Hidden Gems: Meet Ozilla Radio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ozilla Radio.

Hello Ozilla Radio; so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The thought process behind starting Ozilla Radio was two-fold. For one, it was to provide a diversified voice within the electronic scene in Hamilton, Ontario. This was done by our ‘Host Nights,’ where one of our hosts would play their favorite track/s from the last week or two, along with many of the local tracks that were submitted to us. The second was to showcase local, up-and-coming talent and local events, putting an extensive lens on the community. This was done through guest mixes and interviews. One of the events we were associated with resulted in the artist getting booked to open for Sleepy Tom. This same artist later signed one of his tracks to Musical Freedom. What started as his first-ever radio appearance has since progressed to various tracks being signed to various international labels. We couldn’t be more proud of their journey!

Please talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect.
The road has had its ups and downs, just like any other company or individual. There are times when Ozilla Radio is booming and moments when we are radio silent (pun intended). What is important is making sure that when you enter a trough or a difficult time period, you can learn from the steps that led you there. It is also important to remain agile and pivot appropriately when times become difficult. For example, COVID-19 caused devastation in the entertainment industry. Many artists and event companies were negatively impacted—those who flourished leveraged online media as an opportunity to remain relevant and to express their musical talents. Ozilla Radio did that as well. We began streaming the show via Facebook, which then proceeded to Twitch.tv. We would keep a recorded copy from each stream we live stream show to play the following week on the FM dial.

We’ve been impressed with Ozilla Radio, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart?
What sets Ozilla Radio apart from other businesses is that we are a community-based radio show that broadcasts on 93.3 FM every Saturday from 10:30 p.m. to midnight – so it’s part-time work. We seek to highlight the entire ‘EDM” scene, with a significant focus on the local community, all while giving opportunities to up-and-coming acts, including international talents. We are most proud of making a difference in the community and for artists, labels, and promoters alike by helping them have a voice in a highly competitive, ever-changing industry. Since its 8-year tenure (now in our 9th year of broadcasting), Ozilla Radio has grown by investing in itself, or as the hip kids would say, by “leveling up.” We did this by expanding our operations by adding members to our team and increasing the opportunities for the artists that we work with. We are hosting more of our own events, posting more frequently (fun and musical content), and giving back to the community more, all while still partnering with other local events. At the same time, our principles of helping others are not generally seen as the norm within the industry. Although we need money to operate smoothly, we find greater value and reward, knowing that we made a difference and provided a home or outlet for artists, labels, and event companies. When reflecting on our brand and story, we want the world to know that we are all-encompassing for the various genres that make up the EDM scene and act as a haven for those within the scene. We are a place for artists, event planners, and other business owners to network and explore. Arguably, we would hope that our legacy would be intertwined with our purpose and mission. Still, if all that failed, the world may remember Ozilla Radio as the show with the rocking personalities.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Any interested individuals can contact/connect with us on virtually any platform online — Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, SoundCloud, YouTube, etc. by searching Ozilla Radio or using the tag “@Ozillaradio.”

We are fastest at replying on:
-Instagram
-Twitter
-Email

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/ozillaradio/
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/ozillaradio
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ozillaradio
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ozillaradio
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/ozillaradio