Where global sounds collide, breaking barriers and redefining music discovery beyond the algorithmic playlist.
By Ellis C. Vesper
Nov 18, 2024
It’s 3 a.m., and the airwaves are alive. Somewhere, in some corner of the planet, someone’s tuning into NTS Radio, getting lost in a mish mash of Ambient Americana, 80’s French & Belgian Disco Pop, Detroit techno, or some experimental blend of sounds you’d never find on a Spotify algorithmic playlist, no matter how much AI. NTS is a veritable wormhole that zaps through borders, languages, and commercial bullshit to land directly in the ears of us curious weirdos who can really do normal.
I stumbled upon NTS the way most people do, which is by accident. A buddy of mine passed me a link, claiming it would “change how I listen to music” The app was nothing flashy, just a black-and-white interface offering a dizzying array of shows hosted by DJs, collectors, and audio obsessives from every corner of the globe. Within minutes, I was deep in a set of Saharan blues and German industrial, genres that had no business coexisting except in the chaotic beauty of NTS’s universe. I was hooked, I have to say the Ambient Americana has become one of my go-to’s for concentration.
To understand NTS Radio is to understand what’s missing from the music world today: soul. Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music serve up sterile, bite-sized tunes tailored for your morning commute or your LuluLemon gym session. They flatten discovery into a formula, prioritizing "replayability" over raw authenticity, plus, people can pay to be featured on top playlists. Not really the drivers you want curating your music. NTS, by contrast, is messy, unpredictable, and deeply human. It’s the anti-algorithm, a chaotic archive of sounds that reflect the beautiful absurdity and scale of music around the world.
But how does a digital platform run out of a small London studio manage to reshape global music discovery? To find out, I immersed myself in the NTS universe, speaking to listeners and DJs. What I found wasn’t just a music service but a full-blown movement.
The NTS Origin Story
NTS Radio started in 2011, broadcasting from a small room in Dalston, East London. The initial setup was modest, featuring basic equipment and a DIY ethos. Early broadcasts were characterized by a diverse range of music, reflecting the station's commitment to showcasing underrepresented genres and artists. The station’s founder, Femi Adeyemi, was inspired by his love for pirate radio and the creative community around London nightclub Plastic People. This inspiration led to the creation of a platform that prioritized eclectic programming and community engagement.
It all started with an ethos of “Don’t Assume”—a rejection of what traditional radio thought listeners wanted. The earliest shows were raw, intimate, and surprising. DJs brought crates of vinyl, unreleased demos, or obscure recordings from far-flung corners of the world. From day one, NTS was about tearing down walls, not building stupid playlists.
A Global Frequency
Fast forward to today, and NTS is no longer just a London phenomenon. With studios in Los Angeles, Manchester, and Tokyo, and DJs streaming from Lagos to Berlin, it’s become truly global. But not in the corporate sense. There are no boardroom execs plotting market domination—just a loose network of music obsessives who give a damn about playing good shit.
The NTS app, launched in 2020, has become a crucial part of this expansion. It’s not just a portal for live shows but a treasure chest of archived mixes. Think of it as a musical library, where you can wander aimlessly and always stumble on something that rewires your brain. Unlike Spotify’s seemingly infinite robotic suggestions tuned to “you”, the NTS app feels like a mixtape your friend’s cool older brother made, and you snuck into his room to steal, and this older brother, has access to the deepest corners of SoundCloud, forgotten record shops, and obscure scenes you’ve never heard of.
“have you heard of You-Mex? Mexican Ranchera songs, sung in Croatian and Serbian” said Miguel, a listener I met at a bar in Mexico City. “Through NTS, I discovered that in post-war Yugoslavia, and due to restrictions on the import of Soviet and American films, Mexican movies and music became popular”
Shows That Resonate
Among NTS’s eclectic programming, some shows stand out as staples of its ethos. For instance, Do!! You!!!, hosted by Charlie Bones, has become a cult favorite. Known for its eclectic music selection and engaging interviews, the show offers listeners a dynamic and unpredictable ride.
What these shows prove, though, is the platform’s commitment to fostering creativity and originality. Each show feels like its own universe, a reflection of its host’s personality and passions.
Breaking Down Barriers
One of NTS’s secret weapons is its programming. Unlike traditional radio, there’s no prime-time pandering. Instead, shows often thrive on breaking the mold. Hosts blend genres in ways that feel almost illegal—Afrobeats with post-punk, or gamelan percussion layered over dub. Each set feels like a manifesto, a challenge to rethink what music can be.
The Community
More than just a listening platform, NTS is a community. Listeners form connections through chatrooms, events, and even merch drops. The platform’s global reach means that fans in São Paulo can geek out over a mix with someone in Copenhagen. This shared passion has even spilled into real-life collaborations—bands forming, art projects launching, and festivals taking shape, all thanks to connections forged through NTS.
Why NTS Matters Now
In a world dominated by tech giants and profit-driven algorithms, NTS represents a rebellion. It’s a reminder that music discovery doesn’t have to be dull and predictable. It can be wild, weird, and profoundly human. By prioritizing independence and diversity, NTS has become a lifeline for artists and listeners alike.
But more than that, NTS is a cultural force. It’s proof that there’s still space for the underground to thrive, even in the age of hyper-commercialization. It’s inviting us all to tune in and drop out (of Spotify).
So if you’re tired of the same old soundtracks, download the NTS app, grab a pair of headphones, and let the chaos take over. Who knows what you’ll find.
Our top mixes:
You-Mex
