Thom Yorke helps Sonos launch new radio streaming service

Radiohead frontman and all-round brilliant person Thom Yorke now has his very own radio station as one of the first programs as part of new streaming service Sonos Radio. Over 60,000 radio stations will feature on the platform, as well as dedicated artist stations, which is where Yorke comes in, curating songs along the simple self-described standard: “whatever has hit me over the head.”

Yorke has titled his station In the Absence there of…, fashioning it as an “ever rolling compilation” of music that fascinates, moves, obsesses, challenges, or opens new doors for him.

Given the various connections to producers, artists, engineers and composers Sonos has maintained over the years, it’s exciting to think about who will pop up with their own station, all whom will share song selections inspired by their own influencers and obsessed along with behind-the-scenes stories.

Sonos Radio was created in light of more smart speaker streaming given the current lockdown situation around the world. Listeners will be able to stream music, news, sports, and original Sonos programming alongside the brand’s own signature ad-free station Sonos Sound System.

Sonos Sound System will be driven by a deeper look into guest artists through special “radio hours” curated by the likes of Angel Olsen, JPEGMAFIA, Phoebe Bridgers, Nancy Whang, Jamila Woods, Jarvis Cocker, Jeff Parker, Soccer Mommy, Vagabon, Vegyn and Whitney. A 60-minute artist hosted radio hour is released every Wednesday, featuring music and commentary about inspiring artists, releases, and the host’s latest work.

With plenty more original works to come, you can check out more information on Sonos Radio here. The service now comes pre-loaded in the Sonos App for all who own a Sonos device.

Chris Singh

Chris Singh is an Editor-At-Large at the AU review, loves writing about travel and hospitality, and is partial to a perfectly textured octopus. You can reach him on Instagram: @chrisdsingh.