Category: Long Distance Dedication

Long Distance Dedication: DJ Jaimie Hart

WXNA FM

DJ Jaimie Hart of Web of Sound of WXNACheck out our long distance dedication to DJ Jaimie Hart and Web of Sound (Saturdays from 10 – 11 a.m.) from the popGeezer of This is Pop (Saturdays from noon – 2 p.m.)

Saturdays are a special day on WXNA. The line-up is terrific, and I don’t say that simply because I have a show on Saturday.

And, being on the more ancient side of the DJ age chart, I particularly enjoy hearing shows from the “young folk” that play the music of my era, or even earlier.

Both of these factors play into why I enjoy DJ Jaimie’s Web Of Sound.

Every Saturday at 10 a.m., Jaimie’s Web is “a radio show that spins a web of music history by connecting producers, musicians, record labels, songwriters, and other musical works,” in her own words. Usually thematic, Web covers that music history deeply. In the past six weeks, Jaimie has played tracks spanning from the 1920’s (i.e. Bessie Smith) all the way into the 21st century. On any given week, you may hear early to mid-20th Century Blues, mixed with Motown, Punk & Post-Punk up to contemporary sounds. She was around when only a very few of her selections were “current hits.” And Jaimie brings this weekly musical history lesson to you in a warm voice with great enthusiasm.

So, take my invitation to hear decades of popular music from a knowledgeable young person on air or in the archives at wxnafm.org

Long Distance Dedication: DJ Housequake

WXNA FM

Check out our long distance dedication to DJ HOUSEQUAKE and The Housequake Vinyl Hour (Fridays from 6 – 7 p.m.) from DJ George LaBour of Hi Stax of Motown (Fridays from 7 – 9 p.m.)

To me, The Housequake Vinyl Hour captures what a great radio show should be.

When I tune in, I always know what kind of music I’m going to hear; yet, DJ Housequake always meets my expectations while keeping the sound fresh and inventive. He puts together a playlist that stays within the genre of dance music without the sound ever getting stale. The show emanates an atmosphere, a rhythmic pulse that’s simply irresistible and utterly intoxicating.

On top of this, DJ Housequake shows his love for the music not just through spoken praise during the talk breaks but also through the clear depth of his vinyl collection. The personality of the host shines through every minute of The Housequake Vinyl Hour, and that’s one of the things I love most about the show.

Best of all, it’s just plain fun!

Long Distance Dedication: Tom Priesmeyer

WXNA FM

Check out our long distance dedication to DJ Tom Priesmeyer of Swing Shift (11am – 1pm on Fridays) by the popGeezer of This is Pop (noon – 2pm Saturdays)

During the first phase of the Covid outbreak, and while I was briefly allowed to work from home, I streamed WXNA on the “big stereo system” quite often. One Thursday mid-morning, I first heard Tom Priesmeyer’s “Swing Shift.”

The big band orchestra Jazz and Swing that is the heart of Tom’s show is one of my favorite genres of musical sounds, so I was immediately drawn to the show. Beyond the music itself, Tom’s deep annotation of his weekly playlist selections – his audible liner notes – makes the listening experience richer and truly educational.

If you need a detailed history of the bands that Iowa’s favorite musical son Bix Beiderbecke played for, or the inaccuracies of his fictionalized 1950 biopic “Young Man with A Horn” – and who doesn’t? – then this is the show for you.

Tom’s voice is warm and gently professorial, which makes the facts and stats go down with the proverbial spoonful of sugar. The playlist covers big band Jazz’s wide musical spectrum, which, for me, is a pure shot of Dopamine.

And if you need the maximum daily requirement of acoustic bass, you need Swing Shift in your life.

Long Distance Dedication: DJ Ed

WXNA FM

Check out our long distance dedication to DJ Ed, Eighties Schmeighties (10am-noon on Fridays) and Physchobabble (noon-1pm on Fridays), by DJ Jubilee:

My Long-Distance Dedication goes out to DJ Ed and his long running show Eighties Schmeighties (10am-Noon).

I became a fan of DJ Ed one night when I was listening to a show I used to tune into regularly but — on this night – it was like every song was being played specifically for me. Song after song, I was hearing my favorite artists and my favorite songs – and an interesting mix of music too. At the next talk break, I found out it was not Paul Burch but DJ Ed who hosted a show called Eighties Schmeighties.

Since that night, I have made a point to listen to Eighties Schmeighties whenever I am able. Jumping off from our mutual admiration of bands like Minutemen and The Clash, Ed has introduced me to bands I missed out on the first time around and made me aware of new releases by members of some of the best bands of the 1980s.

In my mind, Eighties Schmeighties and DJ Ed represents WXNA at its best: Elevating underappreciated music and artists. And for me, it provides the comfort of hearing some of my favorite music with the tension of hearing music for the first time and maybe discovering a new favorite artist or band.

Thanks DJ Ed – for keeping the flame alive.

Long Distance Dedication: DJ Susan

WXNA FM

Check out our long distance dedication to DJ Susan of DJ Susan of Inconsiderate Mixtape (5-7 pm on Wednesdays), by Eric (DJ Big Chief Chaz, Gilded Splinters, Tuesdays from 8-10 p):

If you check wxnafm.org for DJ Susan’s show description of his two-hour “Inconsiderate Mixtape,” you’ll see he name checks Aretha, Haggard, Coltrane, and Zappa. (His on-air show card also includes Howlin’ Wolf, I think…) But if you’ve tuned in and not heard any of those artists, there’s actually a really good reason why: DJ Susan spins what is likely the most wide-ranging palette of freeform programming of anyone at WXNA — which is saying a lot.

Somewhere back in the early days I heard him announce, “Well, that makes it 2,000 artists I’ve played on this show without ever repeating one…” What?!? Was that even possible…?? Of course it was, and is — for the simple reason that DJ Susan’s playlists are all-inclusive, all-genre, all-era… and all-world great. He’ll declare that he picked up some obscure, lost-to-history release simply because he thought the cover was cool, then flow it into the mix and make it feel like it was part of our collective consciousness this whole time. Did he make actual mixtapes that were this cool for his friends back in school? Who cares…. Right now, he’s making another great one for all of us, and you need only tune in next Thursday at 9 a.m. (or check the archive!) for your own copy.

Long Distance Dedication: Michael Roark

WXNA FM

Lond Distance Dedication: Michael RoarkCheck out our long distance dedication to DJ Michael Roark (Hazy Ways, Tuesdays noon-3) by DJ Leanne of X-Posure (Wed, 2-4 p.m.)

I met Michael Roark at our very first DJ Mixer before WXNA went on the air in the Spring of 2016. I remember our first conversation was focused on our excitement of having a new freeform radio station in town and all of the music that we wanted to play. That very same excitement about making radio is still alive and well. Michael is a multi-talented DJ. He makes great radio that fits every mood and makes it seem effortless. I love his creativity, appreciate his candor, and his great taste in music.

Each week he takes his foggy notions and musings, and then knits them all together with an excellent blend of eclectic tunes to create the colorful and expansive soundtrack of Hazy Ways (Tues, noon-3 p.m.). He keeps it modern with interesting new sounds on The Friday Afternoon Club (Fri, 1-3 p.m.). Michael is also one heck of a thespian. Remember the Soap Radio Hour? His radio endeavors also include many jobs for the station behind the scenes. I even call upon him when I need a substitute or a concert buddy.

Thank you, Michael. You’re a great friend and a kindred spirit. You rock my world!

Long Distance Dedication: Paul Glavin

WXNA FM

Paul Glavin of Eargasm, Wednesdays 5-7pmCheck out our long distance dedication to Paul Glavin of Eargasm (5-7 pm on Wednesdays), by Laura of Runout Numbers (Sundays from 8-10 am):

Being a part of WXNA has introduced me to so many inspiring and creative people, and one who always stands out to me is the great Paul Glavin.

From 5-7 pm on Wednesday evenings he brings us Eargasm!, which plays the trashiest, greasiest, most full-speed-ahead records from both your garage rock favorites as well as bands that you’ve never heard of (and probably won’t ever hear of again). If I’m listening at home, I’m furiously updating my Discogs wantlist with the wild stuff he plays, and if I’m tuned in while driving around, I feel like the coolest person on the road jamming to what he is spinning. The main theme of his show is that records are FUN! It’s infectious, and it’s so clear he is having a good time sharing his selections on air.

And while his show is great, Paul himself is even better. A true gem of a person and a collector’s collector, Paul is a warm and welcoming presence in the record collecting world. It is far more common as a young woman to encounter curmudgeons who don’t take you seriously as a collector or go above and beyond to try to invalidate your knowledge, and Paul instead likes to check out my finds at record shows and let me know about estate sales I might be interested in. I’m so glad to call him and his lovely wife Sandy friends, and grateful to WXNA for causing our paths to cross.

Long Distance Dedication: Peter Rodman

WXNA FM

Paul Glavin of Eargasm dedicates the following to Peter Rodman

Curating a radio show that merges so many genres and formats into a specific identifiable image is daunting and challenging. It is the equivalent of walking an audio tightrope. Lack of creative discipline can easily send the show into the murky abyss of sounding like the DJ is simply trying to fill the time slot with anything that takes up time. Peter Rodman Goes Off rides the line of balance perfectly in his structured unstructured show of music, talk, interviews and whatever else happens to make him, “go off”. Peter’s show is entertaining, fun, opinionated, and hosted by someone who obviously loves what he’s doing as well as the music he plays. I’m always amazed by the scope and breadth of his knowledge of pop music and his ability to interview his subjects in a conversational manner to bring out the best in them so the listener remains captivated and interested whatever the subject is.

Peter Rodman the person is equally great. I have a fantastic time whenever we have the opportunity to meet up and always leave wishing there was more time to just hang out and yak. Peter was born in New York and I am from the Boston area so I’m sure listening to us having a conversation can be pretty challenging in Nashville when we are at WXNA events especially when the subject turns to baseball. Our Red Sox and Yankees biases become apparent very quickly!

Peter Rodman Goes Off can be heard on Monday from 10am-11am on WXNA and should be required listening for anyone who loves the art of music conversation and perfectly sequenced songs supporting the interview. Now, about those Yankees, Peter…

Long Distance Dedication: Leanne Merritt

WXNA FM

Check out DJ Karl‘s long distance dedication to DJ Leanne of “X-Posure“

My friend and WXNA DJ Leanne Merritt is an influencer in the truest sense of the word — digging deep into new releases, keeping fresh on upcoming tour announcements, and alerting the world to the next magical act that will grace Nashville stages. She supports local, bringing in tons of interviewees from all over the city. Experimental artists and indie darlings alike are thrilled to be included on X-Posure, Leanne’s weekly exploration of the new and hip, the deep and sincere. She finds hidden treasures like she’s a talent magnet and makes connections to amazing people in a way that feels organic. It’s beautiful to hear the conversations bloom on the airwaves each Wednesday. Thank you, Leanne. The brightness of your X-Posure has given me a lasting burn ❤

Long Distance Dedication: Pete Wilson

WXNA FM

DJ Rhatfink of The Continental appreciates Pete Wilson

Just as the soundtrack to American Graffiti changed my life in the 1970s, so too did DJ Pete Wilson, beginning in the early 2000s with his seminal show, Nashville Jumps!

George Lucas’s film, American Graffiti (1973), sent me down the rabbit hole of rock and roll as a young listener. What an amazing soundtrack! I loved that music so much that I had my father make me reel-to-reel tapes of nothing but classic oldies but goodies like The Five Satins, Bo Diddley and Etta James. I played those over and over again until the tapes wore thin. The bedrock rock of DJ Rhatfink is rock and roll. Yet there was still more to discover as I found out when I started listening to DJ Pete Wilson and his outstanding, long-running radio show Nashville Jumps! This was radio manna from heaven coming to us from out of the past to the here and now, flinging open the musical doors of my proto-rocker brain with tunes from Cab Calloway, Louis Jordan, Wynonie Harris and so many more! Pete plays nothing but the finest early unbleached rock n’ roll, boogie woogie, jazz and jump blues every Friday morning and has helped me continue a family tradition. Just as my dad shared mix tapes with me, I have had the pleasure of sharing Nashville Jumps! with my daughter as I took her to school. History lessons have never been more fun. Thank you, Pete! Long may you continue to spin those big 10-inch records.