MNMusic

MNMusic is an independent music station focused on continuous music broadcasting and radio experimentation. The station broadcasts music through internet streaming and has experimented with shortwave frequencies, including 255 kHz LW.

The project combines music automation, station identification, internet streaming and experimental radio broadcasting.

History

Early development

When the Antenna is being built, it was 1.690 feet tall, its taller than the Willis Tower in Chicago

MNMusic began as a small music broadcasting project. Its original concept was to create a station that could continuously play music while incorporating features normally associated with conventional radio stations.

Rather than functioning solely as a playlist, MNMusic was designed around the idea of a complete radio service, including automated music scheduling, station identifications and announcements.

The project gradually developed as more music and broadcasting equipment were added

Music programming

MNMusic's programming consists primarily of electronic, dance and popular music. The station's music library has included artists such as Basshunter and Marshmello , as well as music from internet-based music communities.

The station has experimented with inserting station identifications after groups of songs rather than between every track. One programming concept places a station identification approximately every four songs.

Shortwave experiments

MNMusic has experimented with shortwave broadcasting on frequencies including 4965 kHz.

The shortwave experiments were intended to recreate the experience of international radio broadcasting. Reception can vary depending on propagation conditions, location, interference and transmitter conditions.

The project has also been associated with radio monitoring and shortwave listening.

Automation

Automation became an important part of MNMusic's operation.

Music automation software can be used to schedule songs, station identifications and other audio elements. This allows the station to continue operating without requiring a person to manually start every song.

The project has also experimented with dedicated computers and older laptop hardware as possible radio servers.

Internet streaming

MNMusic has experimented with internet streaming in addition to radio broadcasting.

Streaming allows listeners to receive the station without a conventional radio receiver and provides another method of distributing the station's programming.

Broadcasting experiments have included the use of streaming and production software such as OBS.

Station identification

Station identification is an important part of MNMusic's programming.

The station has experimented with text-to-speech voices for announcements and station IDs. Longer announcements have also been created for use in automated playlists.

A typical identification announces the station name and may provide information about its frequencies or programming.

Programming

MNMusic's programming consists primarily of music, with station identifications and announcements inserted throughout the schedule.

The station's music selection may include:

• Electronic music
• Dance music
• Popular music
• Russian-language music
• Internet music
• Older dance and electronic tracks

The station has aimed to maintain continuous programming rather than operating as a traditional scheduled talk-radio service.

Technical operation

MNMusic has been developed using a combination of computers, automation software, streaming software and audio equipment.

The project has experimented with using older computers as dedicated servers. Such systems can be used for music automation, streaming and other broadcasting functions.

The station has also experimented with separate systems for music broadcasting and experimental signal generation.