New Local Online Radio Station Brings Classic R&B And Soul To DC

A new online radio station based in Bowie is targeting listeners who feel traditional radio has moved away from Classic R&B and Soul. Capital Soul Radio‘s current lineup includes Mike Kelsey in mornings, Konrad Meachum in middays and former WHUR Original Quiet Storm host Mansy Pullen in evenings.

Mike Kelsey says the idea grew out of a belief that listeners 45 and older were being underserved as many stations moved away from older R&B and Soul titles. Kelsey teamed with London broadcaster Konrad Meachum, and the two began developing the concept. After researching licensing and building the station gradually, CSR has attracted several thousand website visits and listeners from around the world. The station’s slogan reflects the partnership between Washington and London: “Two Cities / One Sound.”

Kelsey’s background includes stops at Arbitron, WHUR (96.3), and Maryland Public Television, as well as growing up around the legendary Washington station WOL (1450). His father, the late Sunny Jim Kelsey, served as WOL’s morning host and Program Director before eventually becoming Vice President and General Manager for Sonderling Broadcasting. Kelsey says he is taking a “brick by brick” approach to building Capital Soul Radio, with an emphasis on a professional sound and creating a station designed to be around for the long haul. You can hear the station at capitalsoulradio.com, through the Live365 app or on Alexa.