While not an especially big fan of online radio music streaming formats – they can be an excuse for a cheap way to pretend you’re running a real station, as anyone who’s heard the same seven tunes constantly looped on Chill can tell you – there’s much to be said for the idea of creatively programmed web streams as the new mix tape, a 21st Century glimpse of one obsessive’s vision.
In the nicest possible way, that’s exactly what FRUKie is.
Beginning life as Indie Folk, an offshoot of the longer established Folk Radio UK, the recent name change has resulted in a loosening up of the format. It’s now an intriguing blend of classic folk sounds and music from the more relaxed end of the spectrum. Put together in the none-more-folk environs of Clevedon, Somerset, and with a playlist that includes everything from John Martyn, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Nick Drake to Martha Wainwright, ancient scratchy blues and Nick Cave, it’s one of those carefully thought out selections which plays you stuff you’ve never heard before, while throwing in the occasional ‘hit’ to give the listener that all important sense of connection. The lack of presenters means that, for a newbie or someone not completely across the music played, there will be lots of dashing to the computer to check the constantly updated playlist, but that’s a good indication of the quality of the music played. Definitely one to check.
UPDATE; In what we sincerely hope isn’t going to be a regular occurrence to stuff featured here on BD&W, FRUKie has ceased streaming, due to ‘increased costs’ and the amount of time it takes to pull it together. A real shame, but totally understandable. Full statement here.
Frukie is my favourite station. It’s great to see it reviewed so well!!
hen
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