Kiss FM is one of the most popular radio stations in the world, specializing in the broadcast of dance music. It has achieved the status of a cultural phenomenon thanks to its unique concept, modern presentation, and support of talented DJs…
Kiss FM is one of the most influential radio stations in the history of dance music, playing a key role in the popularization of club culture and the electronic scene. This brand became more than just a radio channel — it evolved into a full-fledged cultural platform that shaped the tastes of several generations of listeners and DJs. The story of Kiss FM is an example of how an independent initiative born in the underground can transform an entire country’s musical landscape and influence global processes within the industry.
Origins and the Founding Idea
Kiss FM was founded in 1985 in the United Kingdom during a period of rapid growth in pirate radio broadcasting. At the time, the British radio spectrum was tightly regulated, and new club music had virtually no access to legal frequencies. Pirate stations became the only way to bring the sounds of house, electro, hip-hop, soul, and early techno to a wider audience.
From the very beginning, Kiss FM positioned itself as the voice of urban youth culture. Instead of relying on rigid, format-driven playlists, the station focused on DJs as musical curators who shaped the broadcast through live experimentation. This approach allowed Kiss FM to become a true reflection of London’s authentic club scene of the 1980s.
Legalization and Breakthrough
In 1990, Kiss FM received an official FM broadcasting license, becoming the first fully legal radio station in the UK dedicated entirely to dance and urban culture. This milestone marked a turning point not only for the station itself, but for the entire British music industry.
After legalization, Kiss FM rapidly expanded its audience and became an authoritative platform for DJs, producers, and record labels. The airwaves featured exclusive mixes, live sets, and radio shows that shaped musical trends long before the emergence of streaming services. The station played a crucial role in the development of British house, garage, drum & bass, and breakbeat scenes.
International Influence
The success of Kiss FM became a model for launching similar projects around the world. The brand evolved into a benchmark for dance radio, and the name Kiss FM itself began to be used in different countries, adapting to local electronic music scenes.
The station gained particular significance in Eastern Europe. In Ukraine, Kiss FM, which launched in the early 2000s, became a key media resource for the development of electronic music. The Ukrainian edition actively supported local DJs, producers, and festivals, helping to build a domestic club ecosystem and integrate the country into the international electronic community.
“I was still in school when a classmate excitedly told me about a new radio station playing real dance music. I tuned in — and was amazed: it was pure club culture with no advertising (editor’s note: it was a test broadcast), even Klubbheads, who were impossible to hear on other radio stations in Ukraine at the time. It was a moment of discovery.”
From personal memories — Victor PROG
Current Position
Today, Kiss FM is no longer just a radio station, but a multi-layered media brand. It includes FM and online broadcasting, podcasts, themed radio shows, festival projects, and digital platforms. The station actively adapts to modern realities by embracing streaming, social media, and multimedia formats, while maintaining a strong focus on dance music and club culture.
Kiss FM remains an important bridge between the underground and the mainstream, continuing to discover new talent and support the growth of the electronic music scene.
The Legacy of Kiss FM
Kiss FM is a symbol of musical freedom, experimentation, and cultural evolution. The station proved that electronic music can be more than a niche phenomenon — it can be a full-fledged part of mainstream culture. Its contribution to the development of DJing, radio, and club culture remains significant today, and the history of Kiss FM itself is an essential chapter in the story of modern electronic music.
