Non-profit online radio station on a mission to amplify voices and talents across Devon
A non-profit online radio station called Devonstream provides a platform for a diverse range of new and established voices across the county of Devon. It's on a mission to amplify these voices, and give them the exposure they deserve.
Many artists and organisations have taken the opportunity to find new ways to connect with audiences through the Covid-19 pandemic, with audio exploding in popularity. Devonstream was conceived as a place where the county’s burgeoning pockets of audio activity could come together and build their audiences together.
Since its launch in December 2020 the station has supported dozens of local artists and organisations, sharing both new and archive material. Streaming 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Devonstream has a rolling, ever-evolving playlist including music; writers reading their work; podcast episodes; event recordings; soundscapes from around the county; and more. There is no other county-wide channel with a similar range of locally-sourced content.
Devonstream also has a growing programme of events and workshops to help develop new audio talent. Recent highlights include:
The first Devonstream Sessions event, in association with Music in Devon Initiative (MIDI) and Southernhay House hotel in Exeter, where Exeter-based singer-songwriter Amy Hopwood recorded four beautiful live tracks for Devonstream. These tracks can be heard on Devonstream and on SoundCloud (soundcloud.com/devonstream). Planning is underway for more Devonstream Sessions in the coming months.
Forthcoming activity includes:
The launch of Devonstream’s Audio Academy, in association with the Generator Hub co-working space in Exeter: a training course for people looking to learn how to create radio programmes and podcasts, with experts from the worlds of podcasting and BBC, commercial and community radio. Suitable for beginners or those with some previous experience, participants will learn how to plan, record, edit and distribute their own content. (More information at devon.stream/academy.)
Devonstream co-founder and project manager John Wigzell says:
“By amassing and showcasing such an eclectic range of sounds, music and stories, Devonstream has quickly become the best place to discover and share creative audio from our part of the world. With additional activities like our live Devonstream Sessions and our Audio Academy training course, we hope to continue cultivating the rich community of sound in the county.”
Listeners can find Devonstream online at devon.stream; on various radio apps for smart devices (including Radio Garden; radio.net; myTuner; and SimpleRadio); or by asking an Alexa-enabled smart-speaker to ‘open Devonstream’.
Those creating audio content are encouraged to upload their work through the website at devon.stream.
Individuals and organisations interested in partnering with Devonstream to produce new content or run outreach events are encouraged to contact hello@devon.stream
