BBC Radio 6 Music
The place for music discovery
Listen live to BBC Radio 6 Music online for indie, soul, alternative music, classic tracks, new artists, specialist shows and deep music discovery from the BBC.
About BBC Radio 6 Music
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Frequencies & locations:
- DAB – Available nationally on DAB Digital Radio across the UK.
- Freeview – Available on Freeview channel 707.
- Sky – Available on Sky channel 0120 in the UK.
- Virgin Media – Available on Virgin Media channel 909.
- BBC Sounds – Available through BBC Sounds as BBC Radio 6 Music.
- Online – Listen live online through Radio Player UK.
BBC Radio 6 Music is the BBC’s national digital station for music discovery, alternative culture and deep cuts. Its sound moves between indie, alternative, soul, funk, electronic music, post-punk, classic albums, new releases, archive sessions and artists that do not always fit neatly into mainstream radio playlists.
The station’s strength is its musical depth. BBC Radio 6 Music can play a brand-new alternative track, a forgotten soul record, a cult post-punk single, a left-field electronic release and a classic album cut in the same day without sounding confused. That makes it a strong station for listeners who want personality-led radio, proper curation and music chosen with taste rather than just chart position.
BBC Radio 6 Music launched in 2002 and has built a loyal audience by treating music fans seriously. Its presenters often bring their own specialist knowledge, scenes and record collections into the schedule, so the station feels closer to a trusted record shop or late-night music conversation than a standard hit-radio service. For indie, soul and alternative listeners, it remains one of the most distinctive national stations in the UK.
Notable shows & presenters are:
- Nick Grimshaw: Presenter of the 6 Music Breakfast Show, bringing music discovery, artist interviews, listener features and a more relaxed alternative to mainstream breakfast radio.
- Lauren Laverne: Long-running 6 Music presenter now associated with the mid-morning show, known for Desert Island Disco, People’s Playlist, sharp music taste and warm listener connection.
- Craig Charles: Presenter of the weekday afternoon show and The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show, bringing funk, soul, groove-heavy records, interviews and high-energy music knowledge.
- Mary Anne Hobbs: Specialist broadcaster known for adventurous electronic, experimental, ambient, alternative and left-field music, with a strong reputation for championing boundary-pushing artists.
- Huw Stephens: Presenter closely associated with new music, emerging artists, indie, alternative sounds and BBC music discovery.
- Cerys Matthews: Presenter of wide-ranging Sunday programming, moving through blues, folk, soul, jazz, global music, roots records and storytelling around songs.
- Gideon Coe: Late-night 6 Music presenter known for deep cuts, archive sessions, alternative records, listener favourites and a serious knowledge of music history.
- Marc Riley: Presenter linked with live sessions, alternative music, indie artists, cult bands and the kind of guitar-led discovery that helped define 6 Music’s reputation.
- Iggy Pop: Host of a distinctive 6 Music programme mixing punk, garage, blues, jazz, soul, experimental music and stories from a lifetime inside music culture.
- Gilles Peterson: Specialist presenter covering jazz, soul, global sounds, club culture, broken beat, electronic music and forward-thinking records from around the world.
Contact Information
Official website:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/6music
BBC Switchboard:
+44 20 8743 8000
Postal address:
BBC Radio 6 Music
BBC Broadcasting House
London
W1A 1AA
United Kingdom
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BBCRadio6Music
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbc6music/
X / Twitter: https://x.com/bbc6music
BBC Radio 6 Music FAQ
What is BBC Radio 6 Music?
BBC Radio 6 Music is a national BBC digital radio station focused on music discovery, indie, alternative, soul, funk, electronic music, classic tracks, new artists and specialist shows.
Can I listen to BBC Radio 6 Music live online?
Yes. You can listen to BBC Radio 6 Music live online through Radio Player UK using the player on this page.
What music does BBC Radio 6 Music play?
BBC Radio 6 Music plays indie, alternative, soul, funk, electronic music, post-punk, classic album tracks, new releases, archive sessions, cult records and specialist music from a wide range of scenes.
Is BBC Radio 6 Music available on DAB?
Yes. BBC Radio 6 Music is available nationally on DAB Digital Radio in the UK, as well as on Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media, BBC Sounds and online.
Who are some BBC Radio 6 Music presenters?
BBC Radio 6 Music presenters and shows include Nick Grimshaw, Lauren Laverne, Craig Charles, Mary Anne Hobbs, Huw Stephens, Cerys Matthews, Gideon Coe, Marc Riley, Iggy Pop and Gilles Peterson.