Rebetiko Radio Stations

"Rebetiko" is a genre of Greek folk music that originated in the early 20th century and was heavily influenced by traditional Greek, Ottoman, and Eastern Mediterranean music. It is characterized by its distinctive instrumentation, which includes the bouzouki, a long-necked stringed instrument, and the baglama, a smaller version of the bouzouki. The music also features a mix of vocal styles, including solo and group singing, and often includes lyrics about love, poverty, and the struggles of everyday life.

Radio stations that play rebetiko are typically dedicated to Greek folk music and cater to a niche audience of enthusiasts. These stations may play classic recordings from the early 20th century, as well as more contemporary interpretations of the genre by modern musicians.

Rebetiko was originally played in urban areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki, and Smyrna (now Izmir, Turkey), and was associated with the lower classes and the criminal underworld. The music was often played in taverns and cafes, and was sometimes accompanied by the use of illicit drugs such as hashish.

Despite its association with the criminal underworld, rebetiko became popular throughout Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean region, and has since been recognized as an important part of Greek cultural heritage. The music has also influenced other genres of music, such as laïkó and Greek rock.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in rebetiko, both in Greece and internationally. Radio stations that play rebetiko provide a platform for enthusiasts to enjoy and appreciate this unique and historic genre of music.

In conclusion, rebetiko is a genre of Greek folk music that originated in the early 20th century and is characterized by its distinctive instrumentation, vocal styles, and lyrics about love, poverty, and everyday life. Radio stations that play rebetiko cater to a niche audience of enthusiasts and provide a platform for the enjoyment and appreciation of this unique and historic genre of music.