about us
Back in 2018 the Birdcage Radio podcast series was founded, which has now grown into an online radio, label and successful events and stage hosting series in Utrecht and the rest of the world. Together, we are welcoming you to our creative hub of like-minded DJ's, musicians, visual artists and many more varying creatives from around the globe. ENTER THE CAGE!
our story
ENTER THE CAGE
You could say that the story of Birdcage Radio progressed and evolved naturally. It all began in 2018, when Nicolas van Dedem and Rochelle Dietz, the founders of Birdcage Radio were part of an active friend group of creatives. Be it DJs, creatives, festival volunteers or just like-minded music lovers, many fun gatherings and sessions were held at their house where Birdcage Radio ran for a year before moving to a studio. Because here at Birdcage Radio, it doesn’t just stop with music. Artists, poets, designers, videographers, writers, dancers and practically anyone with creative juices in ‘em are part of this vibrant community. ​​
We started off by posting weekly podcasts of DJ sets and that soon organically transitioned into events. All the while, with our very own “Birdcage touch” – from home made decorations, reusing old materials and a preference for places where there’s space for workshops, market stalls and the likes. One thing we noticed though, was that despite the city of Utrecht playing home to many DJ talents, you don’t get to see most of their names on the posters of stages. There were plenty of DJs who were not getting a platform nor enough exposure. Additionally, most of them were playing at other places besides Utrecht - and even then, there wasn’t much diversity. Birdcage Radio wanted to showcase everything, without any boundaries when it comes to genre or sound-type.
​
This gave birth to Birdcage Radio’s desire to even out the playing field and we started hosting a few separate stages and small events. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Then of course, Corona hit and with it, left a huge dent on the live music scene. Birdcage Radio was then rapidly evolving and growing through what we collectively built in just a span of slightly more than two years and DJ careers of our birdie family were taking off.
​
“Fortunately, we still had the community. That was so beautiful, we couldn’t see each other but we could still be there for one another”, Rochelle recalls fondly.
​
Our spirits were anything but broken. Instead, we opted to make the best of the resources and tools we had available like Discord and soon after, Twitch. The Birdcage Radio community’s Discord channel became our virtual hangout where not only music was shared and streamed, but other fun segments were introduced. From daily ‘Morning Announcements’, to quotes, plants or even poems of the day, fun skits and short videos, everyone brought their own creative touch and flair! “We had an empty canvas and everyone just went wild with it,” shares Nicolas.
​
What better time to live up to the “radio” bit in our name, thought the founders. With the help of some tech-savvy Birdcage Radio community members, we started live streaming acts on Twitch. Consistency is key, as they say, and soon, we worked towards going live every day and making a program. We’ve been doing so for more than four years now!
​
What initially was intended to satisfy the music cravings of Utrecht listeners took a fateful twist during the pandemic and ended up hitting and resonating with a way wider and international audience. People also expressed their gratitude for Birdcage Radio having saved them, not only in terms of music and arts but for the whole community-feel which many longed for. “That’s what we’re all about, this interaction with people which was made possible through Twitch” says Rochelle.
​
From viewing and watching, some then wondered how they could partake and do more as part of the Birdcage Radio community. Some who were from other countries even made it a point to fly down to Utrecht, as a “homage” and to finally meet the rest of the community members who already felt like family.
​
With how quickly things were moving and growing, it only made sense to find a space to accommodate everyone but also their work and contributions where they could do whatever they wanted to do. The community even helped fund and support financially with generous donations and contributions. It took a while to set up, but the studio ended up being really nice with so much space. Suddenly, Birdcage Radio had a central place, a HQ if you will. There was quite literally more room for growth!
​
Today, Birdcage Radio has morphed beautifully into something more than a daily live radio show with our own record labels, events, and a thriving active community both online and offline. We are now a 360-degree platform where people can learn to DJ, join lessons, give radio shows a try, participate in events, get assistance with production or even marketing and management. There’s a support system for the entire process of releasing music with Birdcage Radio!
​
Next up, Birdcage Radio will be relocating to a brand new studio which will also act as a meet-up spot where creatives can share ideas, collaborate, inspire and help one another - or for just some casual networking. Do you believe in the power of community and collaboration in an open, transparent and honest environment? Then you’re very much welcome to join and be a part of this music-loving community of birdies! ENTER THE CAGE!
