On Monday May 4th marked the 100th episode of IncubatorZZZ! IncubatorZZZ is a unique program on Zed Digital that provides accessibility for Zedders who, for whatever reason such as accessibility constraints, life commitments or financial constraints, are not able to participate in or develop their own Zed Digital or 4zzz 102.1 FM show.  

IncubatorZZZ represents what 4ZZZ is all about: giving diverse sounds from a range of contributors drawing on individual perspectives and life experiences across the musical spectrum. The program connects and amplifies the diverse voices of our community. 

A huge congratulations to 100 episodes to the Incubatorzzz team and listen back to the show special here!

We’ve wrapped up our April Atonement festivities so we wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who subscribed during the campaign. Your support goes directly to keeping us alive, broadcasting the voices of our community and platforming local bands and issues that don’t get heard anywhere else. 

We are proudly independent media, which we’re only able to achieve because of the direct support of subscribers. 40% of 4ZZZ’s income is subscriptions yet 5% of total listeners are subscribers. Therefore, we truly rely on the support of our listeners to continue broadcasting. 

Thank you so much to everyone that subscribed and may your warm inner glow shine bright!

The Workers Power team conducted a broadcast live from the heart of the Labour Day rally on May 4th from 10am-12pm.

Throughout the rally they had some really important interviews and conversations with marchers in the crowd which touched on the importance of Labour Day as a celebration of workers achievements and the labour movement. They also spoke on the cost of living crisis, Justice for Palestine and other continued struggles that workers are facing. 

Listen back to hear the whole broadcast on the Workers Power. 

4ZZZ won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the QMA for 2026!

It's hard to put 4ZZZ and our lifetime into a couple minute speech, but Dr. Heather Anderson, our 4ZZZ historian and community radio expert, more than did it justice. Shining a light to how 4ZZZ has remained unapologetic for 50 years in platforming local music, reporting matters that mainstream media don't touch and how important it is to give ordinary people access to the airwaves.

The award doesn't belong to any one person. 4ZZZ has remained alive through countless hours of countless volunteers over decades. Anyone that has walked through the doors of 4ZZZ to playlist a show, write a news story or input music, this award belongs to them. 

The 50th of the station last year was a huge milestone in the station journey. So many people from volunteers to announcers and 4ZZZ staff gave up hours and days to make sure all the events happened. It was no small feat and their work truly made the 50th anniversary one to remember. 

A special shoutout to Screamfeeder who performed the QMA’s wearing all 4ZZZ shirts and Ball Park Music dedicating their Album of the Year win to 4ZZZ Radio.

Thank you Heather for such a beautiful speech and thank you Queensland Music Awards for the recognition of 4ZZZ. 

The Banana Logo Tee is back in a new colour! Sage green colour printed on a AS staple cotton tee. Sub price: $35 | Non-sub: $40. 

We've got another tee with a brand new design coming in hot. The 4ZZZ Grid in Vibrant Neon which has already been super popular.  Printed on a black AS block cotton tee. Sub price: $40 | Non-sub: $45.

Last but not least, new tea towels are in! With a vast collection of zed logos on a black cotton tea towel, this is one to have in a 4ZZZ household. Sub price: $20 | Non-sub: $25.

The iconic George Levi native bee design is back in cranberry! On an American Apparel soft cotton long sleeve, this run is strictly limited. Make sure you make your pre-order before May 8th so you don’t miss out. 

Please note: the image is a mock up. The actual print may differ slightly. 

There has been so much happening in the world of 4ZZZ throughout April Atonement! In case you got a bit lost in the chaos, here’s a rundown of everything that’s been happening.

Kicked off the April Atonement festivities with the Kellie Lloyd Walking Tour on April 11th. We took a trip down memory lane and rediscovered 4ZZZ and Fortitude Valley’s wild, loud and rebellious history. Hosted by none other than Screamfeeder’s Kellie Lloyd and 4ZZZ's resident historian Andrew Bartlett, they brought the stories of the city to life. 

Our beloved folk program, From The Roots, gifted us our first ever acoustic Carpark Storyteller Sessions gig on April 12th. With a beautifully curated lineup featuring Sammy Snide, The Inadequates, The Kuninis, Faith Kyrooz & Grace Sparks Duo. It was the perfect addition to a sunny day. 

Then! Our community radio expert, Heather Anderson, had a People Powered Radio book discussion night at Riverbend Books on April 14th with Leanne de Soulza. People Powered Radio captures the oral and archival histories of one of Australia’s oldest and most unique community radio stations. 

We celebrated Youth Week at Season Three on April 18th with a stacked local lineup featuring Sienna Tenn, Hicktown Barnaby, Maira and Daylight Vandal. All ages events are so important for young people to connect, get involved with local music and feel like they are apart of something bigger. It a great way to round off Youth Week this year. 

Selling out within a few days, Andrew Bartlett’s Bus Tour has been a highlight! Together, we rolled through the streets and stopped at places where 4ZZZ and Meanjin music history was made: the buildings, venues and sites that gave birth to the sounds, movements and moments. 

Last but not least, was the twentieth day of the fourth month (wink wink). Our April Atonement 420 Prize day special. We had five prizes on offer for anyone who subscribed during the day with the final huge giveaway on The Hangover. Femme Fatale (1-3PM on Mondays) completely filled the studio with local musicians and brought the ‘high spirits’ to the 420 day.

We’re nearing the end of April so make sure you get in quick, subscribe and claim your warm inner glow.

Shedding some light to our tried and true merch that you may have missed.

A new deal is on offer! Get a bundle of merch with the iconic Zed50 tee and a mystery pair of socks for just $40. 

If you missed out on the Community Sounds Different Tee and Tote from Radiothon last year, we’ve still got some that you can snatch up too!

And! Last but not least, the whimsical Moushache T-Shirt. If you haven’t added to your Zed T-Shirt collection in a while, this is one of our favourites from last year’s 50th celebration. 

This is the perfect time to subscribe during April Atonement and claim your sub discount on some merch.

In traditional terms, the 50th anniversary is celebrated with GOLD. While we're not particularly interested in being traditional, this is one we can get behind. Since 1975 we've been broadcasting radical radio to South East Queensland, and to mark 50 years we're releasing a limited edition GOLD 4ZZZ50 tee! 

This AS Colour black tee features a purple and metallic gold print designed by our friends at Inkahoots. It's a celebration of lo-fi digital, DIY bitmap, pop-punk tech, the clash and colour of subcultures blending to form a whole that is more than the sum of its parts.

These shirts are strictly limited- don't miss out!