Its creators say Sonos Radio represents the broadest and best selection of radio available. Exclusive content, curated genre-based stations, and more than 60,000 local radio stations now available to Sonos owners for free.
Sonos launched Sonos Radio, a free, ad-supported streaming radio service, exclusively available to customers in more than 10 million homes globally. Complementing the 100+ streaming options available on Sonos, the platform says this new service introduces a holistic and cohesive way to explore radio, bringing together more than 60,000 stations from multiple streaming partners alongside original programming from Sonos.
Handpicked by a team of curators, DJs and artists, new Sonos Stations queue up diverse musical selections spanning customers’ favorite genres, inspired by both classics and current obsessions. Ad-free artist stations feature current influences and inspirations, starting with a personal station from Radiohead’s Thom Yorke. In addition, Sonos Sound System, will feature new artists, stories and insights into music. Customers can listen via the Sonos app starting from now.
“Sonos has always made it easy for customers to discover the riches of streaming music services by building premium products that sound great and by giving customers the freedom to use the services of their choice,” says Patrick Spence, Sonos CEO. “Sonos Radio brings together streaming radio services and a select set of curated radio stations in a simple, elegant way. This is just a beginning as we work to deliver services that provide our customers a better experience, and provide our music streaming service partners an opportunity to highlight their best content.”
Stream stations from around the world
Sonos Radio makes it easy to explore the world’s stations by integrating multiple internet radio services, including TuneIn and iHeartRadio, with more to come. Customers can listen to music, sports, news, and more from local stations based on zip code as well as access any station globally. Start the day with a local NPR station or enjoy favourites from around the world, including SomaFM in San Francisco or French radio station, RTL. Sonos Radio will be continually updated with new stations powered by partners, including integrations with the UK-based radio service Global and Radio.com for US listeners, both coming soon.
Tap into artist’s inspiration
Sonos Radio also introduces original radio programming from Sonos featuring a range of music handpicked by DJs and artists. Sonos’ signature ad-free station, Sonos Sound System, is curated and hosted by the Sonos team, recorded in a newly built radio studio in Sonos’ flagship store in New York City.
Listeners will enjoy a stream of new, well-known or rediscovered music, behind-the-scenes stories, as well as guest artist radio hours from the likes of Angel Olsen, JPEGMAFIA, Phoebe Bridgers, Jeff Parker (Tortoise) and Vagabon.
Artist hosted radio hours, released every Wednesday, will start the stream of Sonos Sound System for a 60-minute radio show with music and commentary about inspiring artists, releases, and the host’s latest work.
Thom’s says, “Here in a new form is that ever rolling compilation / office chart habit of mine of putting together what I have found recently that fascinates or moves me, what obsesses me, challenges me, opens new doors, reminds me of what I might have forgotten, is insanely complex or elegantly simple, violent, funny, messy, heavy or light. Whatever has hit me over the head basically.
“It may be new or old or just dug up again. With all this time we have behind doors I hope this provides a welcome connection and escape…and perhaps stops the walls closing in quite so quick.”
Upcoming artist curated stations from Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes, David Byrne, and Third Man, Records will debut in the coming weeks and new artist stations will launch regularly.
Sonos Stations, inspired by Sonos owner’s favourite genres, feature 30+ curated ad-supported stations will also be included. Delivering a mix of music handpicked by Sonos, enjoy stations including Concert Hall, Country Outlaws, Hip Hop Archive and Kids Rock.
Sonos Radio is now pre-loaded in the browse menu of the Sonos app with the latest software update.