Radio Stations on the Internet
For radio lovers, the future is digital. Internet radio stations have much more flexibility than their terrestrial counterparts in determining their playlists and exploring musical genres. There are Internet radio shows that cater to just about every music taste or interest, playing artists you'd struggle to find on your other radio dial.
Online Radio Stations
Since just about anyone with a computer connection can start an Internet radio station, there are thousands out there. However, despite the competition, there are still some stations that rise to the top in terms of popularity and content. If you want to explore Internet radio, these stations are great places to start:
Live 365
Thousands of online radio stations fly their flags under the Live 365 banner. The shows featured here are from a mix of professional and amateur DJs. They run the gamut from genre specific shows to shows built around a specific artist or time in music history. If you've got a niche music leaning, you're sure to find something here that caters just to you.
You can listen to Live 365 by going to their website, browsing their show selection and simply clicking "play." You can also take Live 365 to go on your iPhone with their app, which is downloadable from their website.
Pandora
When it comes right down to it, who really needs a DJ? You know what you like, and you know what you want to hear. That is where Pandora comes in. This is Internet radio created by you. You start by telling Pandora one of your favorite artists, and they build you your very own station, chock full of that artist and more like them. The idea is that you get to hear the music you want plus discover new music in the same vein. If your indie rock mood suddenly changes to a hankering for reggae, simply plug in a new artist and start again.
You can stream Pandora directly from their website. You can register with Pandora for a free account that allows you to access your radio stations from other computers and on your mobile device.
AOL Radio
AOL Radio works like Live 365 but on a smaller scale. There are just over 300 stations available on AOL Radio, and they are broken down by genre. The stations are hosted by pro DJs and often feature exclusive tracks and even interviews with artists.
You can listen to AOL Radio on their website or on your iPhone by downloading their app.
Jango
Jango follows the Pandora model but gives you even more flexibility with building your playlist. Plug in a list of artists and songs you want to hear, and Jango will create your radio station that plays only those songs. The site will also suggest new artists based on your listening habits, so you keep the chance to discover new music as well.
In addition to the Jango website, you can take Jango to go on an iPhone or Android.
SHOUTcast
Though owned by AOL Radio, SHOUTcast is a much more indie radio experience. Stations here are separated by genre, but expect to find things you won't find on the more mainstream AOL Radio shows, like drum and bass, German electronica and much more. If you fancy yourself something of a DJ, you can also create your own shows to share with people using SHOUTcast.
Listen online using Winamp via their website or take it to go on an Android device.
Radio Tower
Radio Tower isn't an Internet radio station itself but rather an aggregator of all of those smaller net-based stations out there. Use the Radio Tower website to search over 6,000 online stations. You can refine your search by genre or simply check out which stations are most popular.
After you locate your station on the Radio Tower website, you will stream your station from the new site.
Your Own Internet Radio Station
Can't find the perfect station for you, or just want to share your musical prowess with the world? Let LoveToKnow Music show you how to set up your own Internet radio station.
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