Shows
Reelin' In The Years (RITY)WOXY's 2003 Modern Rock 500: 05/24/24This week, we revisit the Top 30 songs from WOXY's 2003 Modern Rock 500 Countdown. If you're unfamiliar with WOXY, tune in and I'll tell you more! For more info on RITY, visit reelinwithryan.com2024-05-242h 12
New Books in Performing ArtsRobin James, "The Future of Rock and Roll: 97X WOXY and the Fight for True Independence" (UNC Press, 2023)In 1983, an Ohio radio station called WOXY launched a sonic disruption to both corporate rock and to its conservative home region, programming an omnivorous range of genres and artists while being staunchly committed to local independent art and media. In the 1990s, as alternative rock went mainstream and radio grew increasingly homogeneous, WOXY gained international renown as one of Rolling Stone's "Last Great Independent Radio" stations. The station projected a philosophy that prioritized such independence--the idea that truly progressive, transgressive, futuristic disruptions of the status quo were possible only when practiced with and for other people.In Th...2023-06-071h 03
New Books in CommunicationsRobin James, "The Future of Rock and Roll: 97X WOXY and the Fight for True Independence" (UNC Press, 2023)In 1983, an Ohio radio station called WOXY launched a sonic disruption to both corporate rock and to its conservative home region, programming an omnivorous range of genres and artists while being staunchly committed to local independent art and media. In the 1990s, as alternative rock went mainstream and radio grew increasingly homogeneous, WOXY gained international renown as one of Rolling Stone's "Last Great Independent Radio" stations. The station projected a philosophy that prioritized such independence--the idea that truly progressive, transgressive, futuristic disruptions of the status quo were possible only when practiced with and for other people.In Th...2023-06-071h 03
New Books in MusicRobin James, "The Future of Rock and Roll: 97X WOXY and the Fight for True Independence" (UNC Press, 2023)In 1983, an Ohio radio station called WOXY launched a sonic disruption to both corporate rock and to its conservative home region, programming an omnivorous range of genres and artists while being staunchly committed to local independent art and media. In the 1990s, as alternative rock went mainstream and radio grew increasingly homogeneous, WOXY gained international renown as one of Rolling Stone's "Last Great Independent Radio" stations. The station projected a philosophy that prioritized such independence--the idea that truly progressive, transgressive, futuristic disruptions of the status quo were possible only when practiced with and for other people.In Th...2023-06-071h 03
New Books in Popular CultureRobin James, "The Future of Rock and Roll: 97X WOXY and the Fight for True Independence" (UNC Press, 2023)In 1983, an Ohio radio station called WOXY launched a sonic disruption to both corporate rock and to its conservative home region, programming an omnivorous range of genres and artists while being staunchly committed to local independent art and media. In the 1990s, as alternative rock went mainstream and radio grew increasingly homogeneous, WOXY gained international renown as one of Rolling Stone's "Last Great Independent Radio" stations. The station projected a philosophy that prioritized such independence--the idea that truly progressive, transgressive, futuristic disruptions of the status quo were possible only when practiced with and for other people.In Th...2023-06-071h 03
UNC Press Presents PodcastRobin James, "The Future of Rock and Roll: 97X WOXY and the Fight for True Independence" (UNC Press, 2023)In 1983, an Ohio radio station called WOXY launched a sonic disruption to both corporate rock and to its conservative home region, programming an omnivorous range of genres and artists while being staunchly committed to local independent art and media. In the 1990s, as alternative rock went mainstream and radio grew increasingly homogeneous, WOXY gained international renown as one of Rolling Stone's "Last Great Independent Radio" stations. The station projected a philosophy that prioritized such independence--the idea that truly progressive, transgressive, futuristic disruptions of the status quo were possible only when practiced with and for other people.In Th...2023-06-071h 03
NBN Book of the DayRobin James, "The Future of Rock and Roll: 97X WOXY and the Fight for True Independence" (UNC Press, 2023)In 1983, an Ohio radio station called WOXY launched a sonic disruption to both corporate rock and to its conservative home region, programming an omnivorous range of genres and artists while being staunchly committed to local independent art and media. In the 1990s, as alternative rock went mainstream and radio grew increasingly homogeneous, WOXY gained international renown as one of Rolling Stone's "Last Great Independent Radio" stations. The station projected a philosophy that prioritized such independence--the idea that truly progressive, transgressive, futuristic disruptions of the status quo were possible only when practiced with and for other people.In Th...2023-06-071h 03
97X - Rumblings from the Big Bushwoxy.com signoff: the end of the futureAfter 97X signed off in 2004, "the future of rock and roll" stayed alive as woxy.com - with many fits and starts (and stops) along the way. "Angel investors"... LaLa.com... Future Sounds... Oxford... Longworth Hall in Cincinnati... Austin, Texas. The dot-com version had several homes, and more lives than a cat, before finally ending quite abruptly on March 23, 2010.
We talk to the folks who experienced all those ups and downs, and lived to tell the tale: Shiv, Mike Taylor, Joe Long, Brian Niesz, and Bryan J. Miller share their stories of the woxy.com era.
2023-05-0541 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushBrian Niesz, the Unsung Hero of live in-studio performancesBrian Niesz engineered more than 400 live on-air performances at the woxy.com studio in Longworth Hall in Cincinnati, as well as dozens more during the station's short-lived stint in Austin, Texas. No one had more of a hand in capturing the magic of those live music moments than he did. Brian tells us how he connected with woxy.com, lists some of his favorite live performances, and shares how he's keeping "Lounge Acts" alive at WCPO-TV in Cincinnati.
2022-05-1721 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushMore from Jay Batista, the Swiss Army Knife of Modern RockThe second part of our conversation with Jay Batista, who helped WOXY-FM make the transition to the 97X we all know and love. Jay was the station manager, was involved in programming, did sales, and also knew how to whip an ancient transmitter into shape. In this episode, we hear about Dr. Demento, an "Army of Ticks" (not a Dr. Demento song, but it could be!) and the infamous "Beer or Buns" guerilla promotion for the station.
2022-04-0314 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushAaron Sharpe, Kindred Radio Spirit
Aaron Sharpe never listened to 97X... but he wore many hats at WNKU-FM, a station that picked up the mantle from 97X/woxy.com in being a free-spirited, adventurous, community-oriented radio station that introduced many to music they couldn't hear elsewhere -- including plenty of local artists. Unfortunately, WNKU suffered a similar fate to 97X, signing off for good in September of 2017.
In this episode, Aaron talks about how he got involved at WNKU-FM, the bittersweet ending, and what he's up to now.
2022-02-2629 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushAnthony Hartke comes full (vinyl) circleAnthony Hartke was really into music even in grade school. He discovered 97X around 6th grade and stuck with the station throughout its existence. (He even tuned in to woxy.com when he was deployed overseas in the Army back in 2005-2006.) When woxy.com sold off vinyl LPs from the original 97X music library, Anthony picked up several albums that still contained an old school "grid" on the cover for 97X DJs to mark the date and time that they played a track. We talk to Anthony about his love for the station, and Dave explains what the...2021-12-2813 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushA second helping of Barb AbneyHere's more from our chat with 97X/woxy.com alum Barb Abney. In this episode, Barb discloses her 97X souvenirs, we try to solve the mystery of where 97X's music library wound up, a secret prankster is revealed, and we get more scoop on Barb's new podcast "Tied to the Tracks."
2021-11-2520 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushTalking Tracks with Barb AbneyBarb Abney, who was on-air at 97X and woxy.com from 1994-2006, returns to talk about weird promotional giveaway items, why corporate radio still sucks... oh, and her great podcast "Tied to the Tracks." Barb has some great podcasting pointers for Dave and Damian... which we will probably ignore.
On Barb's podcast, she and co-host Augustus Watkins are joined by a different guest each episode and they dive deep into one of their guest's favorite albums, song by song. Tied to the Tracks is available wherever you get your podcasts, including on Spotify, Apple Music and iHeart.2021-11-1318 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushRobin James is writing the book on 97XAuthor and college professor Robin James is a self-described "philosopher of popular music." She grew up in West Chester, Ohio listening to 97X and is writing a book about the station and the community that formed around it. She's also going to give a talk about the Modern Rock 500 at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame once we get through the pandemic phase. In this episode, Robin gives us an update on when the book will be published... and turns the tables by interviewing Dave and Damian for that book.
On her blog, It's Her...2021-05-2932 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushBrian Ewing - an Overnight SuccessBrian Ewing spent the early to mid-90s on the air at 97X, including three full years doing the overnight shift, which surely must be a record for "the cave." During that same time, he was also playing in the local band Messerly & Ewing, so music ruled his life. We talk to Brian about his 97X days, including party patio drunks, open mike nights, long-distance tea-making, and rocking the vote.
2020-12-2621 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushDorsie Fyffe: the Freest of Free SpiritsDorsie Fyffe worked at 97X from 1993 to 1998, eventually winding up as Music Director (nominated by Billboard Magazine for "Music Director of the Year") and afternoon host. During that same era, he led the local band Johnny Smoke, and lived with Tim Taylor, lead singer of Brainiac, and Dave Doughman of Swearing at Motorists. Since then, much like Johnny Cash, he's "been everywhere, man" - San Francisco, Seattle, Kansas, Austin, Los Angeles. But he's still rockin'. We chat with Dorsie about his 97X days and his new Cincinnati-via-California band Beverly Hills Supper Club.
2020-12-1121 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushMore Mark MesserlyWe continue our conversation with Mark Messerly, a key player in the Cincinnati music scene. In this episode, he talks about the genius of his Wussy bandmates Chuck Cleaver and Lisa Walker, and pays tribute to John Erhardt, who passed away earlier this year. We also talk about his tour blogging (Robert Christgau loves it and we do too!), his day job as a music teacher... and Superchunk.
2020-11-2517 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushMark Messerly: Music maker for lifeMark Messerly has been a key player in the Cincinnati music scene for decades, and he's still going strong. Mark was the longtime co-leader of Messerly & Ewing, which won 97Xposure in 2002, and he joined Wussy as their bassist that same year when they expanded from a duo to a full band. He also released a 2018 album under the INERT moniker, and teaches music in the Cincinnati Public Schools district. In this first of a two-part interview, we talk to Mark about INERT, the perks of winning 97Xposure, and what 97X meant to local bands (and true music fans).
2020-11-1520 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushDan McCabe: Cincinnati's premier promoter of indie musicFrom 1991-1999, Dan McCabe booked local and national bands (and tended bar, and cleaned the washing machines) at the late, great Sudsy Malone's on Short Vine, fronting his own money to book the national acts. Decades later, he's still promoting great live music, as co-owner of MOTR Pub and The Woodward Theater in Over-the-Rhine. Dan shares some amazing memories from his Sudsy's days (Morphine, Jesus Lizard, Mercury Rev... and Reverend blood on the sidewalk), and talks about why indie venues are crucial to up-and-coming bands.
MOTR and The Woodward, like many indie venues across the country, have...2020-11-0325 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushTina Christina: a Radio LiferTina Christina was on the air at 97X for more than a decade (1991-2003), doing weekend shifts, then overnights, and eventually middays with her distinctive New York accent. She's still in the radio biz... although she goes by a different name these days. We talk to Tina about her 97X memories, which include barking dogs, sleeping on the air, Bogart's stage fright, and a decoration from Cake.
2020-10-1721 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushMore Phun with Phil ManningDave and Damian continue their chat with Phil Manning, who joined 97X in the summer of 1988 and was with the station until December of 1994, spending most of those years in the program director role. This episode features stories about Bob Mould, Richard Thompson, comedian Chip Chinery, angry Goo Goo Dolls, Folgers coffee, fax machines, Hawaiian honeymoons, and other things that made the station so special.
2020-10-0420 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushPhil Manning: Manning the airwavesPhil Manning started at the very bottom of the totem pole at 97X shortly after he graduated from college in 1988. He began with a single weekend overnight shift but gradually worked his way up to program director, and had that role at 97X for nearly five years during the halcyon days of the early to mid 90s. Phil talks about how he got the gig, his interesting side jobs, his roommates, his "whopping" salary and how he became a "radio vagabond" in several major markets after departing 97X in 1994, including spending 10+ years at The End in Seattle and a...2020-09-2523 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushThe fun stuff between the songsThere's no denying that the music is what attracted a small-but-mighty tribe of forward-thinking listeners to 97X. But the commercials, promos, contests, station ID liners and DJ breaks helped contribute to the freewheeling, fun-loving, anti-corporate nature of the station. In this episode, Dave and Damian play several bits and breaks from back in the day.
2020-09-1222 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushLuann Gibbs: Miss Kitty Forever!Luann Gibbs started listening to 97.7 FM in Oxford in the pre-97X/Dr. Demento days of the late 70s. When 97X debuted in 1983, she became an avid listener. When the 97X message boards started, she was quite active on them (as "Miss Kitty"). Eventually, her college friend Mike Taylor recruited her to do on-air shifts at 97X/woxy.com. Luann's been with the Cincinnati Enquirer for 15 years (she's the queen of "Things to Do"), and also does shifts at Inhailer Radio. We chat with her about college radio, internet radio, her message board "family" and her ongoing promotion of...2020-08-2921 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushMatt Soden: Your Little Green AmigoMatt Soden moved to Oxford on Memorial Day weekend in 1990 and immediately got hooked by 97X's annual Modern Rock 500. He parlayed his college radio experience into a DJ gig at the station for a year and a half, first doing weekend shifts, then overnights, and eventually evenings. We chat with Matt about crazy callers, drunken door knockers, his Kermit the Frog inpersonation, and his massive salary... but we still can't figure out how he snuck past Department of Defense screeners.
2020-08-1719 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushDavid Groff: a 97X LiferGeography, fate -- and a cool dad -- turned David on to 97X in his preteen years. He never stopped listening, through high school (he and his dad went to a PiL show at Bogart's together!), his college years at Miami University and afterward when he moved back to Cincinnati. We chat with David about how he got hooked, and his 97X memories of college concerts, Oxford bars, local bands and dorm room hijinks.
2020-08-0118 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushMichael Winstead: Modern Rock Stead(y)Mike "Stead" Winstead grew up in Oxford and dreamed of working at 97X. When he got out of the Army in 1994, he "bugged" (his word) the station until he finally landed a job as Director of First Impressions ("Mike the Modern Rock Receptionist"). He also did weekend and fill-in shifts, and helped out at nearly every on-location promotional event that 97X did during his time there. We chat with Stead about singing the Miami U. alma mater (without knowing the words), pizza payola, his first time on the air, and the sweaty mass of humanity at Lollapalooza.
2020-07-1920 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushBill Douglas: Hot tunes and Cold BeerBill Douglas (a.k.a. "Billy D the Fresh MC") spent most of the 90s working at 97X, starting out as a weekender back in 1990 when he was still in school at Miami University, and continuing on (in two stints) through December of 1998. We chat with Bill about the Free Music Break that gave him his 97X break, as well as his current radio gig(s) and his longtime side hustle with the Cincinnati Reds (trust us, you've heard him).
2020-07-0715 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushCraig Snyder, lifelong promoter of indie musicCraig Snyder grew up in Oxford, Ohio, listening to 97X and making mixtapes for his friends. That love of music stayed with him as he interned at EMI, worked as a producer at Little Steven's Underground Garage, managed and promoted indie bands, and in his current role at Lyte.com helping venues and festivals get more music fans to shows. We chat with Craig about his how his love of 97X and his mixtape mastery led to his future music gigs, and why human recommendations will always be better than algorithms.
2020-06-2023 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushAli Castellini - from punk rock girl to professorAli Castellini got her 97X gig by accident, when a fellow Miami student phoned her early one Friday morning and asked her to do the weather forecast on the Breakfast Club. She wound up spending a few years on the air at 97X in the early-to-mid 90s before moving on to a station in Virginia Beach, VA, then hosting the nationally syndicated radio show "Todays Women" and later working as an on-air host and producer for World Cafe at WXPN in Philly. Now she's "corrupting minds" (her words) as a comms professor at Temple. We chat with Ali about...2020-06-0625 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushJoe Long, Dot-com DudeJoe Long grew up a 97X fan and started his "Each Note Secure" music blog in 2004... right about the time the terrestrial station signed off. But when woxy.com got its second wind in 2006 (the Lala era), he joined as an on-air personality. He revived Local Lixx, started The Futurist blog, and uprooted his family to stay with the station as it moved to to Austin in the summer 2009. He was still on board when woxy.com ceased streaming in March of 2010. We caught up with Joe to talk about the dot-com era, his Frank Black shuttle service, and...2020-05-2520 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushHoward Cohen, Cereal KillerA self-described "97X listener/scenester/scruffy little punky New Wave dude," Howard started playing in bands as a teenager and has never stopped rocking. His current band, Cereal Killers, played their first gig at Sudsy Malone's on Short Vine in 1989, and their current set list consists predominantly of songs that graced the 97X airwaves back in the day: punk, New Wave, garage rock... We chat with Howard about dropping The Village People for Generation X, college parties and car wrecks (they go together), what 97Xposure meant to his bands, the Modern Rock 500, and his side hustle as a jingle...2020-05-1025 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushRob Fetters is never boringIn this coronavirus "Local Lockdown Lixx" bonus episode, singer/songwriter/guitarist Rob Fetters (The Raisins, The Bears, psychodots and solo releases) talks about the free house concert live streams he's been doing every weekend, provides some Zen guidance on how to cope during COVID craziness... and tells the tale of the time long ago when Ted Nugent ("The Motor City Madman") brought him from darkness to light.
You can find links to Rob's upcoming house concerts via his website, RobFetters.net. You'll also find links to the YouTube recordings of previous shows, and a great video for...2020-05-0120 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushRobin James: Philosopher of MusicRobin James is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at UNC Charlotte and the author of three books... with a book about 97X in the works. She grew up listening to the station from age 11 on, including her time as an oboe major (yes!) at Miami University. Robin still has a fond place in her heart for the 97X/woxy.com music community, and the DIY ethos that made it truly unique. Dave and Damian talk to Robin about her research for the 97X book, the Modern Rock 500 and intersection of philosophy and music.
You can check out...2020-04-2319 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushJohn Curley of the Afghan WhigsMusician. Producer. Recording Engineer. Photographer. Non-traditional college student... John Curley is best known for his work with the Afghan Whigs, but he's also played in a few local bands, and produced and/or engineered music for hundreds, mostly at Ultrasuede Studio. He's still playing, still producing, but recently went back to college as well. We chat with John about all those things -- and the worst radio promotion the Afghan Whigs ever did --- in this episode.
2020-04-1122 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushMighty Joe Sampson: The student has become the teacherJoe Sampson joined 97X as a Miami University student intern (a.k.a. "Breakfast Club co-producer") in 1993 and stuck around as a weekender after he graduated before moving on to short stint as a writer for CityBeat, and a 12-year career as a news producer at Channel 19 and later Channel 9 in Cincinnati. He now has come full circle as a Miami U. professor. We chat with "Mighty Joe" about his late nights with "Mama Jazz", 97X softball teams, and his undying love for both Steve Baker and another 97X student intern.
2020-03-2823 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushKathie Lucas: Director of First (and Lasting) ImpressionsKathie Lucas worked at 97X for a decade, yet was never live on the air. Instead she handled a number of crucial behind-the-scenes roles from 1994-2004... "Director of First Impressions," Traffic Director (i.e. scheduling the commercials), Promotions Director... she even raised her daughter at the station! Dave and Damian chat with Kathie about her many roles (including a starring role in a commercial), her Harlequin romance moment, the infamous "butt coolers" at Lollapalooza, and her amazing warehouse stash of 97X promo items.
2020-03-1421 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushTim Hiatt: The Kid Stays in the Picture(s)A self-proclaimed "bit player" at 97X in the late 80s, Timothy Hiatt joined the station fresh out of high school, stayed for only a year, and has gone on to a great career as a world-renowned photographer based in Chicago. Tim talks to Dave and Damian about how 97X still influences his life, his gigs as a music photographer, and how he came full circle with Bob Mould.
2020-03-0121 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushBryan Jay Miller - Digital DudeBryan Jay Miller joined 97X as a Breakfast Club student intern in the mid-90s, and stuck around after graduating from Miami U., working in sales, promotions and eventually managing the station's digital presence (website and stream) and serving as the station's general manager when it went online-only. Brian talks to Dave and Damian about his many roles, testifying before Congress, and living on a boat. We also try to figure out where all the music (CDs, LPs, etc.) that woxy.com owned wound up.
2020-02-1718 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushMatt Harris: He (hearts) RadioMatt Harris was already a radio veteran when he joined 97X in 1984, having worked in college radio at Ohio U. and the local rock station in Athens, Ohio. He spent a few years at WOXY, doing overnights briefly and then serving as Program Director for a long stint. Matt shares his favorite memories from his 97X days and updates Dave and Damian on his many roles in the radio game.
2020-02-0818 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushDaniel Jones: Dedicated ListenerDaniel Jones was a Cleveland kid attending Miami University when 97X came to life back in 1983, and he was instantly hooked. He tuned in until he graduated and move to New York; his listening got a second wind many years later when 97X started streaming in the internet. Dave and Damian chat with Daniel about the bands he discovered via 97X, his own on-campus radio show ("Off the Wall But On The Air") and his life after college.
[We originally planned to edit our phone call with Dan but the conversation was flowing so nicely that it...2020-01-2717 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushRowdy Rob Ervin: Radio RaconteurRob Ervin (also known as "Rowdy Rob" when he hosted Gridloxx) worked as a part-timer at 97X in the 90s. He also co-hosted the Chris & Rob Late Night Talk Show on WAIF-FM and later was part of the writing staff and cast of characters for the Gary Burbank Show on WLW-AM. But wait, there's more... Rob led the local bands Monkey Biscuit and the High Strung Lifters. Oh, and he wrote for the Hamilton Journal-News, was a substitute teacher, and led historical tours in Cincinnati. Find out how Rob got his 97X gig via a lumberyard, why he once...2020-01-1123 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushHoliday Greetings!A few folks from Year One of "97X: Rumblings from the Big Bush" have a quick holiday message to share with you. Tune in next time for the Airing of Grievances.
2019-12-2105 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushJetson: Still promoting great musicRon Poore, a.k.a. "Jetson" was only at 97X for a year back in the late 80s, but he moved on to record labels, where he has continued to work tirelessly to get great music into people's ears. Currently Senior VP of Alternative & Rock Promotion for the legendary Atlantic Records, Ron chats with Dave and Damian about how promoting a band actually got him his first gig at 97X, how a trip to New York City with Rock & Roll Grocer Frank Eavey changed his career trajectory... and how his son saved his life.
Special holiday gift...2019-12-1420 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushMark Griffin: Superfan and MixmasterMark Griffin tuned in to 97X as a teenager, and "the future of rock and roll" shaped his future. As he says in a great blog post about the station: Throughout life, but perhaps most profoundly in our youth, we encounter things or people that click on a cellular level—a movie; a book; a group of friends that awakens, challenges or reflects our feelings or worldview in ways that help define our identity. For me, it was a radio station.
Dave and Damian talk with Mark about how he ruled his high school art room with an...2019-11-2121 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushKevin Couche part 2: Tales from HollywoodIn Part 2 of our conversation with Kevin Couche, the man of 1,000 jobs, you'll find out why Steve Baker is the best ever, you'll discover how Dave and Damian might become models for plus-sized lingerie, you'll uncover the 97X artist behind kids songs like "It's Raining Tacos"... and you'll learn why we owe Kevin $163.
2019-11-1014 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushKevin Couche: The Couch that never restsKevin Couch, a.k.a. Kevin Couche, was an Indiana kid who tuned in to 97X early and never looked back. He wound up working at the station, and later headed to Hollywood to work for the top ranked morning show, do interviews for other radio stations, host a comedy show on Sirius XM, do publicity for Death Row Records and a comedy club... and about a hundred other gigs we can't remember. Dave and Damian talk to Couche about his 97X payroll windfall, Brainiac, and his myriad jobs.
2019-11-1017 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushAaron Borns: from modern rock to major labels to major league soccerAaron Borns started at 97X as a student intern (a.k.a. "co-producer") for the Breakfast Club in 1993, then worked part-time shifts, answered the phones and worked with Julie Maxwell doing promotions. He wasn't at the station long, but the lessons he learned there served him well during a 20-plus year career doing promotions and marketing at RCA Records. Dave and Damian talk to Aaron about his 97X days, his record label roles... and how he got a free car when he was at 97X.
2019-10-2417 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushCD World Guy and other flashback commercialsRik Helton was a mild-mannered record store owner by day, but CD World Guy by night (complete with cape and tights, no less). Dave and Damian chat with him about dropping tons of dirt in his parking lot, his close encounter with Richard Butler (Psychedelic Furs) and other amusing tales, plus we play a few other throwback ads from 97X, including Frank Eavey and Les Agee the True Value Hardware Man.
2019-10-1518 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushGentleman Jim Mercer: A lifetime of part-time97X had dozens if not hundreds of part-time DJs over the lifetime of the station, but no one else can top the tenure of "Gentleman" Jim Mercer, who worked weekend and vacation fill-in shifts for a whopping 14 years, from 1990 through 2004. His dedication and professionalism made him the ultimate weekend warrior. Dave and Damian talk to Jim about his day job, how he got the DJ gig, and how he made his shifts sound so smooth.
2019-09-2816 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushThe world's youngest weatherperson, trivia winner and wacky bits97X was a small but mighty station in many ways. Being on the outskirts, in the fringes, left of center, off of the strip (to paraphrase Suzanne Vega) with a small (but dedicated) listener base allowed us to get away with stuff that other stations couldn't or wouldn't do. Not just with our music playlist (or lack of a playlist, really), but also with the other stuff that made its way to our airwaves, like having a 5th grader do the weather report, doing live "remote" broadcasts from the lobby, throwing birthday parties for Abe Vigoda and sharing secrets...2019-09-1325 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushJohn Jesser, a.k.a. JJ: morning newsman, nighttime rocker John "J.J" Jesser worked side by side with The Bakerman on the Breakfast Club morning show in the early days of 97X... and he's got the coffee mug to prove it. He started out as a part-timer during his Miami University undergrad days, and did news, DJ shifts, production... and played in local bands as well. Dave and Damian talk to him about those early days, find out what he's up to now... and discuss his "metal name" and pet poop.
2019-08-2122 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushBarb Abney, modern rock mavenBarb Abney spent more than a decade at 97X and woxy.com, starting in the summer of 1994 and doing middays from 1998 through 2006, when she moved to Minneapolis to work for The Current for 8+ years. She continues to play great music and support local bands as the morning show host at KFAI-FM in the Twin Cities. Dave and Damian talk to Barb about dressing for success, her collection of 97X paraphernalia, stalking the Afghan Whigs and lessons learned in the station bathroom.
2019-08-0521 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushDan Reed part 2Dan tells more stories from the early 97X years, including tales about his band Chem-Dyne, his friends Mr. K and Greg Dulli, working at Bogart's, and learning life lessons (sometimes the hard way) from 97X owners Doug and Linda.
2019-07-2122 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushDanny Crash crashes the party patio - part 1Dan "Danny Crash" Reed is the self-described "Forrest Gump" of the music business. He was a young DJ at 97X when it changed formats in 1983, and later became program director (while also playing in local bands). After leaving 97X, Dan worked at Bogart's, WNKU, WFPK (Louisville) and is now the afternoon host/music director at WXPN in Philadelphia and talent manager for the syndicated World Cafe program. He has 101 stories about the old days - which is why we had to make his interview a two-parter. You can follow Dan on Twitter: @WXPNDanReed and Instagram: WXPNDANREED
2019-07-2121 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushA Shiv for All SeasonsMatt Shiverdecker, a.k.a. Shiv, ran the gamut at 97X... from boyhood superfan/long-distance listener to station intern to part-time DJ to full-timer at 97X, then woxy.com, where he worked until the bitter(sweet) end in Austin, Texas. Dave and Damian talk to Matt about his journey, get his take on the online station's untimely demise, and find out more about middle school broadcast camp and the top-secret WOXY historical archives.
2019-07-0721 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushJae Forman - the extended remixJae Forman ruled the evening shift in the early to mid 90s, and also served as the music director during the grunge era, a pivotal point in the station's history. She also was the Queen of 97Xtrabeats, bringing her club DJ skills to that popular Saturday evening show. Dave and Damian chat with Jae about how she got the job, the grunge explosion, picking songs as music director, her first in-studio interview with a band, life after radio and... yes, Dave's favorite topic: butt coolers.
2019-06-2227 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushRobin Plan: Return to Planet XThere were dozens if not hundreds of DJs at 97X/woxy.com over the years. Robin Plan was easily the most unique. A free-spirited person who took freeform radio to a whole new level, every evening after midnight, Robin transported 97X listeners far, far away from the ordinary, to an entirely different universe, and a magical place called Planet X. Dave and Damian talk to Robin about how she pushed the limits throughout her radio career, and what the station meant to her.
2019-06-0921 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushSteve Daedalus part 2 - Jockeys and the Jockey ClubMore of Dave and Damian's conversation with Steve "Daedalus" Stenken, the original program director when WOXY-FM became "modern rock for Cincinnati" (and Oxford!) Steve talk about disco barns, horse racing, Robin Plan, the Jockey Club... and why Damian was his stalker for years.
2019-05-2524 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushSteve Daedalus, idea man and original program directorSteve "Daedalus" Stenken was working as the nighttime DJ at WOXY back in 1983, and doing a weekly one-hour "modern rock" program... he suggested that the station should change the format to all modern rock. The rest is radio history. Steve joins Dave and Damian in the party dungeon to talk about those formative years... and bust some myths along the way.
2019-05-2521 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushGeorge "Goober" Lindsey, Abe Vigoda and a gazillion Six PacksIn Episode 10, Dave and Damian talk about the Golden Rule of Celebrity Phone Calls... it involves George "Goober" Lindsey, of course. They also chat with superlistener (or perhaps superhoarder) Chris Barkley, who has amassed a mind-boggling amount of recordings of 97X's "Six Pack" feature. Dave also talks about his side hustle as agent to the stars, and basks in the afterglow of his finest 97X moment: Abe Vigoda's Birthday Bash.
2019-05-1120 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushEpisode 9: Matt Sledge, local radio legendMatt Sledge not only spent a decade at 97X, the Future of Rock and Roll, he also later worked weekends for WNKU-FM, another Cincinnati area radio station that played similar artists and was near and dear to its listeners' hearts. Dave and Damian talk to Sledge (we're on a last name basis with him) about local bands, living through the shutdown of both stations, f-bombs on late-night CDs, and "butt coolers." (And listen until the very end for some fun outtakes.)
2019-04-2021 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushEpisode 8: Chris Adryan, Salesman SupremeWhen you can sell something intangible like radio airtime, you've gotta be good. When you can sell ads for a station that has a signal so weak that advertisers can barely pick it up in their stores, you've gotta be great. Chris Adryan ("The Herb Tarlek of 97X") spent more than a dozen years as a salesperson for 97X. Dave and Damian chat with him about Frank Eavey, the Rock & Roll Grocer, as well as other advertisers, big hair, flipped ties, ad rates, and the elusive Nick Velvet.
2019-04-1119 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushEpisode 7: Mike Taylor, the triple threatMike Taylor is one of two on-air personalities who worked at all three versions of WOXY. He spent two stints at 97X in Oxford, Ohio, and stayed with the station as it became the online-only woxy.com, which set up shop in downtown Cincinnati and later moved to Austin, Texas. Dave and Damian chat with him about his radio experiences over the years, the great live performances that took place on woxy.com, his alma mater, and, inexplicably, Rick Astley.
2019-03-1618 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushEpisode 6: The Rictile returns!He's the intern who became the Breakfast Club co-host for 8 years. He's a Dirty Mayor and he has the hard cider to prove it. He's the original University of Dayton "Rudy Flyer" mascot... the Aye Team captain... and a pitchman for mesh and meat snacks. It must be the one, the only, the Rictile!
2019-02-2424 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushEpisode 5: an interview with Julie Maxwell, Queen of The Breakfast ClubAbe Froman may be the Sausage King of Chicago (per Ferris Bueller) but he can't hold a candle to Julie Maxwell, who co-hosted the 97X "Breakfast Club" morning show for many years, and also served as the station's promotions manager. If you ever scored concert tickets, prizes or station swag, Julie probably had a hand in it. Dave and Damian chat with her about Outdoor Underwear Festivals, Sinead O'Connor box cutters and her favorite co-host.
2019-02-0419 min
97X - Rumblings from the Big BushEpisode 4: an interview with Steve Baker, THE voice of 97XDave and Damian chat with the legendary Steve Baker, who worked at 97X for 20 years in a variety of roles: news reporter, Breakfast Club host, station manager, play-by-play announcer for Miami University football and basketball, singer of jingles and National Anthems, etc. Steve's voice also stars in the movie Rainman ("97X... BAM!... the future of rock and roll!")
2019-01-1820 min
Vinyl EmergencyEpisode 20: Collector's Club with WOXY's Matt ShiverdeckerMatt Shiverdecker -- member of the Austin Film Critics Association and former music director/on-air host of WOXY -- joins me this week to discuss his record collection, how vinyl bootleggers are making a killing off of today's major hip-hop artists, the many phases of WOXY over the years, how Nielsen ratings currently work for radio, the struggles of music programming immediately after September 11th (when certain songs were under scrutiny due to their titles, subject matter or band names), how crazy it gets in Austin during SXSW and much more! We also debut a new Vinyl Emergency segment...2016-06-031h 52
WOXY.com Lounge Acts PodcastWOXY.com Lounge Act - Portugal. The ManRecorded live in the WOXY Lounge in Mar 2010. Mixed by Brian Niesz.2010-03-1120 minWOXY.com Lounge Acts PodcastWOXY.com Lounge Act - VetiverRecorded live in the WOXY Lounge in Mar 2010. Mixed by Brian Niesz.2010-03-0928 minWOXY.com Lounge Acts PodcastWOXY.com Lounge Act - Title TracksRecorded live in the WOXY Lounge in Feb 2010. Mixed by Brian Niesz.2010-02-2718 minWOXY.com Lounge Acts PodcastWOXY.com Lounge Act - YellowFeverRecorded live in the WOXY Lounge in Feb 2010. Mixed by Brian Niesz.2010-02-2523 minWOXY.com Lounge Acts PodcastWOXY.com Lounge Act - Ola PodridaRecorded live in the WOXY Lounge in Feb 2010. Mixed by Brian Niesz.2010-02-1823 minWOXY.com Lounge Acts PodcastWOXY.com Lounge Act - The Antlers: "Bear"Recorded live for WOXY. For more tracks from this session, visit http://woxy.com/music/loungeacts/index.php?id=4312010-02-1607 min
WOXY Local Lixx Austin PodcastWOXY Local Lixx Austin - Episode #11Sleep Over, Wild Harem, Dirty Dancing, Love At 20, The Happen Ins, and The Ripe.2010-02-1200 minWOXY.com Lounge Acts PodcastWOXY.com Lounge Act - Sondre LercheRecorded live in the WOXY Lounge in Feb 2010. Mixed by Brian Niesz.2010-02-1130 minWOXY.com Lounge Acts PodcastWOXY.com Lounge Act - Wild AmericaRecorded live in the WOXY Lounge in Jan 2010. Mixed by Brian Niesz.2010-02-0622 minWOXY.com Lounge Acts PodcastWOXY.com Lounge Act - Love CollectorRecorded live in the WOXY Lounge in Jan 2010. Mixed by Brian Niesz.2010-02-0515 minWOXY.com Lounge Acts PodcastWOXY.com Lounge Act - Follow That Bird!Recorded live in the WOXY Lounge in Jan 2010. Mixed by Brian Niesz.2010-02-0529 minWOXY.com Lounge Acts PodcastWOXY.com Lounge Act - Will JohnsonRecorded live in the WOXY Lounge in Jan 2010. Mixed by Brian Niesz.2010-01-2222 minWOXY.com Lounge Acts PodcastWOXY.com Lounge Act - Freelance WhalesRecorded live in the WOXY Lounge in Dec 2009. Mixed by Brian Niesz.2010-01-2230 minWOXY.com Lounge Acts PodcastWOXY.com Lounge Act - Lymbyc SystymRecorded live in the WOXY Lounge in Jan 2010. Mixed by Brian Niesz.2010-01-2123 minWOXY Local Lixx Austin PodcastWOXY Local Lixx Austin - Episode #10On this week's episode of Local Lixx Austin, we check in with some of Austin's most well-known up and comers. We preview another track from Mark David Ashworth's upcoming full length, revisit solid tracks from a couple of EPs released at the end of 2009, and catch up with an artist currently on tour with White Denim.2010-01-2000 minWOXY Local Lixx Austin PodcastWOXY Local Lixx Austin - Episode #9On this week's episode of Local Lixx Austin, we check in with Autobus Records recording artist Mark David Ashworth, hear a sample from both sides of a split LP, and preview an Austin's band's debut EP.2010-01-2000 minWOXY Local Lixx Austin PodcastWOXY Local Lixx Austin - Episode #8This week's Local Lixx Austin is a special one. Not only does it include new tracks from local bands that I love, they're all bands that have something else in common. They're all featured on the upcoming Matador compilation "Casual Victim Pile" – out on January 26.2010-01-1200 minWOXY Local Lixx Austin PodcastWOXY Local Lixx Austin - Episode #7Host Paige Maguire brings you new music from Bear Claw, The Black & White Years, The Boxing Lesson, Collin Herring, The Great Nostalgic, My Education and Love Collector.2010-01-0400 minWOXY.com Lounge Acts PodcastWOXY.com Lounge Act - Tape Deck Mountain: "Ghost Colony"Recorded live for WOXY. For more tracks from this session, visit http://woxy.com/music/loungeacts/index.php?id=4162009-12-1506 minWOXY.com Lounge Acts PodcastWOXY.com Lounge Act - GroomsRecorded live in the WOXY Lounge in Dec 2009. Mixed by Brian Niesz.2009-12-1223 minWOXY Local Lixx Austin PodcastWOXY Local Lixx Austin - Episode #6This week's Local Lixx Austin includes more great music from Austin's burgeoning scene, and there's even a bonus track from a band in Denton. Stay tuned as we check in with local luminaries Shearwater, and get into the casual victim pile with local lo-fi acts like Bad Sports and The Hex Dispensers.2009-12-1100 minWOXY.com Lounge Acts PodcastWOXY.com Lounge Act - FanfarloRecorded live in the WOXY Lounge in Dec 2009. Mixed by Brian Niesz.2009-12-1027 minWOXY.com Lounge Acts PodcastWOXY.com Lounge Act - Band Of SkullsRecorded live in the WOXY Lounge in Dec 2009. Mixed by Brian Niesz.2009-12-1022 minWOXY Local Lixx Austin PodcastWOXY Local Lixx Austin - Episode #5Welcome to another edition of Local Lixx Austin. In this set we're going to hear new tunes from All Hail and Ringo Deathstarr, as well as an instant classic from Okkervil River. We'll also check in with TV Torso and the Pons. Check out this week's show - you're bound to find something new you'll like.2009-12-0300 minWOXY.com Lounge Acts PodcastWOXY.com Lounge Act - The Drums: "Make You Mine"Recorded live for WOXY. For more tracks from this session, visit http://woxy.com/music/loungeacts/index.php?id=4152009-12-0103 minWOXY.com Lounge Acts PodcastWOXY.com Lounge Act - Electric Tickle MachineRecorded live in the WOXY Lounge in Nov 2009. Mixed by Brian Niesz.2009-11-2527 minWOXY Local Lixx Austin PodcastWOXY Local Lixx Austin - Episode #4This week's episode of Local Lixx Austin is packed with eight incredible songs by local artists. I've got the striking electro-pop of White White Lights, the jangling garage sounds of Harlem, some '90s throwback rock n roll with The Gary and lots more.2009-11-2500 minWOXY Local Lixx Austin PodcastWOXY Local Lixx Austin - Episode #3Episode #3 of Local Lixx Austin features tunes from indie pop darlings Yellow Fever, a demo from a side project you'll be hearing more about very soon, and the new single from The Laughing. Grab the full episode below, there's bound to be something that will strike your fancy.2009-11-1900 minWOXY Local Lixx Austin PodcastWOXY Local Lixx Austin - Episode #2Episode two of Local Lixx Austin is packed with more local gems just waiting to be discovered. This week's show has earthy folk from David Wingo's Ola Podrida, some pub-rock revival from Leatherbag, spare folk from Silent Land Time Machine and even more great indie rock from Wiretree and Sunset. Stay tuned till the end of the broadcast because I saved the best for last: Burywood's tune -- off his new album There Is an Abstraction Ladder -- is perhaps the most impressive of the bunch.2009-11-1200 minWOXY Local Lixx Austin PodcastWOXY Local Lixx Austin - Episode #1It's the very first installment of WOXY's Austin version of Local Lixx, and we've got a handful of tremendous Austin-area acts to introduce you to. We'll hear from Austin stalwarts Brazos and Zookeeper, as well as newcomers International Waters and Follow That Bird. There's some electro-rock from My Milky Way Arms and some proto-punk influenced rock from Beautiful Supermachines.2009-11-0400 min
RadioZoomRZ#111 – Six Song Donut Spectacular: September 2006; Farewell to WOXY.com[Show Notes Link]Direct Download Link | |
Direct download link
WOXY.com ends a long running history of being one of the best sources for alternative, independent music today. In this six song(plus two), I pay my respects to one of the greatest radio stations, terrestrial and internet-only, to have ever existed. All songs in this episode were artists that I discovered through WOXY, tracked down, and received permission from.
Today marks another page in rock and roll history. Septmber 15, 2006 will forever be the day that the music stopped, for good, from WOXY...2006-09-1600 min