“Immerse Yourself in GTA’s Dynamic Soundtrack Experience: Turn on the Radio and Bring the Game to Life”

Last week, as we brainstormed ideas for what we hoped to see more of in GTA 6, a surprising coincidence occurred – two of us were eager to delve into the topic of radio stations. Ed penned a delightful piece on his desire for an 80s-themed station to channel Miami vibes, while I had planned to spotlight Non-Stop-Pop and its charismatic DJ Cara. (Ed’s article turned out so well that I had to find other topics to explore.)

The fact that multiple team members wanted to write about radio isn’t that shocking, considering its longstanding presence in the GTA series. I vividly recall my post-university days, sitting in my rented room playing the first GTA on my PC. I wasn’t just searching for the perfect car for a mission, but for one with tunes that resonated with me. Back then, radio stations were tied to vehicles – anyone stuck with a pick-up truck and a looping country song can relate. It added a layer of realism, as if you were inheriting the previous owner’s musical taste along with the car.

Fast forward to today, and radio remains an integral part of the GTA experience. The radio wheel is as crucial, if not more so, than the weapon wheel when I watch my wife play. While weapons alter gameplay, the right radio station sets the mood for the entire gaming session. Radio is a vital component of immersing oneself in the game world.

Enter Non-Stop-Pop, home to not only great tunes but also the cheerful and distinctly English DJ Cara. It’s a recent discovery that Cara Delevigne voices DJ Cara, but to me, the DJ and the actress remain separate entities. DJ Cara has been a constant presence in our household for nearly a decade, accompanying my wife through various escapades, from petty crimes to elaborate heists and ocean explorations. DJ Cara, thank you for your service.

While other open-world games have incorporated radio, GTA’s approach feels more thoughtful, with a diverse range of stations reflecting the eclectic nature of American broadcasting. In GTA 5, Los Santos isn’t just depicted through its streets and skyscrapers, but also through its airwaves. The NPCs on the streets likely know about DJ Cara, while drivers in their cars are lost in their own radio worlds, each immersed in their preferred DJ and music.

Radio has always been intertwined with my memories of life in the States. I can vividly recall my mum tuning the radio in her Mazda as we drove through redwood forests on Highway 9, settling on stations playing hits like “Baker Street” or “Daydream Believer.” (The sax opening of “Baker Street” instantly transports me back to the winding roads of Highway 9.) America’s connection to cars seems linked to the experience of billboards, making each journey feel grand and unpredictable, and FM radio, creating a sense of internal reflection as you navigate through your own thoughts.

As we cruise through Los Santos with DJ Cara’s tunes in the background, I’m reminded of a story shared by Lindsey Buckingham on the Song Exploder podcast. He recounted hearing “Go Your Own Way” on the radio for the first time while stuck in LA traffic. The feeling of his own song playing on the airwaves, beyond his control, resonated deeply with him. It’s moments like these that capture the magic of radio and its ability to transport us to different worlds, even within the confines of a gaming experience.