Not bound by the constraints of modern day programming, Radio Beedi thrives on intention, offering curated moments that feel as much like an art installation as they do a broadcast. Each show is a statement: intimate yet universal, raw yet refined. Drawing inspiration from the worlds of design, fashion, and fine art, Radio Beedi is as much about what you hear as how it makes you feel. It’s more than a station; it’s a movement, a mood, and a moment in culture.
Founded by the Patel brothers Vasu and Nikhil, Radio Beedi traces its origins to Manchester, where both were born. The city’s deep-rooted sound system culture and the UK’s wider underground scene left an early imprint, shaping their approach to music, aesthetics, and creative direction. From jungle to jazz, dub to broken beat, the influence of British counterculture continues to inform the station’s sensibility.
The name "Beedi" was taken from a matchbox they found in their grandparents’ garage while helping them pack. A small artefact with rich visual character, it encapsulated the spirit of the project: global, personal, and built on memory. That early spark was later refined in San Francisco, where the brothers now live and work.
Their space, Studio Beedi, is a purpose-built studio and cultural outpost in the heart of the city. It’s where much of the programming is developed and recorded—sometimes alone, often with collaborators, always with intention. On any given day, you might find a local selector digging through rare records or a visiting artist prepping a set for broadcast.
Radio Beedi features voices from across the world. Though the genres shift, the curation remains deliberate. The station draws inspiration from leading cultural figures such as Benji B, Gilles Peterson, NAINA, Pharrell, Annie Mac, and Virgil Abloh—individuals who’ve built careers not only on taste but on trust, vision, and community.
At its heart, Radio Beedi values precision. Nothing is rushed. Every mix, every guest, every design choice is considered. It’s a space that feels high-quality yet accessible, polished yet personal.