“Dude, there’s gonna be a street party at Third Man Records during the eclipse.” Those were the exact words my friend living in Nashville told me. Of course I was sold. I live in south Alabama and there was only going to be a partial eclipse here and that’s barely worth looking at. But the rare opportunity to view a total solar eclipse and visit good friends in Music City sounded well worth the drive.
While I was in town, my buddy and I spent a good bit of time cruising around. As soon as we started driving, he told me, “You’re gonna love this station up here, they play everything. I heard Crass on here one morning.” He turned it to 101.5 FM. I was completely enamored from the very first song.
Later that afternoon we visited Grimey’s and my buddy casually said, “I think WXNA broadcasts from upstairs.” I had to investigate and see what this was all about. I saw a small WXNA sticker on the door of an unassuming building and knew it was the place; I went in and up the stairs and lo and behold there was station co-founder Randy (I figured this out later) and DJ Juan (he was training at the time).
I am blown away that this group of over 80 volunteer DJs put together so many completely different sets week after week! I listen to 40+ hours of music at work every week. Iit had been a struggle finding quality music that was also safe for a work environment, but I knew immediately that the problem had been solved.
I found WXNA during a once in a lifetime event in a fascinating city and it has been life-changing. I hear at least 50 new songs every single day! I feel so lucky. I’ll occasionally call a DJ to tell them I like a song or a set or make a request. It turns out one of the DJs has a family member near me and we had a beer together when he was in town. What’s better than making connections with quality people? Isn’t that what music is about anyhow?
A total solar eclipse is an extraordinary experience but I have to say that discovering WXNA has had a more profound impact on me. WXNA helps me keep my mind focused and keep living right. I think I am a bit of an odd bird and have even been dubbed a superfan but I am sure there are many others out there that share my love for the station. I only look forward to the success and growth of WXNA.
Oh, and they have a heavy metal show!!!
Brad Johnson
Fairhope, Alabama
Photo Credit: Wim Mulder, Flickr
