FAQ
UnderCurrents Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is UnderCurrents LIVE?
UnderCurrents LIVE is a 24/7 fountain of the eclectic, diverse music that you love, including contemporary Indigenous artists heard few other places. The stream is originates at RadioCamp, LLC in Walnut Creek, CA and is distributed nationally by Live365 and TuneIn. Our solar powered studio has been home to a number of award-winning radio and multimedia productions, and the acclaimed public radio show UnderCurrents. The Executive Producer & Host is Gregg McVicar (Tlingit).
Q: How is UnderCurrents LIVE funded?
The stream is supported 100% by small donations from listeners, The Friends of UnderCurrents. This income goes back to the music artists and copyright holders (see below). Learn how to support here.
Q: What happened to the daily radio show, UnderCurrents?
After 17+ years of daily program creation & distribution we opted for semi-retirement. 6.4K shows, 26K hours of programming. Whew! The whole story is told here in this interview with Will Moore of WTIP. https://ampers.org/interview-with-gregg-mcvicar-of-undercurrents-radio-on-scenic-route/
Q: Where can I continue to hear the music I love?
With studio and volunteer support from RadioCamp, our new fan-supported service, UnderCurrents Live, is up and running! We first tested it with The Friends of UnderCurrents for their feedback. Now, thanks to their support, everyone can dive in here >> LISTEN
Q: What is it like?
Being 24/7, we have more hours each day to explore the 45K+ track UnderCurrents library. We are continuing to discover and add new music. The streaming quality is very good and there is less talk. Instead of back-announcing all the selections, song artist/ title “now playing” information is available on the listener’s computer, mobile device, dashboard display and even Apple Watch. Hour after hour, UnderCurrents LIVE carries forward the vibe and values that you know us for. But be careful, it can be addicting!
Q: Is the stream commercial-free?
There are no commercials, underwriting announcements, promotions or product placements. The new stream is entirely listener-supported. Yet anyone can listen for free. Those accessing the stream via TuneIn may encounter one commercial insert at the start depending on your TuneIn service plan. These pre-rolls are not controlled by us but they help TuneIn cover the costs of its operations.
Q: If I donate to The Friends of UnderCurrents, where does the money go?
We pay royalties in the form of copyright payments via ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, GMR, AllTrack, SOCAN, Re:Sound, PPL, PRS, and SoundExchange.
These agencies collect a small amount (a fraction of a cent) for each song performance, per listener. This money goes back to songwriters, musicians and record companies. RadioCamp is required by law to pay these accumulated fees whether a listener is a donor or not. Funds also cover internet services provided by our distributor, Live365. Our cost-structure is very lean, and we put artists, and you our listeners first.
Q: What is Patreon?
Patreon is a membership platform that makes it easy for anyone to become a supporter, a Friend of UnderCurrents. Over the years, PayPal has worked well for us, but Patreon has the tools we need to better serve you. Between Patreon, PayPal and the undercurrentsradio.net website, we’ll be trying out a number of features to see what works best. The popular Paypal account will remain for the foreseeable future.
Q: How can I bring the new UnderCurrents stream into my home, office or car?
You’ll need a computer, smartphone or tablet with a decent internet connection. Any old gear will work, nothing fancy is required. That old, slow laptop? Just click the link and stream away! If you want to get fancy, plug some desktop speakers or your home stereo into the headphone jack for a bigger sound.d
UnderCurrents LIVE is linked directly to the LISTEN page where the popular TSPR broadcast stream formerly resided. “Now Playing” and “Last Played” information is displayed along with the song title and artist.
Live365 also provides apps for iOS, Android and ROKU and Apple TV. Just download from the App Store or Google Play and search for UnderCurrents.
TuneIn makes UnderCurrents LIVE available via a wide range of car entertainment systems (Tesla, Volvo, Mercedes, Apple Car Play and more) as well as smart speakers from brands like Bose and Sonos. Just open the TuneIn App and search for UnderCurrents LIVE. Then favorite your selection and it will always be on your menu.
If you prefer to listen through your existing speakers, headphones or earbuds, Bluetooth will connect the audio from your phone or other internet-connected device. If you car has Bluetooth connectivity, you can link the stream from your phone.
Internet radios are a wonderful all-in-one solution — such as these from GRACE DIGITAL, BOSE and REVO.
All these choices simply mean that you can enjoy UnderCurrents LIVE however you like, wherever you are.
Q: Can I find UnderCurrents LIVE using Echo/Alexa?
Yes! Just say Alexa, Play UnderCurrents Radio
Q: Is my data secure?
With most “free” services there is a catch, you become the product to be sold to data brokers. But not here — we absolutely will never sell or share information about you. We don’t have to, because we simply rely on music lovers like you to voluntarily cover our basic expenses (royalties).