Podcasting

What is it?

A Digital Audio File distributed over the internet using an RSS feed.....hang on, slow down what is RSS?!

Standing for Real Simple Syndication, RSS is used to distribute regually updated feeds over the internet. The most common example being news bulletins. Say, for example, you like to keep up on whats going on in the world of Organic Farming, a common desire, you simply type "Organic Farming RSS" into google and up pops the perfect site. In the corner is a small orange logo, the RSS logo. Once you click on it and decide your RSS Reader (such as google or bookmarks) you are then subscribed and updated everytime something is posted. Life couldn't really be simpler and I've just learnt Australia is having an organic fruit boom.

Now back to Podcasts. RSS makes podcasting possible because it means you can subscribe to podcasts and delicious shows of your choosing are automatically downloaded for you, at the moment free and to keep.

In the past the radio you listened to was determined by so many factors the area you lived in, the time you could tune in and the general feeling of the station you were able to tune into. Being for the depths of Mid Wales my choice was always limited! With podcasts I am able to pick and choose. I essentially create my own radio station on a daily basis packed full of the content I want.

Shows range from music to factual to the downright bizzare and enlightening. Anyone can upload, anyone can broadcast which means the choice is unbelievable. You can subscribe directly though applications such as itunes which lists lots of them everyday, or be more adventurous, go find them yourself!

At the moment I am subscribed to hundreds. Djs putting out their new mixes, clothes labels stating their brand through podcasts of their favourite music, clubs promoting themselves, bands trawling through their influences, news and heartfelt shows dragging listeners though the colourful musical past of talented producers.

The Digital Age has transformed the content we devour and I for one think that Podcasts are a fantasic step forward.
Fabric Podcast - One of my favourites! An in depth, warm take on what inspires some of the worlds top djs, from their mouths. Fabric just sit back and allow the djs to play everything from Swing to Grime to Detroit Techno and Chicago House oh and everything else in between.
Hospital Records Podcast - An award winning podcast from one of the worlds most famous dnb labels. A fantastic way to keep in the know and bash your way though a Monday morning bus ride.
Sunday Best Podcast - As eclectic as he is; Rob da Bank's podcast covers ever genre you could imagine and convinces you that you are in love with every last bit of his wandering taste.