New women-led radio station to launch in Belfast, Radio Starr

A brand new radio station is launching in Belfast next month from the team behind Starr Records, the city’s longest-running record store.

Radio Starr is set to debut during The Oh Yeah Music Centre’s Sound Of Belfast Festival, celebrating the city's musical heritage and UNESCO City of Music status.

The station will dedicate 50% of its programming to female artists and those from underrepresented or minority backgrounds, promising a “clear and lasting commitment to representation”. 

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The team behind Starr Records – which is helmed by Sinéad Green and Jeff Doherty – promise to bring a blend of music, culture, and “visual storytelling” with the new station, and a focus on showcasing independent artists.

“We’ve been absolutely flabbergasted by the amount of submissions and support we’ve received,” explains co-founder Sinéad Green. 

“It’s been a long time in planning and researching and we just want to thank everyone who’s supported us, got in touch for shows, and helped with the studio build - we couldn’t have done it without you. Now, it begins.”

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Radio Starr will launch on Thursday, November 6, on the first day of the festival, and will continue to run year-round with regular shows, playlists, and events.

The station will also host live performances, conversation-based shows, bilingual broadcasts, and “deep dive archival explorations” across its programming.

The first names announced to appear on Radio Starr include Iain McCreedy, Chris Frieze, Timmy Stewart, Jordan Nocturne, Hannah McCormick, Pete Brady, Nik Muska, Pete Renshaw, Carlo Calloluca, Katie Eem, and Surface Noise Vinyl Mixtapes.

Find out more about Radio Starr here.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter