Music is an innately personal and preferential medium, but what if there were a way you could indulge in your favourite old-school vintage vibes while still keeping an ear to the ground - or, in this case, the radio waves - for today’s recent hits?
No. It’s not some far-fetched FM fever dream. It’s Wave 98.3!
Featuring a diverse mix of smooth tunes, funky instrumentals, classic Motown and R&B, as well as hits from some of today’s biggest artists, Wave 98.3 provides music everyone can enjoy.
The station officially commenced broadcasting on July 18 of this year, launched by Doug and Mary Kirk of Durham Radio, an independent Canadian broadcaster with seven radio stations in Ontario and B.C.
The dream for the station, according to the Kirks, is to create a genuine connection with listeners while providing artists with a platform for further exposure.
“We’re bringing something new and exciting to the Vancouver radio market with a lot of artists that should be well known but aren’t because they don’t get any airplay anywhere else,” says Mary.
The station is committed to playing 50% music that is new to people, as well as 40% music from Canadian artists, “which is quite high,” Mary explains.
“It’s not music that you would see on billboard charts. It’s music that is more under the radar,” she continues.
Doug further supports this point, describing how a substantial portion of the station’s library is new contemporary instrumental music, “which very few people are playing.”
That said, its catalogue varies.
“There is a substantial amount of vocals, some classic Motown and R&B, as well as current vocals. We’re playing Elton John and Dua Lipa, for example, and The Weeknd,” Doug continues.
“We’re playing those, as well as mixed into that, a different vibe with contemporary instrumental. Anybody can listen to it. You could be 20, or you could be 75. It doesn’t matter. Our primary target, however, is 45-64.”
Again, the primary objective is to create a supportive, authentic connection that audiences can trust. One such method for building this foundation is by featuring veteran Vancouver broadcasting personalities, including local Vancouver stage, screen and radio personality Tara Jean Stevens, who will host in the mornings.
“It brings familiarity to the station,” Doug reveals.
“It’s nice to have a strong cast of on-air personalities that are excited about the music and wanting to share that with the listeners as well as sharing all sorts of exciting things going on in Vancouver,” adds Mary.
“They’re talking to each listener out there, providing companionship and fun and some cool grooves during the day.”
Wave 98.3’s programming creates an environment of positivity, which, Doug says, “in these times, people really need.”
“That really is what holds music together. It’s a sense of positivity and groove and feel good music,” Mary agrees, laughing as she continues, “It’s about the way it lifts you up so you can shoulder dance your way through life.”
“It’s something we think the city will like,” notes Doug. “We’re here for the long haul. We know it takes time to build in Vancouver, but we hope the city will embrace of the format. This is something unique that isn’t here now.”
“It’s a labour of love from us,” he continues. “It’s the coolest place, and we’re bringing the coolest vibe to the coolest place.”
For your daily dose of oldies, new hits, and up and coming artists, be sure to listen to Wave 98.3 at wave983.fm.
