a music supervisor to his resume as he has a true gift of music curation.

Box of Visions is a mix of new songs and deep cuts of retro tracks. I discover new songs of all genres on his show.

Radio Hitch

Speaking of badass women deejays, you may have caught my episode of Electric Radio Club with DJ Trudy G from Radio Hitch as we discussed the Soundtrack of her life.

Broadcasting from Ill-i-noise, DJ Trudy brings her quirky commentary and music trivia knowledge with cross-genre playlists. I always learn some new music history from Radio Hitch

Every Monday night from 5pm - 7pm Central Time on www.em-radio.com or listen to the archives on Mixcloud.

In The Groove

This was not on my original list but I had to add thanks to fellow Substacker, Bree Stilwell who suggested the station, In The Groove based in Detroit. Love it when folks share music recommendations.

I gotta say, I love classic rhythm and blues and this show has a perfect blend of Motown, neo-soul and groove. This is a new favorite!

The Bridge

I have friends in Kansas City and whenever I visit, the radio station, The Bridge is usually playing in the car. Without fail, I always say, “Damn this station is so good! I wish there was a station like this back home.”

It plays the latest indie and alternative releases mixed with unexpected retro tracks and familiar favorites.

The Current

The Current is another great Midwest station based in Minneapolis and is very similar to The Bridge, playing the newest indie and alternative releases and of course you’re bound to hear classics from artists like Prince to The Replacements who put Minneapolis on the music map.

NTS

Variety is the spice of life on the NTS channel! Live DJ Performances to pre-recorded playlists, there is truly something for everyone here.

Their station motto says it all, Don’t Assume.

You’ll never know what you’ll stumble upon on this station including some well-known actors and musicians who take their turn behind the decks!

If you love digging records, then you’ll love digging for playlists created by some great music enthusiasts.

Boogaloo Radio

Live from a London Pub!

I need my sound machine to have “Noises from a Bar in the Daytime”. Clicking of glasses, distant chatter and random chuckles from a guy in the background who could be awarded for the Best Laugh.

That’s what you’ll hear between DJ sets on Boogaloo Radio.

I recently discovered this radio station with so much music history on the Mixcloud blog. BBC Radio 1 producer and broadcaster, Jenn Crothers who co-founded Boogaloo Radio in 2018 that takes place in a London pub. And it’s still going strong!

Boogaloo Radio is the world’s 1st radio station that broadcasts 24/7 from a pub.

What once was a pub called Filthy MacNasty’s was a hub for many music and creative folks. Both well-known musicians and actors would hang with the locals and sometimes perform random gigs in the bar from musicians like Chrissie Hynde to Wolf Alice to Shane MacGowan of The Pogues. The closing of Filthy’s led to the opening of The Boogaloo. And quickly redeveloped its reputation in the music scene with the rise of online radio, The Boogaloo invited anyone and everyone to play their favorite tunes.

It’s a new fav of mine.

Songs That Saved Your Life

If you are a music history nerd like me, then you will love Songs That Saved Your Life! Radio friend, Jami Smith, explores the queer history of rock n’ roll while intertwining an amazing playlist that coincides with music storytelling. Songs That Saved Your Life airs on Radio Kingston.

889 Radio Milwaukee

Recommended by fellow music DJ, this station offers an eclectic mix of upcoming indie alternative with retro tracks.

Modern Jetset

I connected with DJ Iris about her INTERNATIONALLY syndicated radio show, Modern Jetset. Iris has won radio awards for best Radio DJ. Modern Jetset is a wonderful blend of indie and alternative music and music history. Come fly the friendly airwave skies with DJ Iris!

MVY Radio

Suggested by one of my listeners, this Cape Cod station is ample for folk and americana vibes. From Mavis Staples to Wilco to Lord Huron to Dylan to Rickie Lee Jones, ultimate chill vibes for an afternoon drive or Sunday loafing.

KEXP

An all-time fav and loved by so many!

Broadcasting from Seattle and San Francisco, KEXP is an international music community and highlighting music of all genres all around the world.

I’m a sucker for their studio performances featuring upcoming artists and could watch the KEXP YouTube channel all day.

KEXP is also responsible for establishing International Clash Day in honor of the band The Clash. I, (my radio show) participated in the radio holiday in February 2026.

International Clash Day

Rock The Bells

I know I’ve mentioned this many times but I grew up in the nineties. And while I am not a Rap or Hip Hop connoisseur, it’s a decade I keep going back to when it comes to rap music.

I’m old skool! What can I say!

Recently, I did a trail run of SiriusXM and all I’ve been listening to is Rock The Bells.

It plays a great mix of nostalgia rap gems from the 80s and 90s to the popular tunes from the early 2000s.

Available on SiriusXM

Music writer, Kevin Alexander, from On Repeat Records sends over these station suggestions in the Wisconsin Area along with some other great radio resources. On Repeat Records is a great community for music nerds to talk about albums and share new music discoveries. So when a fellow music writer friend tells me about some solid stations, I didn’t hesitate to add these.

WSUM-UW -Red Planet on Sundays 12-2 CST

WSUM-UW is based out of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

KPSU

KPSU Portland College Radio Station

Campus.FM

For new radio station discovery in the college radio scene, check out Campus.FM

WVMO

WVMO is based out of Monona, Wisconsin and station’s website domain is MyMonona.com. I love it already!

Do you have a favorite radio show or station that you listen to regularly? Tell me in the comments. I’d love to know!

Speaking of radio shows, don’t forget to check my DIY radio program, Electric Radio Club for creative commentary and a stellar song selection.

Listen to Electric Radio Club.

In the words of Elvis Costello, You better listen to the radio.

Stay inspired rock n’ roll friend,

Joi