Dance To the Top 13 Radio Stations for Music in Los Angeles
Senior Editor and Researcher
Dancing is an amazing way to get the body moving and your heart pumping. Because of that, it can be an excellent way to destress and relax after a long day.
Although to do that, you’ll have to play the right music. With hundreds of radio channels in LA, finding one that matches your preferences can be tough.
So, if you want to dance to the top 13 radio stations for music in Los Angeles, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most popular broadcasts.
Best 13 Radio Stations for Music in Los Angeles
1. KTWV
● Frequency: 94.7 MHz.
● Modulation: FM
● Format: Urban adult contemporary
● Scope: Local
● Established: 1948
● Broadcast area: Greater Los Angeles
● Number of listeners: 1,617,400
● Owner: Audacy
KTWV has been around for a long time. When it first launched, it pioneered the smooth jazz radio format.
For that reason, thousands would tune in every night to hear the latest music.
Over the years, the station grew and branched out. KTWV moved away from jazz and focused its energy on contemporary hits.
This turned into a blend of soft R&B vocals and ballads.
2. KCBS-FM
● Frequency: 93.1 MHz.
● Modulation: FM
● Format: Adult hits
● Scope: Local
● Established: 1948
● Broadcast area: Greater Los Angeles
● Number of listeners: 1,379,400
● Owner: Audacy
KCBS is one of the only channels on our list that currently has no DJs. That means it’ll play music all day long, with limited interruptions.
Instead of a DJ, the station relies on pre-recorded quips and ironic remarks between songs.
So, not only will you get to listen to music, but you’ll also get a few laughs out of it.
The channel plays adult hits, which encompasses many genres. That includes pop, rock, and country.
KCBS broadcasts both contemporary hits and oldies. Typically, you’ll hear a song or two that dates back to the 1960s.
Therefore, if you’re nostalgic for the good old tunes, you’ll get to hear them.
3. KRRL
● Frequency: 92.3 MHz.
● Modulation: FM
● Format: Urban contemporary
● Scope: Local
● Established: 1948
● Broadcast area: Greater Los Angeles, Southern California
● Number of listeners: 1,116,400
● Owner: iHeartMedia
If you’re in the mood for a little urban music, KRRL is the way to go.
This channel is one of the few that focuses all its air time on artists of color.
KRRL plays some of the top tunes in the music industry. It’ll give you a balanced mix of pop, hip-hop, blues, and even some classical music.
This means you can find a song that you like.
Besides that, the station is the flagship of Big Boy’s Neighborhood.
4. KKJZ
● Frequency: 88.1 MHz.
● Modulation: FM
● Format: Jazz
● Scope: Local
● Established: 1950
● Broadcast area: Los Angeles
● Number of listeners: 394,500
● Owner: California State University
Try turning on the radio and switching to channel KKJZ when feeling down. This station focuses on broadcasting jazz and blues.
The slow tunes will wash over you and help you find your center. Plus, they’ll match your mood and emotional state.
Within a few minutes, you notice your foot tapping with the music. Before you know it, you’ll be on your feet and dancing the night away.
5. KCSN
● Frequency: 88.5 MHz.
● Modulation: FM
● Format: Adult alternative
● Scope: Local
● Established: 1963
● Broadcast area: Greater Los Angeles area
● Number of listeners: 162,900
● Owner: California State University
KCSN’s main broadcast consists of adult album alternative (AAA) music. That means they offer a much more diverse playlist than most other channels on our list.
The music KCSN plays is usually on the fringe of mainstream media.
For instance, some of the popular tunes belong to the pop-rock genre.
Other than that, there’s indie rock, Americana, alternative rock, and alternative country.
6. KMZT-AM
● Frequency: 1260 kHz.
● Modulation: AM
● Format: Classical
● Scope: Local
● Established: 1947
● Broadcast area: LA County, Southern California, Greater Los Angeles
● Number of listeners: N/A
● Owner: Mount Wilson FM Broadcasters
The call sign for this station stands for K-Mozart. If you’re a fan of classical music, then KMZT-AM may be your channel.
Most people don’t associate classical music with dancing. Yet, if you’re looking for a quiet night in with a loved one, it may be just what you need.
You can slow dance through the night and sway in your partner’s arms.
Not only that, but KMZT also plays Christmas music around the holidays. You can cozy up with your significant other around a fire while enjoying your favorite tunes.
7. KSPC
● Frequency: 88.7 MHz.
● Modulation: FM
● Format: Freeform
● Scope: Local
● Established: 1956
● Broadcast area: Riverside, San Bernardino
● Number of listeners: N/A
● Owner: Pomona College
KSPC is a college and community radio station.
For that reason, it primarily focuses on local and independent content.
To ensure everyone gets a chance to shine, KSPC uses a freeform format. That means it plays all sorts of shows and music.
Because of that, the station is home to various genres. These include reggae, classical, jazz, underground, and Americana.
Other than that, KSPC’s programming features a few news segments. They talk about public affairs, sports, and other current events.
8. KTPI-FM
● Frequency: 97.7 MHz.
● Modulation: FM
● Format: Country
● Scope: Local
● Established: 1967
● Broadcast area: Lancaster, Palmdale
● Number of listeners: N/A
● Owner: RZ Radio
When KTPI started out, it was a simulcast of KDOL.
Although, this would quickly change to a Top-40 format.
It wasn’t until 2011 that the channel found its true calling. It’s when KTPI switched to the country format.
Today, it plays some of the best tunes for country music.
On top of that, you’ll be able to call in and request specific songs if you like.
9. KCSN-HD3
● Frequency: 88.5 MHz.
● Modulation: FM
● Format: Latin alternative
● Scope: Local
● Established: 2017
● Broadcast area: Greater Los Angeles area
● Number of listeners: N/A
● Owner: California State University
HD3 is a sub-channel of KCSN. Because of that, both broadcasts play similar music.
Yet, there’s one major difference between the two.
HD3 airs Latin alternative music. This includes a few different genres. These are Lofi, chillout, electronica, metal, and new wave.
Since the channel targets the Hispanic community, the beats are a bit spicier. They’re sure to get you off your chair and dancing in no time.
10. KTLW
● Frequency: 88.9 MHz.
● Modulation: FM
● Format: Christian worship music
● Scope: Local
● Established: 1997
● Broadcast area: Lancaster
● Number of listeners: N/A
● Owner: Educational Media Foundation
The Church on the Way started KTLW in 1997. It was a way for speakers like Jack Hayford and John MacArthur to share sermons.
While these were interesting to listen to, they lasted only a short time. Instead, the station focused on praise and worship music.
This drew in a large following and boosted the popularity of the channel. Since then, KTLW has become one of the go-to radio stations for Christian tunes.
11. KXLU
● Frequency: 88.9 MHz.
● Modulation: FM
● Format: Eclectic
● Scope: Local
● Established: 1957
● Broadcast area: Los Angeles
● Number of listeners: N/A
● Owner: Loyola Marymount University
KXLU broadcasts many styles of music, from rock to Latin jazz.
The hosts on the station are usually college students. Because of that, you’ll get to listen to the latest tunes out there.
Plus, KXLU offers a few different shows that give you a glimpse behind the scenes of music production.
To top it all off, the channel boasts a public affairs show. This talks about all the relevant news from the world around us.
12. KDSC
● Frequency: 91.1 MHz.
● Modulation: FM
● Format: Classical music
● Scope: Local
● Established: 1979
● Broadcast area: Ventura County
● Number of listeners: N/A
● Owner: University of Southern California
KDSC has a similar playlist to KMZT. Both channels play classical music all day long.
Although, KDSC adds a special twist. First, it’ll help you start your day with The Morning Show. This broadcast features many upbeat classical songs to energize you for the day.
Once that wraps up, you’ll move on to a calming playlist to make relaxing possible. Then, by 9 p.m., we move on to the spotlight segment.
This follows some of the up-and-coming artists in the Golden State. It’ll give them a platform to show the world what they can do.
13. KKLQ-HD1
● Frequency: 100.3 MHz.
● Modulation: FM
● Format: Christian contemporary
● Scope: Local
● Established: 1957
● Broadcast area: Greater Los Angeles
● Number of listeners: N/A
● Owner: Educational Media Foundation
KKLQ is another channel that plays Christian music for the most part. Although, there are a couple of factors that differentiate it from KTLW.
For starters, KKLQ focuses on contemporary music rather than praise and worship. It appeals to young and senior citizens.
Other than that, this station reaches a much wider audience. KTLW only broadcasts in Lancaster, while KKLQ services Greater Los Angeles.
So, you’ll get to listen to soothing Christian music no matter where you are.
Wrapping Up
If you want to dance to the top 13 radio stations for music in Los Angeles, we can help you. The channel you choose will depend on your preferences.
For instance, if you’re looking for classical music, then two amazing options are KDCS and KMZT.
Yet, when you’re in the mood for contemporary beats, KRRL and KCBS are the way to go.
Finally, there are a few stations that offer Christian music. These are KKLQ and KTLW.
