9.3.2024
dublab, the Pioneering L.A. Internet Radio Station, to Celebrate 25 Years of Broadcasting with Anniversary Party on September 28th at Zebulon in Los Angeles
The Community-Supported Platform Announces New Collaboration with Carhartt WIP, Available Later This Month
Founded During the “Dot-Com Era,” dublab Has Encouraged Tastemaking DJs and Musicians Including Flying Lotus, Daedelus, Teebs, Julia Holter, Animal Collective, Jimmy Tamborello (Dntel/The Postal Service), Jessica Pratt, and Many More, to Express Themselves to the Fullest For a Quarter Century, Fostering a Tight-Knit Creative Community and Expanding Into the Worlds of Multimedia Art, Film, Events, and Much More
The Upcoming Anniversary Event Will Feature Multiple Stages, With Dozens of DJs, Musicians, and Visual Artists Performing Live
Critical Praise:
“…the world’s best online radio station” – The Guardian
“Dublab came first…it’s great that you survived and keep giving air and space to emerging DJs and producers and artists” – BBC Radio’s Giles Petersen
The Rundown:
Los Angeles, CA – Non-profit radio station, dublab, celebrates a quarter century of community-supported broadcasting this fall. dublab’s 25th anniversary is a milestone not only for the organization’s history as part of the cultural fabric of Los Angeles, but it is also a milestone for online radio. Founded in 1999 as part of the first wave of online radio stations, dublab has defined the medium of online radio as we know it today and has served as a template and an influence to countless stations around the world.
Alejandro Cohen, Executive Director of dublab, says, “dublab was an inspiration for stations like NTS and Worldwide FM, now defunct stations Red Light Radio and Berlin Community Radio and broadcast platforms like Boiler Room.. dublab combined the potential of fostering a community of musicians and creatives from the ethos of freeform college radio, and combined it with the global reach of the internet. Turning 25 is testament to what an organization and a community that is committed to creative music exploration can accomplish. The fact that dublab can continue to thrive, remain relevant and bring new generations to its roster and listenership after 25 years clearly shows the need for organizations like dublab.”
On Saturday, September 28, 6pm-11pm dublab will be celebrating it’s 25th anniversary at Zebulon, taking over the beloved Frogtown venue with dozens of DJs, live performances, and visual artists, offering a multistage event that will showcase the station’s homegrown talent. dublab annual anniversary parties also serve as crucial fundraising opportunities, and this year is no exception. The suggested donation for the event will be $10. Plus there will be exclusive merchandise and other ways to support.
In addition to the celebration at Zebulon, dublab will be launching a clothing line with Carhartt WIPthat will be distributed at Carhartt WIP stores around the world and sold directly through dublab, as well. The collaboration will also include a series of events with dublab’s satellite stations in Germany, Barcelona and Japan.
dublab will be hosting a live broadcast in collaboration with LAX International Airport, which has been hosting “Luminaries of Light and Space,” a dynamic multimedia art installation curated by dublab, for the past two years. The broadcasts, taking place on September 25th and 26th, will feature DJs from all eras of the station transmitting live from the airport. Those at LAX will be able to attend in person, while listeners from across the globe will be able tune in at dublab.com.
Check out dublab’s Instagram post about their 25th Anniversary Party HERE
About dublab
dublab was founded in Los Angeles in September 1999, by Mark “Frosty” McNeill and Jon Buckduring the initial “dot-com” era and has been broadcasting ever since, setting a standard for online radio that persists to this day (current executive director Alejandro “Ale” Cohen was involved with the organization as a volunteer from the beginning, before formally joining the organization in 2007). Founded just one year after Google and two years before iTunes and the iPod debuted, the not-for-profit, listener-funded station presents over 180 radio shows, and hundreds of hours of unique programming per week, from selectors that range from prominent producers, renowned DJs, established artists, L.A. scenesters, and respected music critics and historians. The heart of dublab is that tight-knit community of artists and curators, who have turned the station into an epicenter for global experimental music.
Over the years, luminaries like Flying Lotus, Flea & John Frusciante, who performed a special set during the pandemic, and Four Tet have popped by to showcased their esoteric tastes. Notable among current and past resident DJs are Jimmy Tamborello of The Postal Service and DNTEL, producer/DJ Daedalus, jazz guitarist Jeff Parker, visionary experimental musician Maral, and drummer/composer/producer Photay, while past residents have included luminaries like Cut Chemist, jazz musician and Andre 3000 collaborator Carlos Niño, GODMODE founder Nick Sylvester, and many more.
Over its 25 years, dublab’s footprint has expanded considerably, starting satellite locations in Japan (Tokyo), Spain (Barcelona), Germany (Cologne), and Brazil (Sao Paulo). The organization’s ambitions have expanded beyond the digital airwaves, producing art exhibits, films, events, television, and community education projects. Earlier this year, dublab unveiled Nose Music, a limited edition set of ten custom-formulated fragrances and accompanying artwork, each inspired by the spirit and essence of a classic album.
As dublab turns 25, it continues to honor its history and legacy while looking towards the future, expanding its programs, deepening its commitment to the community and continuing to enrich Los Angeles and the world through its radio broadcasts, media production, events, public art projects and educational initiatives. The impact of dublab continues to grow and resonate throughout the globe, and its quarter century celebration is a way to celebrate just that.
Listen live to dublab HERE
Follow dublab on socials and read about recent initiatives HERE
Learn more about dublab HERE
dublab’s 25th Anniversary Party and Fundraiser is made possible in part by the support of the following organizations: Distrokid, Carhartt WIP, HUF, Studio Koto, Zebulon, On Air Fest, Barefoot Sound, Elektron, Alpha Theta, Pioneer DJ, Cambridge Audio, Focusrite, Novation, Ableton, AKP Recordings, Anawalt Lumber, Department of Cultural Affairs City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Arts and Culture, Snap Foundation, Wild Heart Foundation, Perenchio Foundation, The Art Laboe Foundation, California Arts Council, United Plankton Charitable Trust, mediaThe foundation inc., Mike Kelley Foundation For the Arts, Metabolic Studio, and RenPSG Philanthropic Solutions Group. dublab would like to also thank our Major Donors, members of our Supporter Circle, and our Sustaining Members.
Photo credit: Mary Nagakawa
Please contact Michelle or Kevin for more info.
The Background:
dublab is a Los Angeles-based, community-supported internet radio station and creative collective dedicated to the growth of positive music, arts, and culture. Founded in 1999, dublab has been broadcasting since the “dot-com era” with the mission to share forward-thinking, freeform radio with an international audience. dublab’s programming has since expanded to include the production of original art exhibits, films, television, events, and community education projects as well as broadcast on affiliate stations in Germany, Japan, Spain, and Brazil.
Each month, dublab showcases over 180 radio shows from some of the world’s most talented DJs, musicians, journalists, and artists. Each show is distinct and entirely freeform: we take pride in empowering our DJs to freely play the music that best shares their individual story. Beyond broadcast, dublab produces and hosts several multimedia projects and exhibits each year, most often made possible by the support of public and foundation project grants. Through local events, international broadcasts, and collaborative multimedia projects, dublab has helped define and connect the next wave of arts, music, and culture across the Los Angeles and international communities.
Their mission statement: dublab cultivates and supports local cultural ecosystems worldwide. Through community-generated radio, dublab expands curiosity, experimentation, inclusivity, education and connection.
Links:
website | instagram | bandcamp | linktree