DarkCompass began in December 2004, curated and hosted by Ro. It features a collection of music shows dedicated to independent, underground, and undiscovered music. Recognised as one of the longest-running podcasts in the UK, DarkCompass has a rich history.
Initially a social commentary site with a musical focus, DarkCompass evolved into a prominent hard rock and metal music podcast. It highlighted new and unsigned bands, bridging the gap between fans and artists worldwide.
In 2011, DarkCompass was honored as the National Winner (UK) at the European Podcast Awards.
Ro has played a significant role in the music podcasting community. He was involved in the Association of Music Podcasting, which pioneered the promotion of Creative Commons music until its closure in 2016. Additionally, Ro co-founded the Made in the UK Show, which featured new, unsigned, and independent UK music artists, including The Boxer Rebellion and The Joy Formidable. Although it disbanded in 2016, there are rumors of its revival.
Ro has been involved Hard Rock Hell Radio, where he has curated music for the station.
DarkCompass has recently returned to it’s root, with more underground and unsigned artists, playing multiple genres of music around the independent scene.
Other Shows DarkCompass been involved with over the years:
- Tea, Earl Grey Hot
- Made in The UK Show
- Night Nurse Show
- Amped
- Bitjob for The Masses
- Insomnia Radio UK
- The Bugcast
- Hard Rock Hell Radio
- Atom Heart Mutha