I have learned that I misspoke.
A bold admission, to be sure.
But rest assured, dear readers, that I would not willfully lead you astray and am here to amend my egregious actions.
One month ago, I stated that KSMU’s own Joe Livingston, host of The Roundabout, had accomplished a garage renovation so significant in the greater service of recording his (excellent) show that it had landed him on the pages of The New York Times. And here, friends, I was wrong.
It was The Washington Post.
Your slings and arrows are well deserved.
Today, TONIGHT, is the four-hundred-seventeenth episode of The Roundabout. Episode 417. As such, Joe will be doing a special, two-hour edition of the show featuring nothing but local musicians. And, since that’s obviously MY purview (rude), I thought I’d get myself in the mix with a little Q&A…
What year did your show start?
“2018.”
What made you want to do your show?
“I’d been a DJ during the grunge 90’s and have always enjoyed turning people onto great music.”
How’d you land on the name?
“I’d wanted Spaceheater, but Jennifer Moore and Randy Stewart [KSMU's former news director and Arts News producer] asked me to submit 3 more names, and they fell in love with The Roundabout.”
How’d you ‘land on the planet’?
(author’s note: Joe has a regular segment called ‘You’ve Landed on The Planet’)
“The Planet was the first radio station I worked for and amongst a certain population in the 417-area code it was the best radio station ever. I just wanted to pay homage to my time there.”
Do artists/labels send you music? Are you THAT cool?
“Yes, I am that cool.”
How much time a week on average do you spend producing the show?
“4’ish.” (author’s note: Joe does not specify here. Minutes? Hours? DAYS?)
How did you first start getting shoutouts from artists for the show?
“By sending lots of emails directly to bands and label reps."
Who’s the biggest one you’ve ever got?
“Probably Jeff Tweedy but I will say Australian bands are the most receptive.”
Top 5 band recommendations of the moment?
“Kevin Morby - Little Wide Open. New album and new baby on the way!
Courtney Barnett’s new album Creature of Habit is a fine return-to-fun sorta summer record (author’s note: can confirm).
Crooked Fingers new Swet Deth is a great album of ‘reckoning with one’s own mortality’ from Eric Bachman, the front man of Archers of Loaf.
Men At Work - Business as Usual, my first favorite album. (Author’s note: do yourself a favor and spin this classic - it’s like Australian Huey Lewis!)
Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever and their single, ‘Sunburned in London,’ a great down under slice of power-pop brilliance, hopefully signaling a new record from Rolling Blackouts C.F.”
What’s the secret to a great beard?
“If I told ya, it wouldn’t be a secret, now would it?”
So! Tune in to KSMU tonight for The Roundabout #417 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. with nothing but local music! Then, Local Radar with EVEN MORE local music from 9:00-10:00 p.m.! Two shows enter! Both shows leave! And probably get a cup of coffee together or something! That sounds nice!
We’ll see you next week.
