Etikett Radio is Catalyst’s student-run radio station, showcasing the resident talents of our creative community. Our platform reaches the ears and hearts of local and global communities, providing our student creators with a public platform on which to express, experiment and evolve.

Highlighting everything from the past year would be an endless endeavour, but a few shows stand out. Clara, the home-base for neoclassical and folk, gives our ears a breath of fresh air, finding space in the in-between. Silence not as emptiness, but as anticipation for finely tuned acoustic bliss. Be sure to check out the dreamy episode 10 – featuring composers like Richard Horowitz and David August.

Each episode of Meet Your Heroes: A SuperFluous News Podcast interviews a different superhero. Our Acting students meet up monthly to improvise their way through an ever-growing universe of characters.

Our DJs bring underground tunes and experimental formats to ever-evolving genres of dance music – be sure to check out shows: Heat Map, Eleonor Bianchi, MI(TH)RA and TCTRN. And on the softer side, First Light, First Sound explores a different composer or instrument each episode, from Philip Glass to the steel guitar and beyond. Other shows to check out include: FORZUG a weekly broadcast of Brazilian DJs, re:natura radio's seasonal episodes spotlighting ecological experimental sound art and the shopping trolley full of 7inch records wheeled onto the airwaves during DJ Einkaufswagen's Erotic Dream Helpline. Tune in now at etikett-radio.com.

Continuing a legacy

The Funkhaus, one of Berlin’s most iconic buildings, was once home to the GDR’s radio station. It’s a legacy that our eclectic roster of student presenters don’t take lightly. With every broadcast, they follow in the footsteps of the renowned artists who have recorded in our unique studios over the decades.

“With my radio show Partly Cloudy on Etikett, I explore feelings - mine or my guests' - through dream-like, non-linear mixes. Etikett embodies everything I love about student radio: creative freedom, community and the chance to stay connected to a place and the people that continue to inspire me as an alumnus. Tune in to the 'weather report' every other Thursday from 17:00–18:00 on etikett-radio.com!"

– Station Lead, Marius Hay Smith

A taste of the industry

The ever-evolving Etikett Radio team is the foundation of the station. Working within a professional radio environment, they have the opportunity to hone in on a field of their choosing – be it radio station management, producing shows, technical radio production, events, marketing, web development or graphic design. Meanwhile the radio hosts gain real-world experience by hosting, curating and managing their own radio shows, live performances and collaboration opportunities. Etikett Radio team members also get exclusive access to workshops and guidance from Berlin radio practitioners and communities, enabling students to branch outwards from the facility.

“the Funkhaus building reflects the raw history of growth and adversity that has given shape and soul to those that occupy its halls nowadays,” says Etikett Radio Mentor and Student Community Coordinator, Samaquias Lorta. "By creating Etikett Radio, we are following in the large footsteps of our predecessors, inspired to carry forward a legacy of artistry."

Tools of the trade

The Etikett booth is equipped with all the necessary tools for our creators to broadcast anything, and in any way, they desire. To bring their ideas to life, the booth houses XDJ 1000s, Technics 1210s and an Allen & Heath Xone:92 Mixer, as well as a podcasting station equipped with Shure SM7Bs. Broadcasts take place within our on-site radio booth, as pre-recorded uploads, as well as remote streaming capabilities.

Beyond the booth

Beyond the booth, Etikett Radio hosts a range of events, workshops and club nights at some of Berlin’s most famous and underground venues, having collaborated with Berlin-based collectives such as Field Conspiracy, FOAD, Threads Radio, Eclectique and more. These partnerships are able to extend to international transmissions which have led to events such as Threads Radio X Etikett Radio Takeover and CTM/Transmediale Vorspeil, Our platform creates an organic bridge between the Catalyst community and the local creative arts scene, creating opportunities for up-and-coming artists to perform to new audiences and build a network.

Mentorship

In 2024 we began a mentorship series with sustain.FM, Cashmere Radio and Refuge Worldwide. Radios in Berlin provide students with insights into their workings and guiding students with wisdom from community radios. This not only gives the student-team professional guidance in managing radio but also a platform to engage with professionals and emerging talents.

From humble beginnings

Founded in 2014, Etikett Radio was established at Gubener Straße, the original location of Catalyst (formerly known as dBs Berlin). Back then, we went live just three days per week. Now, our students occupy the airwaves 24/7, broadcasting from Catalyst’s legendary Funkhaus location. 

Press play above to listen to Catalyst Cassette: Volume Two, our multi-genre cassette compilation of the very best tracks by the musical talents catalysed at our school in the last year.