Fans of the harder, heavier end of the spectrum aren’t exactly spoiled for choice when it comes to finding a place to call their own on Australian radio. One place metal and hard rock fans have called home has been Triple J’s The Racket radio program, currently hosted by Lochlan Watt.
The 24-year Brisbane presenter old took over the reigns from previous host, Andrew Haug, who after a decade’s work stepped down from The Racket post last November, but now the former Triple J presenter has stuck to his passions and is now launching Australia’s first and only 24/7 dedicated metal radio station.
The new all-metal digital radio station is conveniently located at AndrewHaug.com and officially launches today. Currently undergoing test broadcasting, the first ‘Live’ program kicks off tonight at 9pm AEST with the titular presenting the first ‘Haugmetal’ show, which will broadcast at the same time every week on a Tuesday night.
Haugmetal in fact got an airing at Soundwave Festival earlier this year, as the mock pirate station broadcast during the touring festiva, but now the metalhead has turned his broadcasting idea into a full-time concern.
The new station will stream the best and brightest in both local and international bands 24 hours a day, 7 days a week as well as trumpeting that it will feature exclusive competitions, dedicated specials/programs, plus requests and tributes.
Aside from streaming directly from the website, the online radio station will also be made available through YouTube, a special Facebook player, as well as through mobile devices via the free smartphone app, TuneIn, which syndicates and organises online radio broadcasts.
Better yet, the Metal DJ has also tweeted that there’s an official iPhone app available from Apple’s store, meaning there’s plenty of options for hard and heavy music lovers to get their fix.
Huag is also emphasising the new station’s independence and community involvement, urging bands to submit music to play on the station as well noting that “This Station pays royalty licence fees, please support the artists, buy their music!”
Haug’s new 24/7 metal station also has ringing endorsements from the likes of Max Cavalera, the brainchild of Soulfly/Sepultra/Nailbomb, and Megadeth mouthpiece, Dave Mustaine.
“[Haug] has supported my career and all my bands since the beginning. I want to give a shout out to him for his new Radio Station! Check it out!” says Cavalera, while Mustaine champions “the tremendous support of Andrew Haug, and his relentless promotion of Megadeth.” Naming him “a vital part of the Metal Media world.”
So tune in to AndrewHaug.com, raise those devil’s horns and headbang away to celebrate a unique moment in Australian Radio history.
