FBi Radio is building a new in-house live to air performance space, supported by the Jack Daniel’s Future Legends initiative.
The redevelopment of the Redfern studios will transform what was, until recently, a cluttered office area into a state-of-the-art live to air venue called FBi Live.
With more than 50 artists coming through the doors each month, the new facilities will be a game changer in the station’s 12 year history. On a joint mission to encourage music fans to explore more music, FBi Radio in partnership with Jack Daniel’s, will be able to host events and live to air showcases from emerging and established, local and international talent.
Bob Barton, the designer recognised for his work on the Golden Age Cinema & Bar, The Commons Local Eating House and the Rooftop Cinema in Melbourne has been tasked with bringing to life the creative project. Other innovative individuals involved in the process include FBi Radio’s 200-strong-team of volunteers, graphic design by Annie Hamilton from Little May and emerging filmmaker Callum Van De Mortel.
Stephen Goodhew, Music Director FBi Radio comments: “It’s great to be working with Jack Daniel’s Future Legends on the refit of the space as we’re both committed to supporting and championing emerging talent. The new space will enable us to do just that, as we’ll be able to facilitate live to air performances for the first time ever. As a result, our listeners will be able to enjoy more exclusive content and will have the chance to get to know the station and the artists we feature, a little more intimately.”
With more than 470,000 listeners, FBi Radio operates on the largest community license ever granted in Australia and helped kick start the careers of Flume, Cloud Control and Angus and Julia Stone from the unknown to mainstream popularity.
FBi is committed to playing 50% Australian music with half of that from Sydney. Testament to its dedication to supporting local music, in 2014 of the 100 most played artists, 62% were Australian with 40% being from Sydney.
Jack Daniel’s has already supported a number of artists gracing the FBi airwaves including Sable, Golden Features, The Cairos and more through the Future Legends program, an initiative which aims to champion music’s future legends and the stories behind them.