COO COO CA CHOO >>>

Peninsula School District radio station KGHP needs to raise funds to stay on air. As we see it, they can do one of two things. First option, capture the upscale, educated market that loves pledge drives by converting the station to an all pledge drive format. Instead of broadcasting its current eclectic scale of entertainment - which includes jazz, blues, reggae, roots and Americana, classic rock, vintage music and local sports - the station would switch to a 24-hour programming dedicated to sniffy radio personalities wheedling listeners to send money for a designer tote bag, or to enter a raffle to win a weekend of wine-tasting in Walla Walla. KGHP's new format will include programs such as "Guess Who's Asking for Money?" "Pledgie Home Companion" and "This American Checkbook."

The second option would be a radio stunt. According to the following press release, it looks as if KGHP is going with the stunt.

KGHP's Station Manager the Walrus, will begin his attempt to walk from Owens Beach in Pt Defiance Park to the Summit of Mt Rainier on Monday June 13^th at High Noon. The Goal is to raise one dollar for every foot he climbs in Elevation. So Mt Rainer is 14,411 feet in height, we hope to raise $14,411 to continue to allow Community Radio KGHP to continue to broadcast great Radio Entertainment for the Local South Sound Community. The Public is welcome to come out and join the walrus on his walk, or to support us on line at KGHP.ORG

There are many opportunity's for the Public to support our fundraising goals by purchasing a KGHP-TEE Shirt, Or Dedicating a Song to the Walrus, Signing up to become an Underwriter, or just a simple Donation.

Anyone interested in more info can contact the Walrus at 253.225.1195.

HYPE BLAH HYPE BLAH >>>

Last Sunday I made time in my busy life (see: buying bunk beds and comparing high efficiency washer and dryers) to stop by the Northwest Convergence Zone podcast (you know, it spawned NWCZRadio.com). I'm supposed to make this pilgrimage to the "Man Cave" once a month, but lately it's been far more irregular. It seems the relationship may need some Activia.

Anyway, when I stop by the Northwest Convergence Zone we talk sports, because what the hell else would we talk about on a podcast dedicated to shining a light on our area's countless talented musicians, entertainers and artist?

Exactly.

Here's a link to the blabbering. I'm the dumb sounding one. The Gimmer is the mustachioed sounding one. Darrell Fortune is the one who sounds like he's wearing cargo shorts. Voxxy just sounds like Voxxy ... which is quite alright by me.

NWCZ RADIO DJS SPEAK >>>

For my article on newly-minted, locally-focused Internet radio station NWCZ Radio, I reached out to some of its on-air talent for insight on why they feel the station fills a much-needed niche, and how their brief time at the station is already expanding their musical palette.

WEEKLY VOLCANO: Why do you think NWCZ is important? Why should more people be tuning in and how do you view the service it provides to the community?

"NWCZ is the kind of outlet that artists in the Northwest need: a homegrown station with a diverse and broad reach that can help expose them to a large audience. More people should tune into it and I think over time [they] will-it's just a matter of getting in the habit of setting the internet dial to NWCZRadio.com."

-Quincy Henry/Quincy Q'Dot, Fridays 7-8 p.m.

"The whole purpose, the mission statement for NWCZ and why I am here is [that] the main focus is the music; at NWCZ, the unsigned musician is what is showcased here.  These are very talented, independent musicians that struggle for every gig, that are on stage because they love the music and the artform.  That is what we do at NWCZ, we give these very talented musicians a larger platform, a bigger stage and get their music to the listening public.  We hear a lot from listeners that they never knew that band or that they were so good."

-Dave Samson, Mondays 7-10p.m.

"NWCZ provides a platform for musicians of all genres to be heard, and for fans of any genre to find a Northwest band that they just love. You probably had no idea how much amazing music is being produced and performed in the Northwest. And maybe not every song played is your favorite, but you will find many previously unknown gems for your hungry little ears, guaranteed!... There is some amazing stuff going on in Northwest music, and I am sure we are seeing some history being made right here in our own back yard."

-Sherrie Voxxy, Sundays 9-11 p.m.

"Much like large corporate retail outfits churn out the various competing products stacked for miles down the aisles, corporate music radio is still sending highly processed national artists out over the airwaves to satisfy a particular demographic in a highly splintered market. I believe that NWCZ fills a gap in this market by broadcasting only the local and regional heros - no big labels - no household names."

-Kevin Heiderich, Wednesdays 7-8 p.m.

"NWCZ is important because it provides a platform for some of our extremely talented musician friends to share their music with the masses. As we all know there are very few radio stations playing local independent bands. Even the weekly local music shows usually play the same bands over and over, so it's quite difficult for someone not in the clique to get in."

-Glen Casebeer, Thursdays 7 PM - 9 PM

VOLCANO: How do you feel, generally, about the state of Northwest music, based on what you've played or heard on NWCZ?

"That is simple...the Northwest music scene is blowing up. Similar to what occurred in the early '90s, in Seattle the artists are coming together every day to support and encourage one another. Of course, it is still ultra competitive due to the sheer volume of talent...but NW artists get that they need to lift each other up. My friend, Jeff Hamel, from Sweet Kiss Momma said it perfectly, 'Only one band needs to hit the big time, and the rest of us will have an opportunity to shine while the lights are on.'"

-Raymond Hayden, Tuesdays 7-8 p.m.

"From Bellingham to Eugene, we live in one of the most well-educated Baby Boomer and Gen X nesting spots in the country, and well-educated people apply liberal arts to their children in this area. We are rich in musical talent. Whatever your genre, you can find it in this broad stretch of territory, and you can find it stocked with a few solid bands at a minimum. When you couple that with the lowering cost of mass producing average to high quality recorded music, then the local kids have a shot at the market which was once dominated by giants."

-Kevin Heiderich

WHAT WILL THE FUTURE HOLD? >>>

The other morning while listening to National Public Radio's "Morning Edition" on KPLU, and a story regarding the Libyan hoopla, I was struck by a muse: will my children be able to listen to this?  Or will my children have to choose between Clear Channel or Fox News with Uncle Bill O'Riley in lieu of the greatest legitimate highbrow liberal media outlet (at least produced on this content) this nearing socialist has ever heard?

The thought had been waxing and waning though my noggin for a while now. With the federal budget tightening on everything other than essential functions it is hard to believe that some of the Right Wing nut jobs won't achieve in taking "Bird Note," "Car Talk," or "This American Life" away from the people.

I shot off an email to the KPLU's General Manager Paul Stankavich asking his opinion on the impact of the possibility of federal cuts.  Mr. Stankavich noted that if federal funding was removed "...our reduced services would very likely be noticed by the public." 

For this little leftist that could mean all sorts of no-good.  Would KPLU revert back to the limited schedule it held prior to 1985?  Will I have to turn elsewhere to hear the music of John Pizzarelli? Who knows, but it doesn't look good. While my interview with Pizzarelli was earlier this week, the U.S. House voted today to cut funding of National Public Radio and its affiliate stations. The bill is not expected to make it through the Senate, however. It is all yet unknown to what the true impact will be. 

I've read in the Washington Post direct federal funding for NPR only accounts for two-percent of their overall budget.  So, two-percent ... What the big deal?  The two-percent figure doesn't take into account that member stations, like KPLU, are funded primarily though federal grants, underwriters and fundraising. The largest portion of which is the federal money.  Without this funding many of the NPR affiliate stations will be forced to make major changes. 

KPLU has a large base of operation in the Puget Sound and will prevail, though the programming may have to change.  Other smaller station may not be so lucky and might have to close if the axe really, truly does come down. 

As for state money, it has been four years since a grant was issued to KPLU by Washington.  Mr. Stankavich adds, "We do not foresee any potential for seeking state funds in the immediate future."

I know I will be forlorn without the calm serenade of "Evening Jazz" as I drive down I-5.   But it might still be year before our KPLU goes by the wayside.  Mr. Stankavich assured me earlier this week, "We continue to seek to forestall any cuts to public broadcasting and our listeners (and viewers for public TV) are working hard to try and convince congress that these cuts will be damaging to the public broadcasting system." 

Though it is not a solid affirmation, I'll take comfort in it.  Our children have a fighting chance of being able to sip their decaf soy what-have-you and listen to the news of the day from a great local station.

CHECK IT WHILE YOU STILL CAN >>>

You wouldn't know it by looking outside, but winter is ever-so-slowly fading into spring. Soon, that big winter parka will be stored away, replaced by suntan lotion and hiking boots. Trips to the beach will replace weekends at the ski lodge. In no time at all we'll be basking in those clear spring days - warm rays from the sun beaming down on us while we....

Wait. Sorry. This is Washington. Spring comes sometime in mid-June.

Anyway, the technical end to winter (spring supposedly starts March 20) does mean the end for the inaugural season of Olympia Winter Nights. Tonight's fourth and final installment, featuring Briana Marela and the Steve Munger Quintet, begins at 8 p.m. Tune in live to TCTV channel 77, KAOS 89.3 FM, or the OWN Blog to watch the last episode of this truly remarkable local series.

Or, if you're feeling extra springy, head down to The Evergreen State College and catch the performance in-studio.

104.9 FM NOW HAS MORE X >>>

If you tune into the Funky Monkey 104.9FM you will not hear any monkey noises. As of today, the local neu-rock radio station went off the air. In its place is GenX 104.9FM. A Funky Monkey wake will reportedly be held tonight starting at 8 p.m. inside Hell's Kitchen. The vibe will be funky, to say the least.

The following was posted today on the GenX's website:

To Our Monkey Nation

The time has come to say goodbye and thank you to all of our loyal fans.  For the last 11 years you have tuned in to our little station while we brought new rock music to the south sound. We have had the pleasure of meeting many of you at our events and love hearing the stories of how The Monkey has been the sound track for your lives. There is nothing like making someone's dreams come true and introducing them to their favorite rock star.  Those are the memories we'll take with us forever.  Thank you for the support you've shown us by coming out to our events and supporting our causes like Rock For Racks.  It was widely known that Monkey listeners are the most passionate radio listeners out there, and for your endless enthusiasm, we thank you. We lasted a LONG TIME with some mega-massive and mega-awesome rock radio stations around us in this great city, and for 11 years we bit at their ankles & had a blast. We will never forget how fortunate we were to have been a part of The Monkey.  So for now, lock up your monkey shirts, hats, & stickers because they're officially collectors items! Thanks again for being the best listeners in the world! Think of us fondly and please keep local music alive and in your hearts.

To put it simply: WE'LL DO IT LIVE! Now, say it with us if you will...

Be safe, be dangerous --- but most importantly ... and always: rock onwards, and continuously. Thank you

POETRY ON THE RADIO >>>

Our new Soul of the City Tacoma Poet Laureate Tammy Robacker announced to the crowd Saturday night - after being crowned - that she'll work hard to promote "the word" in Tacoma.

And she's already begun.

Robacker has announced through several mediums that local poet and Puget Sound Poetry Connection President Connie Walle, will be a featured reader on the PoetsWest program airing at 4:30 p.m. on KSER 90.1 FM. The topic will be "The Hot Blast of War: A reading of WAR Poems."

If you are out of range for this station, the broadcast is available worldwide via streaming here.

"Robacker" might rhyme with "slacker," but she's certainly not one.

VINYL TRIBE REPRESENT >>>

People who consciously attempt to be cool are a turn off. Those who try to act cool to earn the money of other people should be dragged into Tollefson Plaza and forced to sit there. Those who make great music don't do it for us, but for themselves.

Art is a form of self-expression and brings self-satisfaction. This does not mean it cannot be admired. Presentation is one thing; creating a work of art is another entirely different consideration.

As soon as people are willing to pay money to witness artistic output, that product becomes a commodity. Honors go to those who work dreary 9-to-5s in order to support themselves and still find the energy within to create magnanimous odes to human existence.

Such is the case with Tacoma's new DJ collective Vinyl Tribe, three veteran DJs who are slowly building their collective with pile-driving techno and dubstep on the scene. While slaving away in the local clubs (OK, make that 9-to-5 a.m.), Damon Kaiser (DefCon1), Chris Savenetti and Garret Winebrenner (BennieNugs) met at house parties only to discover they live within a few blocks of each other. Witness their skills every Thursday at Sax Restaurant and Lounge on Sixth Avenue. They spin techno, dubstep and house under the title Tribal Thursdays, which begins at 9:30 p.m. What I have discovered chatting with the collective over the past two weeks is that they're cool without trying to be cool.

The men behind Vinyl Tribe are regular guys who are in love with music, the art of collecting vinyl, and the discovery of new music. They create the music for themselves, and then share the joy with others. Yes, they watch the crowd closely - monitoring the vibe and adjusting as necessary. That's what the great DJs do. However the three Vinyl tribe DJs spin for themselves, too. You can see it in their eyes and smiles behind the decks. It's passion not posing. And ultimately the crowd wins.

If you haven't heard DefCon1 spin yet, you may grab a taste today when he's the guest DJ on DJ Michael Sherman's "Intersections" show on enSonic.FM at 1 p.m. The show connects listeners with rising star DJs in the underground dance scene. DefCon1 will showcase his Western Technology set today on the show.

What follows is my conversation with DefCon1 concerning his "Intersections" appearance.

WEEKLY VOLCANO: Tell me about Western Technology.

DEFCON1: Well, when I was initially putting together the DJ mix set of Western Tech I wanted to not just do a decent mix for Michael Sherman's "Intersections" show, I wanted to introduce what is an exploding new form of dance music, dubstep. Hence, I didn't want to just throw together some tracky set, where each new song is trying to top the other. Western Technology is more of a gradual up and down journey in feel - a condensed version of what an evening out at a party might be like. If you're familiar with dubstep, it's a treat to hear the songs not normally heard, and if you're new to it, it's a great introduction, I think.

VOLCANO: Sometimes there's a fine line between identifying a common set of sensibilities, which make up a genre. Do you follow a strict dubstep genre path?

DEFCON1: Not in the least. I love the mellower side with its spooky reggae or trip-hop harmonies, as well as the old school screaming acid lines in stuff from artists like Datsik. In fact it's the entire, "let's take a bit of this and that" mentality of dubstep that draws me and a lot of others into it. People are much more astute regarding dance music than when I began DJing and it shows in the progression of the music and what they want to hear. When you listen to Western Tech, it's an example of how I spin in song selection with this in mind. Now there are others that do just spin one type or the other, but I think that limits them creatively.

VOLCANO: What kind of music did you listening to growing up? What led you to the dark side?

DEFCON1: HA! I grew up listening to all kinds of music, my dad liked country and 1970s folk and mom liked metal, classic art rock - and Kraftwerk of all things. I would say that those pioneering German geniuses were my first introduction to electronic music. I mean, just like any kid I had periods where I only liked one thing - AC/DC and Metallica one month, Easy-E and NWA the next. Influentially though, what brought me into dance music and away from the traditional was darkwave like the Cure and Depeche Mode, followed by techno - and I mean fast, breakbeat, we-just-broke-into-this-warehouse rave music. It was just like now, an incredible new form of music bursting on the scene. I loved it. I had just hit my late teens/20s and went to every party I could go to, I couldn't get enough of the energy. Spinning naturally followed.

Catch Defcon1 on enSonic.FM today at 1 p.m., and every Thursday with his Vinyl Tribe collective mates at Sax on Sixth Avenue.

On Wednesday, April 21, DefCon1 and collective mate BennieNugs will spin as part of Black Ice Booking's "Return to Eden" show at Jazzbones, which will feature live hip-hop from Faraca. DefCon1 and I chatted up the show, which I will post the conversation on Spew later in the week.

Now bookmark enSonic.Fm and enjoy DefCon1's world.

MICHAEL SWAN: LET US BE THE FIRST TO CONGRATULATE THE TACOMA RADIO STATION >>>

College radio can be an uncut gem - a diamond in the rough. College towns throughout the nation have embraced the aura of this media outlet where students can uncover and share a whole world of music, opinion, and news with as many people as their signal towers can reach.

The "gem" tag certainly fits the University of Puget Sound radio station KUPS. Today, as the students behind the North Tacoma radio station were busy filing records and socking each other in the arm arguing over the best Elliott Smith song, an MTV cameraman burst into the studio and New York DJ Matt Pinfield slapped a big winner sticker on their microphone.

Yup, KUPS won the 2009 mtvU Radio Woodie.

According to a press release, "KUPS beat out about 300 of its peers as the top U.S. college radio station, after it garnered the most votes from college students nationwide. The award from MTV college television network mtvU recognizes college radio stations for their role in championing independent artists before they achieve mainstream success. Quite a number of artists who made their first breakthrough on college radio have later found national fame."

That's so snug. Congrats to the entire staff behind KUPS. Tune in to MTV on Friday, Dec. 4 to watch the students score the award.

Enjoy these links:  

LINK: Previously on Spew

LINK: What the hell is mtvU?

LINK: KUPS is boss

The Weekly Volcano and the Funky Monkey 104.9 FM teamed together last Saturday to greet readers and listeners during the Funky Monkey's "Sticker Stop" at the South Hill Mall.  We enjoyed quality time with our readers and handing out free CDs, courtesy of the sexy beast known as the Weekly Volcano.  Our next Funky Monkey hug will be July 1.  Stay tuned to the Funkey Monkey 104.9 FM and the Weekly Volcano. â€" Wanda Piccini