Portsmouth Underground Radio: Celebrating Local and Global Talent While Honouring Rave Culture

Portsmouth Underground Radio (PUR) has become an essential part of Portsmouth’s cultural fabric since its inception at the beginning of the Covid lockdown in 2020. The pandemic inspired founder, Paul Feeney, to create a haven for the city’s rich electronic music scene, connecting local talent with global audiences during a time of unprecedented isolation. This blog delves into the growth of Portsmouth Underground Radio, its role in showcasing artists both emerging and established, and its deep connection to Portsmouth’s rave heritage.

Origins and Vision

Paul Feeney launched Portsmouth Underground Radio in 2020, driven by a vision to create a platform that celebrates Portsmouth’s vibrant electronic music scene. The lockdown highlighted the need for a space where local and global electronic music could intersect, and PUR was born to fill that void. The station aims to honor Portsmouth’s historical significance in rave culture while providing a stage for local talent and international artists.

Showcasing Local Talent

A core mission of Portsmouth Underground Radio is to spotlight local artists and nurture emerging talent. The station offers diverse programming, including live DJ sets, curated mixes, and exclusive content from Portsmouth and surrounding areas.

Local Programming Highlights:

Local Shows and DJ Sets: PUR features a variety of local DJs and producers, presenting a mix of electronic music styles. The programming includes live sets and curated shows that reflect Portsmouth’s diverse musical influences.

Collaborations and Community Engagement: The station collaborates with local venues and events, such as The Astoria and Drift Southsea, to broadcast live sessions and remote coverage, bringing the local music scene to a broader audience and fostering community engagement.

Portsmouth Rave Archive: PUR partners with local historians and music enthusiasts to produce shows exploring Portsmouth’s rave history. These programs feature interviews with key figures, stories from significant events, and archival mixes that highlight the city’s role in the evolution of rave culture.

Embracing Global Talent

While deeply rooted in Portsmouth’s music scene, Portsmouth Underground Radio also connects with the broader electronic music community. The station’s programming includes features that showcase international artists and trends.

Global Programming Highlights:

International Guest Mixes: PUR regularly features guest mixes from DJs and producers worldwide, introducing listeners to diverse electronic music styles and global trends.

Global Sounds Showcases: The station produces special programs focusing on various electronic music scenes from around the world, such as Berlin techno and Detroit house, providing listeners with a broader perspective on global electronic music developments.

Collaborations with International Festivals: PUR collaborates with major electronic music festivals, offering live coverage and exclusive content, positioning Portsmouth as an active participant in the international electronic music community.

Celebrating Portsmouth’s Rave Heritage

Portsmouth Underground Radio plays a crucial role in preserving and celebrating Portsmouth’s rave heritage. By blending historical elements with contemporary programming, PUR offers a unique perspective on the city’s place in electronic music history.

Historical Programming Highlights:

Rave Legends Series: PUR produces shows dedicated to Portsmouth’s rave pioneers, featuring interviews and stories from influential figures who have shaped the city’s electronic music scene.

Anniversary Broadcasts: The station celebrates significant anniversaries of iconic local raves and events with special broadcasts, including archived recordings and interviews, offering a nostalgic look at Portsmouth’s rave culture.

Documentaries and Special Features: PUR creates documentaries and special features about major events and figures in Portsmouth’s rave history, providing valuable insights into the city’s contributions to electronic music.

The Community Connection

Portsmouth Underground Radio is more than just a music station; it is an integral part of the local community. The station engages with local initiatives and fosters connections between artists, fans, and cultural enthusiasts.

Community Initiatives:

Local Talent Competitions: PUR hosts competitions to discover and promote new talent from Portsmouth and beyond. Winners receive opportunities to perform live on the station and gain exposure in the electronic music scene.

Charity Events and Fundraisers: The station organizes charity events and fundraisers to support local causes and community projects, often featuring live DJ sets and collaborations with local businesses.

Workshops and Educational Programs: PUR offers workshops and mentorship programs for aspiring DJs and producers, supporting and guiding the next generation of electronic music artists.

Conclusion

Portsmouth Underground Radio, established by Paul Feeney during the Covid lockdown of 2020, has emerged as a dynamic platform that celebrates Portsmouth’s vibrant electronic music scene and honors the city’s rave heritage. Through its diverse programming, support for local and global talent, and community engagement, PUR has become a significant cultural force. As it continues to evolve, Portsmouth Underground Radio remains committed to championing the sounds and stories that define Portsmouth’s place in the global electronic music landscape.