14 Radio Stations Actively Looking for Independent Artists Right Now

For independent artists, radio still matters. Streaming might dominate headlines, but tastemaker stations around the world continue to break careers, build loyal audiences, and give new music real cultural weight. The difference is knowing where to aim. Not every station is closed off behind label walls. Some are actively built to discover emerging talent and give unsigned artists a real shot at airplay.

Here are 15 radio stations that consistently champion independent music and accept submissions from new artists.

KEXP 90.3 FM, Seattle, USA KEXP is one of the most respected indie discovery stations in the world, known for championing alternative and experimental artists long before they hit the mainstream. Their DJs curate deeply personal shows and actively search for new sounds. Artists submit by reaching out to individual DJs through the show pages on kexp.org, which allows you to target the programs that match your style instead of blasting a generic pitch.

BBC Introducing, United Kingdom BBC Introducing is arguably one of the biggest pipelines for unsigned artists anywhere. The platform exists specifically to find and elevate new talent, with many major UK acts first gaining traction through the program. Submissions are made through the uploader at bbc.co.uk/introducing, and standout tracks can move from regional radio to national BBC exposure.

KCRW 89.9 FM, Los Angeles, USA KCRW is synonymous with forward-thinking indie and alternative programming. Their curators have a strong track record of introducing artists before they explode globally. Submissions go through the music contact section at kcrw.com/music/contact, where a polished press kit can make a serious difference.

Amazing Radio, UK and USA Amazing Radio was designed from the ground up to support independent artists. The station programs exclusively indie music and operates as a global discovery hub. Artists upload directly through amazingradio.com, making it one of the most accessible entry points for unsigned musicians.

WFUV 90.7 FM, New York, USA WFUV blends indie, alternative, and singer-songwriter programming with a strong reputation for breaking thoughtful, lyric-driven artists. The station maintains an active submission channel at wfuv.org where new releases are reviewed by their music team.

Radio K (KUOM), Minneapolis, USA Radio K is a college station that thrives on underground energy. Their programming leans toward indie, experimental, and DIY sounds, and they remain open to discovering artists outside traditional industry pipelines. Submissions are accepted through radiok.org.

KUTX 98.9 FM, Austin, USA Austin’s music culture runs through KUTX. The station supports independent and alternative artists while reflecting the city’s live music identity. Musicians can submit through the official music submission portal at kutx.org.

Soho Radio, London, UK Soho Radio curates eclectic programming that blends music and culture, giving independent artists a platform inside one of the world’s most influential creative cities. Artists submit via the contact form at sohoradiolondon.com.

FBi Radio, Sydney, Australia FBi Radio is dedicated to championing emerging artists and underground scenes. The station has built a reputation for supporting new voices early and consistently. Submissions are accepted at fbiradio.com/music-submit.

WXPN 88.5 FM, Philadelphia, USA WXPN is widely respected for its tastemaker programming and history of introducing independent artists to broader audiences. Musicians submit through the music contact section at xpn.org.

KALX 90.7 FM, Berkeley, USA KALX is a long-running college station with a deep commitment to independent and experimental music. Their programming reflects underground culture and student-driven discovery. Artists submit through kalx.berkeley.edu.

Resonance FM, London, UK Resonance FM supports experimental creators and boundary-pushing artists. The station embraces unconventional music and sound art, offering space for artists outside mainstream formats. Submissions are handled through resonancefm.com/contact.

CJLO 1690 AM, Montreal, Canada CJLO is one of Canada’s strongest college stations, known for underground programming and indie advocacy. The station actively reviews new music and accepts submissions through cjlo.com.

CJSW 90.9 FM, Calgary, Canada CJSW champions independent artists across genres and has a long-standing reputation for supporting DIY musicians. Artists submit directly through the station at cjsw.com.

For independent artists, radio isn’t about chasing mass exposure overnight. It’s about finding stations that care about discovery, culture, and community. These outlets are run by people who still believe in music first. A thoughtful submission, the right fit, and a little persistence can open doors that algorithms never will.