Echobox Radio

Emerging during covid times in 2020, Echobox Radio introduces a fresh musical perspective to Amsterdam, enriching its cultural scene and revolutionising radio dynamics. The radio station operates through a website and offers captivating live musical mixing broadcasts alongside a diverse array of audio content, such as talk shows - an innovative project in the realm of internet radio. Founded by Rachella Groen, Chalice Cox-Hynd, Mohamed Ghabri and Lorenzo Milelli and Victor Crezée, esteemed figures in Amsterdam’s internet radio community, the station has swiftly garnered recognition and an increasing array of opportunities since commencing its broadcasting journey in 2021.

With an exclusive reliance on themselves and their ‘radio-makers’, the radio station places a strong emphasis on independence and freedom of expression, exemplified in its very name, ‘Echo’. Indeed, the collective endeavours to embrace the diverse voices, opinions, sounds, and energies of all individuals, encapsulating the essence of the “Amsterdam feeling”, as recalls Mohamed (Mo), the general manager whom I had the chance to talk to. Drawing inspiration from the concept of Pirate radio stations, acting freely from any corporate or broadcasting entities, the radio embraces an “antenna anarchy”, as eloquently stated in their website’s description. With the vision of establishing a platform for “makers” to freely express themselves, through diverse and creative means, as part of a 4-day well-constructed and thoughtful flowing program. The station welcomes contributors into their cosy and inviting studio known as “the Box”, situated “below sea level”. Through this distinctive approach, the radio station ensures the freedom to amplify their voices, not only within the Dutch city but resonating far beyond its borders.

Although the station primarily centres around the Dutch city - with live radio guaranteed from Thursday until Saturday, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for the audience, around 150 radio-makers take turns and enter the studio following the programmed schedule - it also strives to be inclusive of all individuals who may face limitations in physically assessing Amsterdam. To accommodate them all, Echobox offer the opportunity for their international makers (or “abroadcasters”), hailing from various locations such as “New York, Chile, the UK, Indonesia…” as affirmed by Mo, to submit pre-recorded productions, which are subsequently broadcast on Sundays. 

Moreover, Echobox takes pride in its implementation of an application process where all individuals wishing to become residential radio-makers, need to submit an “open pitch”, outlining a comprehensive overview of the ideas they wish to bring to the radio. However, echoing Mo’s thought, the radio station “is not looking at names, but at concepts”. With a strong emphasis on equality and inclusivity, the team behind Echobox carefully selects pitches and warmly welcomes both experienced and inexperienced artists. Their aim is, besides, to foster artistic growth by providing regular evaluative assistance and support to all participants, regardless of their background or level of expertise; Mo states that: “if the artists grow, the station will grow eventually”. This approach proved fruitful during their debut, with more than 300 pitches received for the first round, reflecting the success of their commitment to providing opportunities for all and embracing a community-oriented perspective. 

In addition to providing a platform also open for “small artists to gain exposure, showcase their art, and be discovered by the public”, the station actively encourages these artists to curate and present their own shows, allowing their unique identities to shine through. Radio-makers are, for instance, supported in speaking and welcoming listeners into their own unique productions, and letting their personalities take centre stage: as Mohamed states, “your voice is the most unique tool you have”. This focus creates a stronger connection and interaction between the audience and the makers, resulting in a more engaging and enriching understanding of the content being presented. Nevertheless, Mo affirms that some radio-makers, particularly those with previous radio experience, accustomed to being more reserved during their sets, often encounter challenges in adapting to Echobox’s emphasis on self-expression. In response to that, the station (once again) offers ongoing assistance and support to help them become comfortable in showcasing not only their art but also their unique personalities and voices. Consequently, a genuine sense of community is established between the artists, the radio station, and the audience.

The station values the significance of audio over video

It is also important to note that the station values the significance of audio over video. Despite Echobox Radio broadcasting through the internet, which offers the convenience of easy visual support, the radio consciously chooses to concentrate solely on the audio aspect, as it would otherwise “take the radio magic away”. By encouraging listeners to solely engage with the audio being broadcasted, they are invited to fully immerse themselves in the experience without any visual distractions, allowing, once again, for a more profound connection with the artists or content being presented. 

Echobox provides, thus, many opportunities for its “radio-makers” and presents a fresh communal perspective on online radio. These endeavours were duly recognised and rewarded when the station won the prestigious ‘Amsterdam Prijs Voor De Kunst 2022’ (Amsterdam Prize for the Arts 2022). A remarkable achievement within just one year of its launch. 
In response to this recognition, upon winning the competition, Mo expresses his genuine surprise, as the founders were not even aware they had been selected. Nevertheless, Mo acknowledges the platform’s significance and boundless potential for the artistic side of Amsterdam; the station proudly provides a space for individuals to come together and share their art and experiences within the vibrant cultural landscape of the Dutch city. With a smile, Mo, the general manager of the radio declares that, “Everything is possible within a radio format”, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the platform that welcomes all disciplines and artistic expressions. 

Finally, Echobox Radio is constantly evolving; it demonstrates its ability to grow while maintaining its independence. Indeed, Mo reveals to me that the station is currently engaged in a project called “Operation Independent”, aimed at establishing self-sustainability, creating a micro-economy and “giving the people that are involved what they deserve” - financially rewarding its makers and team for their voluntary efforts in building the platform. To support this endeavour, the radio is considering the implementation of a membership model, which would enable it to expand further and ultimately achieve a full-week program. Additionally, Echobox has plans to broaden its scope beyond radio by developing a new website that includes an additional page dedicated to archiving their shows - with the ultimate objective to establish an offline platform. As the radio station expands, its future appears promising, all while upholding the principle of amplifying the voices of Amsterdam for the benefit of the many, not the few.

www.echobox.radio