Champion for Local Music
By Esther Sanchez
Todd Killiam, Program Director, Music Director and on-air personality for local rock station 93.7 KCLB has become a driving force behind the promotion of the Coachella Valley Music scene. From promoting shows at local venues to bringing local bands on the air, T.K. has gone far above and beyond the standard practices to give a platform for desert performers to be heard. In a time of corporate regulations that often downright prohibit the mere idea of broadcasting anything beyond their standard list of played out songs and artists…T.K. and the good folks at KCLB are breaking the rules. In doing so they are giving themselves an edge that separates them from the pack and we love them for it.
T.K. took some time out of his busy schedule to chat with us at CV Weekly.
E.S. How did you become interested in radio broadcasting and what was the path that led you to where you are today?
T.K. “I have been deeply in love with music as far back as I can remember. I’ve been fascinated with radio since I was 7 years old. It was a natural thing to get into it. By the time I was in my early 20’s I was doing Rock/Alt Rock radio in San Diego. Eventually I moved on to radio radio in L.A. My career highlight was working at Indie 103.1 in L.A. I learned everything I know about radio there. Most importantly I learned how to really serve our local music community and put it through the airwaves.
Fast forward to 93.7 KCLB. I’ve always loved the desert and would come here every chance I could get. When I joined Alpha Media (owners of KCLB), I was floored by the fact a radio corporation was ALL about their local communities. In fact, it’s the whole point of the company.”
E.S. Tell me about your vision for incorporating local music and giving a platform for local music on KCLB.
T.K. “It’s a simple one. Work with as many bands and venues as possible to get bands promoted on air at KCLB. Another goal is starting a local music show on KCLB.
It all started with our friend Brad from The Hood. He opened his doors and let KCLB book and promote local music nights. That includes on air broadcasts with 93.7 KCLB live from The Hood. We’re grateful to have worked with so many crazy talented local bands in the last 6 months. Some of the bands include, The Flusters, The After Lashes, Drop Mob, Mighty Jack, The Brosquitos, 5th Town, The Hive Minds, House of Broken Promises and ALOT more! Having them on the air at KCLB was the most fun!”
E.S. Considering the fact that KCLB is part of a corporation, did you have any difficulty convincing the powers that be to allow you to feature and support local musicians?
T.K “We are fortunate enough to work for a corporation that’s mission and vision is primarily to be integrated into the communities we serve. So much so, that our corporate tagline all over the nation is ‘Live and Local.’ The only problems we have featuring and supporting local musicians are their busy schedules and finding a gap to have them in. We encourage all local artists and musicians to reach out to KCLB. Here’s my office number, 760.416.8494. Call anytime.
We have two people at KCLB who have really shared in this vision. Katy Treadwell and Stephanie Bergantino have a passion for music and the Coachella Valley. They have opened a lot of doors for us at local music spots around the valley. It’s been a win/win for everyone so far and it’s helped bands get heard on 93.7 KCLB.”
E.S. Anything coming up that you would like to talk about?
T.K. “We have several events and promotions coming up that feature local artists and talent; one being at The Hood for KCLB Live and Local Fest on May 28th and 29th. It’s two nights featuring all local bands. Another big supporter of local bands is Big Rock Pub. We are routinely out at Big Rock for local events of all kinds. They’re supporters of local music with up to 3 or 4 bands a week, open mic nights and more. The Hard Rock Hotel also has a great music scene that KCLB along with other Alpha stations support. Bart Lounge in Cathedral City has hosted KCLB for several events and features local bands and DJs throughout the week. There are so many great places in the desert to find local music and talent that I couldn’t possibly name them all. But we would certainly love to be a part of them all.”
Todd Killiam, Program Director, Music Director and on-air personality for local rock station 93.7 KCLB has become a driving force behind the promotion of the Coachella Valley Music scene. From promoting shows at local venues to bringing local bands on the air, T.K. has gone far above and beyond the standard practices to give a platform for desert performers to be heard. In a time of corporate regulations that often downright prohibit the mere idea of broadcasting anything beyond their standard list of played out songs and artists…T.K. and the good folks at KCLB are breaking the rules. In doing so they are giving themselves an edge that separates them from the pack and we love them for it.
T.K. took some time out of his busy schedule to chat with us at CV Weekly.
E.S. How did you become interested in radio broadcasting and what was the path that led you to where you are today?
T.K. “I have been deeply in love with music as far back as I can remember. I’ve been fascinated with radio since I was 7 years old. It was a natural thing to get into it. By the time I was in my early 20’s I was doing Rock/Alt Rock radio in San Diego. Eventually I moved on to radio radio in L.A. My career highlight was working at Indie 103.1 in L.A. I learned everything I know about radio there. Most importantly I learned how to really serve our local music community and put it through the airwaves.
Fast forward to 93.7 KCLB. I’ve always loved the desert and would come here every chance I could get. When I joined Alpha Media (owners of KCLB), I was floored by the fact a radio corporation was ALL about their local communities. In fact, it’s the whole point of the company.”
E.S. Tell me about your vision for incorporating local music and giving a platform for local music on KCLB.
T.K. “It’s a simple one. Work with as many bands and venues as possible to get bands promoted on air at KCLB. Another goal is starting a local music show on KCLB.
It all started with our friend Brad from The Hood. He opened his doors and let KCLB book and promote local music nights. That includes on air broadcasts with 93.7 KCLB live from The Hood. We’re grateful to have worked with so many crazy talented local bands in the last 6 months. Some of the bands include, The Flusters, The After Lashes, Drop Mob, Mighty Jack, The Brosquitos, 5th Town, The Hive Minds, House of Broken Promises and ALOT more! Having them on the air at KCLB was the most fun!”
E.S. Considering the fact that KCLB is part of a corporation, did you have any difficulty convincing the powers that be to allow you to feature and support local musicians?
T.K “We are fortunate enough to work for a corporation that’s mission and vision is primarily to be integrated into the communities we serve. So much so, that our corporate tagline all over the nation is ‘Live and Local.’ The only problems we have featuring and supporting local musicians are their busy schedules and finding a gap to have them in. We encourage all local artists and musicians to reach out to KCLB. Here’s my office number, 760.416.8494. Call anytime.
We have two people at KCLB who have really shared in this vision. Katy Treadwell and Stephanie Bergantino have a passion for music and the Coachella Valley. They have opened a lot of doors for us at local music spots around the valley. It’s been a win/win for everyone so far and it’s helped bands get heard on 93.7 KCLB.”
E.S. Anything coming up that you would like to talk about?
T.K. “We have several events and promotions coming up that feature local artists and talent; one being at The Hood for KCLB Live and Local Fest on May 28th and 29th. It’s two nights featuring all local bands. Another big supporter of local bands is Big Rock Pub. We are routinely out at Big Rock for local events of all kinds. They’re supporters of local music with up to 3 or 4 bands a week, open mic nights and more. The Hard Rock Hotel also has a great music scene that KCLB along with other Alpha stations support. Bart Lounge in Cathedral City has hosted KCLB for several events and features local bands and DJs throughout the week. There are so many great places in the desert to find local music and talent that I couldn’t possibly name them all. But we would certainly love to be a part of them all.”
