Radio Paradise: The inspiration behind Mother Earth Radio’s high-resolution audio revolution
Radio Paradise is a name that stands out in the world of online radio – and for good reason. For us at Mother Earth Radio, Radio Paradise is not a competitor, but a real source of inspiration. The station has set standards that motivate us and show us how to present music with passion and integrity. In this article, we take a look at what makes Radio Paradise so special and how it has influenced us at Mother Earth Radio.
The first free web radio without adverts
Radio Paradise was a pioneer in the world of Internet radio: it was one of the first web radio stations to operate completely without adverts. This decision was revolutionary at the time and gave listeners an undisturbed music experience. No annoying adverts, no sales pressure – just pure music. This is a concept that also impressed us at Mother Earth Radio and inspired us to go our own way and put the music at the centre.
Excellently curated music without chart constraints
Another highlight of Radio Paradise is the incredibly careful selection of music. There are no playlists here that are based on the charts or the specifications of large media companies. Instead, each song is carefully selected to create a unique and harmonious mix. From classics to hidden gems, Radio Paradise proves that music doesn’t have to follow the ratings to be great. This freedom and dedication to quality is something we at Mother Earth Radio value highly and see as a role model.
A great team: Bill and Linda
Behind Radio Paradise is a fantastic duo: Bill and Linda Goldsmith. Bill, a former DJ, and Linda, an artist, have put their heart and soul and vision into creating a station that delights music lovers worldwide. Their commitment to commercial-free, listener-centred radio has created a loyal community that shares their love of music. Bill and Linda’s teamwork and passion are proof that great things happen when you believe in your idea – a motivation for us too.
The challenge of licence fees
One issue that concerns both Radio Paradise and us is the licence fees for music. Especially in the USA, the fees charged by organisations like ASCAP are ridiculously high (see Radio Paradise FAQ). For independent broadcasters like us, these costs are barely affordable – we simply can’t afford them. Nevertheless, we at Mother Earth Radio have a clear stance: we have licensed every country that is willing to charge reasonable fees and pass them on to the artists. Why? Because we firmly believe in the work of musicians and want to ensure that they are fairly remunerated for their art. This is a real grievance in the industry and we are determined to do our bit by making licence agreements transparent and fair.
Inspired by pioneers: Radio Paradise and Mother Earth Radio
Radio Paradise pioneered the way for independent, ad-free web radio – and we at Mother Earth Radio are proud to follow in their footsteps, but with our own ground-breaking approach. While Radio Paradise was a pioneer of free web radio, we’re going one step further: we’re the world’s first high-resolution audio station. Since our launch in February 2020, we have been streaming music in exceptional quality, such as FLAC 24-bit/192kHz, offering a sound experience that is second to none. Before us, only paid services like Tidal and Qobuz offered high-resolution audio. We have opened the door – for streamers, platforms and listeners – and made a new world of sound accessible, free of charge and without adverts.
Why Radio Paradise inspires us
For Mother Earth Radio, Radio Paradise is a shining example of how to present music without compromise. Even though we have our own style – such as our focus on high-resolution audio and the Faslaks sound at 429 Hz – we share the same basic philosophy: music should be experienced authentically and without distractions. Radio Paradise has shown us that an independent, advert-free approach is not only possible, but can also be successful.
Support through advertising on the website
Our channels are licensed and remain free, ad-free and subscription-free. However, we have recently started advertising on our website to cover server and operating costs. This decision allows us to maintain the quality and service of Mother Earth Radio without compromising the listener experience. I continue to be the sole funder of this project and use these adverts to ease the financial burden. Donations from our loyal listeners continue to be a great help, but advertising on the website is an additional way to ensure that we can continue to provide the best audio quality – without compromising the music.