SINCE launching ten years ago, Riot FM has become a hub for alternative, heavy and unconventional music across Port Stephens and the Hunter.
Built “from the garage up”, the independent narrowcast station has carved out a space for emerging artists and passionate listeners who don’t always see themselves reflected in mainstream radio.
“Ten years is a long time to do anything, especially in the music industry,” said Riot FM founder and Events and Promotions Coordinator Rohan Brown.
“We’ve been really lucky over the years to have such supportive fans, guests and people we’ve annoyed along the way.”
Riot FM will celebrate a decade of independent broadcasting with a free, all-ages live music celebration at Robinson Reserve in Anna Bay on Saturday 28 February.
Running from 1pm to 6pm, the event will bring together local musicians, families and music lovers for an afternoon of high-energy performances in a relaxed outdoor setting, true to the station’s grassroots spirit.
The lineup has been hand-picked from the local scene and surrounding regions, reflecting Riot FM’s long-standing commitment to inclusion and grassroots talent.
Bay-based acts FIST, Talkhouse, Sesh Pests and Foetal Position will share the stage with headliners Deadshowws and Loons, alongside emerging artists Loose Surface from Wollongong and Newcastle’s Bardvarkk, Feign and Caster.
“It’s really important for us to include the whole spectrum of music we feature on the station,” Mr Brown said. “‘Between rock and a hard place’ has been the tagline from day dot, so we’ve got punk, metal, indie and everything from the fringes.”
The anniversary show also taps into the DIY culture that shaped Riot FM’s early years, when pop-up gigs were held in Shoal Bay restaurants, Anna Bay Scout Hall and local watering holes.
“This is an old-school pop-up show like we used to have all the time in the Bay,” Mr Brown said.
“Bring a chair and slip, slop, slap.”
Entry to the Robinson Reserve event is free, with optional donations supporting the participating artists.
Celebrations will continue with an official afterparty from 7pm at Anna Bay Tavern’s beer garden.
As Riot FM heads into its second decade, the station is also looking ahead, partnering with new collaborators and working with Hot & Heavy to further support emerging musicians through coaching, connections and resources.
By Jacie WHITFIELD
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