What the actual hell?!?
Squirrel FM started out as an online only school and community radio station. We were immensely popular in our community and we were gaining traction in the school until the principal who helped launch the project left and was replaced by one who was … less supportive. Politics killed the project and we eventually wound up leaving the community.
Mr. Squirrel had put so much into the online station in terms of blood, sweat and tears that he decided to keep it going, but as something he personally would enjoy. Given that he’s the type of d00d who digs action movies where totally hot women run around with heavy artillary to a thumping electronic soundtrack while they’re swearing like sailors, what you find on this station shouldn’t be too surprising.
We like politically incorrect old movies, bad B-movies, anime, and naughty TV shows. You’ll hear lots of clips from those in between songs where we’ve left in any explicit lyrics (only pussy radio stations play the clean version). For music, we like to find the newest pop songs by the freshest artists and play them before mainstream radio stations do. Have you noticed regular radio stations won’t play anything until after it charts? God forbid they take a risk on any new song or new artist. That’s why most commercial stations these days sound the same and totally lame. They’re too numbers driven to have fun and get their freak on. Here at the Squirrel we’re full-on freak, all the time. That, and we’ll play with your nuts if you let us.
What’s your format?
We play contemporary pop music within days of its release, barely known indie artists, dance genres such as electro, house, bounce, and trap music, while throwing in some dance remixes of retro pop tunes. Doing it all commercial free, of course. Be careful about taking a sip of your drink while listening as we’re known for running outrageous media clips between songs to see if we can make someone’s cup of coffee go down the wrong way.
Who should listen to The Squirrel?
We prefer to limit our listenership to those over the age of majority who have a mildly evil sense of humour. Those who are under the age of eighteen are advised that listening to SQFM can not only delay puberty but will also stunt your growth. Folks with sensitive constitutions who are prone to pearl clutching may also want to give us a pass as we’ll do bad things to your blood pressure. 😉
Who is behind Squirrel FM?
The station is run by the Squirrel Family. Mr. and Mrs. Squirrel have recently relocated to Strathmore, Alberta, as that’s where the work is. For Mrs. Squirrel at least – Mr. Squirrel works from home and can live anywhere that has broadband. That, and who doesn’t want to live where it’s open, flat, and utterly devoid of trees and interesting scenery? (Cough!) Squirrelette is in Edmonton working on the fourth year of a Bachelor of Commerce degree and still helps the Patriarchal Squirrel with music selections in between writing papers.
Mrs. Squirrel would like for everyone to know that everything they don’t like about Squirrel FM is obviously Mr. Squirrel’s fault.
Is Squirrel FM pirate radio?
Nyet tovarisch, we’re legit. We’re an online only microcaster and maintain the appropriate licensing as well as meeting reporting requirements. We’re covered for netcasting music in the USA, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The USA is covered via ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and SoundExchange, and Canada is covered via SOCAN and Re:Sound.
As to our naughtiness, being online only, we’re not subject to the same Canadian broadcasting decency laws that terrestrial stations using licensed spectrum are. A fact that Mr. Squirrel has entirely too much fun with.
Is Squirrel FM a commercial station?
This is a hobbyist endeavour with zero income of any sort attached to it. Mr. Squirrel pays all expenses out of pocket. He likes to point out that it’s still cheaper than drinking or smoking and is easier on the internal organs (mostly).
Can we buy advertising?
No. Go away. Having advertising would mess with the mix and we’re all about the mix.
Can we have free advertising for our community organization?
It’s probably not a good idea. Have you listened to our stream? When we filter our songs for language what actually happens is that we pass over the clean version for the one with the eff-bombs. We have profane media clips running between songs. There is actual pr0n audio sampled into our station idents. We’re pretty sure you don’t want your ad bumping up against that! If you do, well, fist-bump to ya, but still not offering ads at this time. The mix, right?
Can I request a song?
You can ask…
How do we contact you?
The best way is to send an email to squirrelfmradio@gmail.com and we’ll get back to you soon-ish.
I’m a musician/artist and wondering if you’ll play my song?
Send it to the above email address. We’ll play it if it’s pop, dance, electro, or a remix of a classic pop song and it doesn’t suck. We automatically delete anything that is hip-hop or rap, so please don’t bother sending that stuff. Lots of other stations out there that will play it for you.
Where do we find you on the FM dial?
You don’t. As previously mentioned, we’re online only.
Then why do you have FM in your station name?
It stands for Furry Mammal. Just roll with it, okay?