Trust FM arrives in Canberra with a signal from the underground
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Canberra has a new radio station. But it doesn’t follow the traditional commercial model.
Launched last week, Trust FM provides both a bandwidth and physical space for the city’s underground music community.
Founded by artist manager and promoter Aakanksha Sidhu (MusicACT), and DJ and promoter Jordan Harrison (Pon Fe Hifi) Trust FM is a platform for artists, DJs, hosts and listeners who have been building a true underground without any formal amplification. The founders say the station aims to help retain creative talent in Canberra rather than watch them leave for larger music scenes in Melbourne and Sydney.
Aakanksha and Jordan say the not-for-profit community project “unites broad pockets of Canberra’s underground music scene, connecting communities via sound and prioritising a DIY ethos over commercial success”.
Aakanksha Sidhu
“Trust FM supports music as a form of resistance and protest that highlights social, political, or economic injustices, designed to mobilise, unite, and advocate for change,” says Aakanksha.
For now, Trust FM lives online rather than on the FM dial, a decision that keeps the operation nimble and free of the heavy costs and regulatory machinery associated with traditional radio stations, although the community hopes to secure an FM broadcast one day. Listeners can tune in through the station’s website or via the radio.cult app.
Across a rolling four-week schedule, more than 70 shows are set to map the range of Canberra’s underground listening habits. The programming moves through house, jungle, techno, drum and bass, experimental ambient, IDM, deconstructed club and beyond, while also making room for indie, punk, rock, jazz, experimental live music, hip-hop, rap, R&B, soul and internationally focused sounds.
Jordon Harrison
And if you’ve ever sat in cafes such as Barrio, Gang Gang, Under Bakery, Recess or Bedst, or had a wine at Bar Rochford or Bar Outtro and been struck by the quality of their playlist, Trust FM will expose you to a daily takeover – even if you’re at home drinking alone.
On the issue of cafes, the Trust Cafe/Club is the home of Trust FM, and offers a physical space at 131 City Walk, where music lovers are always welcome.
“We were inspired by global underground community radio projects such as the Lot Radio, NTS, BoxoutFM, radio Al’Hara and n10.as, where a live element of radio can be enjoyed at the stations themselves, often coupled with food and drink and a space to gather, dance and enjoy the sounds of radio programming,” says Aakanksha.
They have embraced an alcohol-free model, “something important to us as cultural place makers – we aim to untether from the typical funding models seen in music and entertainment, where alcohol makes up a majority of income, and brings with it a host of problems and challenges to operating a culturally safe venue.”
The station is currently self-funded and using a not-for-profit model, with community donations gratefully accepted. Trust FM has been able to get off the ground thanks to a collaboration between Blank Cultural Platform and You Are Here, supported by the ACT City Renewal Authority.
The station marked its launch with a sold-out event attended by more than 150 people. The event, originally scheduled to finish shortly after midnight, but live performances ended at 2 am with more than 14-plus DJs and show hosts performing compact, high-impact sets. It was a taste of the sounds their programs will bring to the station. A hand-built Freedom of Assembly Soundsystem anchored the room, giving the night the amplification it deserved.
Trust FM says it wants to become a cultural engine for Canberra’s music community by supporting local talent and creating more opportunities for artists to connect with audiences, making the new independent station’s aspirations both sonic and social.
Images supplied.
