Boogaloo Radio Broadcasts With Audio-Technica

The only UK radio station based in a pub, Boogaloo Radio takes its name from the Highgate drinking establishment in which it's housed.

The Boogaloo pub has long been one of London's most rock'n'roll haunts, counting The Libertines, Shane MacGowan, Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie and Arctic Monkeys among its high-profile patrons over the years. Its carefully curated jukebox has assumed neo-legendary status and a packed schedule of events – from round-the-piano sing-alongs to indie and soul revue nights – means the Boogaloo remains a vibrant player in the capital's nightlife.

This eclectic entertainment offering is reflected in Boogaloo Radio's output (which has been broadcast around the clock since January 2017) as station director Jennifer Crothers explains: "The weekly shows are very varied, from the likes of Bernard Butler and David Morrissey hosting their own music slots to entertainment news segments which have featured exclusives from Marvel and DC actors.

"Our team aren't trained presenters as such – the station is about featuring passionate individuals making content and telling stories that no-one else can. The Boogaloo is one of the last 'proper' pubs in London – the place is a melting pot of fascinating characters and a historical culture that extends way beyond its four walls. We wanted to bring the pub online via its own radio station in order to invite the rest of the world into the Boogaloo family. And that ethos drives our programming.

"All of our shows are recorded so they can be played out again. For example our Ronnie Scott's Late Night Jazz Show goes out each night at midnight until the next one is recorded live the next week. Weekend late night shows tend to be music-based while daytime features more chat, such as our political talk show James Against The Machine.

"We're very lucky to have big names rock up announced as guests on shows – due in part to our links with the pub. I think the fact that the station is a room inside the beer garden full of sofas and posters, creates a relaxed atmosphere that guests enjoy, unlike the stiff environment of hired office space, etc."

In delivering their wide-ranging content, Boogaloo presenters rely on a variety of Audio-Technica products including the company's designed-for-broadcast large diaphragm dynamic BP40 microphone and ATH-M40x studio headphones. The well-respected LP120USB direct-drive turntable also makes an appearance in the studio, while a wireless System 10 camera-mount set-up is employed when presenters are on location.

"Although we love our beer garden studio, being able to broadcast anywhere we like opens up all sorts of possibilities for the station," says Jenn. "For example, we recently went to Dublin with the System 10 wireless lavalier mic set-up to record a series of podcasts with Shane MacGowan – it means we can take the station beyond the studio and bring more of our ideas to life.

"And as well as the sound quality that the Audio-Technica equipment delivers, they're a great brand to work with – it's not just about vloggers with thousands of followers for them, they want to work with projects with true grit and originality, which I hope sums up Boogaloo Radio."

Image: Boogaloo Radio presenter Emily-Jane McNeil in full flow, wearing Audio-Technica ATH-M40x headphones and using the BP40 dynamic microphone.

This article is also available to read in the latest edition of Broadcast Film & Video here, page 48.

(JP/LM)