erika.net freeform internet radio

frequently asked questions

Freeform? What's that?

Freeform is a style of radio programming that allows the DJ to select her own music to share with the listeners. At erika.net, we play a wide variety of music, with a focus on sounds and styles you won't hear on other radio stations. We maintain a large, hand-picked library (currently 40,000+ songs) for your listening pleasure.

40,000 songs?! Wow. Is that legal?

Yes, it is. We actually go out and buy CDs, records, and legal MP3s to play on this radio station, and no music is available for download from this Web site. Our broadcast is only available in a streaming format from our partner live365.com. Through live365, we are fully licensed with ASCAP, BMI and SESAC -- and we also pay SoundExchange directly.

Well, that's good. How many people listen?

We currently get 700-1000 listeners a day. People listen for about a half-hour at a time, from all over the world. Outside of the United States, there is significant listenership in Switzerland, Japan, Canada, Germany, France and the United Kingdom. We get a lot of feedback from Brasil as well.

Where are you located?

Ann Arbor, Michigan.

How do you people make money?

We don't. In fact, we actively lose it in order to keep this project going. Therefore, you should donate if you like to listen.

Well then, why do you do this?

Something to do with loving music, and wanting to share it with you. Really! erika.net got started in 2000, when former WCBN-FM program director Erika Sherman decided she missed radio and wanted to start a side project.

I really like the song I'm listening to right now. Where can I get a copy?

A lot of the music we play is currently in print, and is available from emusic, amazon.com or dusty groove america. If you use the amazon search box to the right to buy music, we get a kickback, and you're helping us stay on the air!