 |
 |
|
|
Did you grow up in San Diego? Mostly. I was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota but only lived their from birth to three months and then they moved the family west, Southern California, finally settling in La Jolla by my fourth birthday! I grew up in the public school system, attending Decatur Elementary, Muirland's Junior High and finally graduating from La Jolla High. I only left to attend college in Thousand Oaks, CA for one year before returning to SD. How did you first get involved in music? What about the local music scene? As a fan, probably just listening to the radio. Anything from Dr. Demento to KGB, but this was back before alternative radio even existed. I can remember seeing my first big rock show at eleven years old when I forced my mom to take me to see KISS and Cheap Trick at the San Diego Sports Arena. I could say I knew then where my life was going and it was |
How did you wind up in radio?
It's just something I always loved! I DJ'd at the radio station at La Jolla High during lunch! It wasn't broadcast, but played over the sound system around campus. I also was on the air at KCRL, a cable radio station out of Thousand Oaks, CA where I attended California Lutheran College. I didn't do anything in radio for 10 years and then started very entry level with 91X, working my way up to local music host and weekender! Now I'm at FM94/9 doing pretty much the same thing.
How would you describe the relationship (if any) between 91x and 94/9? Do they benefit from one another or is there a strong sense of competition between the two?
It's a benefit to the fine radio listeners of San Diego, diversity is good!
With two stations competing for ratings in San Diego, I’d imagine each station wants to be known as the one that launched the career of a particular band. Are more local artists being played on the airwaves of SD because these stations are competing with each other to be the first to play a certain artist?
Hard to say, but maybe just a little. We'll see what happens!
There has been a trend in the last few years of "alternative" radio to broaden its horizons and play music from outside of the top 100 charts. We think this is great and would like to see it carried out even further. Obviously this is a boon to local acts in San Diego. Describe how local music fits into this new style of radio programming.
The music scene in San Diego is growing at a rapid rate and the bands keep getting better and better. Were on our way to being a music boom town! Look out! I could easily name 50 quality bands in town right now! The quality is there!
What’s good about San Diego’s music scene right now?
The diversity in the bands! So many styles to choose from!
Has SD's proximity to LA influenced (positively or negatively) our scene?
I don't think bands ever use it to their advantage, being how close it is to roll up and play some occasional shows. I'm starting to see more networking between Southern California bands.
How do you think the internet (myspace, itunes, band websites, etc.) has changed the local music scene in San Diego? Do you believe that more or less people are attending local shows as a result?
MySpace Rocks! Best networking tool ever! Just look out for pedophiles!
|
Do you think that the proliferation of MP3s and the internet have made local bands focus more on recording one good hit, and kind of give up on creating a solid album? Are you seeing a lot more shows being played by bands that only have music available via myspace? Like I said MySpace Rocks! The access to finding out about bands and the bands being able to promote themselves for pennies on the dollar, it's freakin' sweet! |
How has the internet changed the way you approach your job/hosting a local music show?
I promote MySpace quite a bit and use it everyday! It's made my job much easier, but I still like to get the CD from the band. I'd be lost without it now!
Do you have any advice for local bands trying to get radio play? What about advice for kids trying to break into the radio industry?
Please don't send me a press kit! Just a one sheet and your CD is fine! As for breaking into radio: intern, intern, intern...
Are there any local bands working hard right that we should keep an extra eye on (personal favorites, or bands likely to get a major label deal in the near future)?
Grand Ole Party, UV Tigers, The Prayers, iSociety!, The Soft.Lightes, Cape May, Daredevil Jane, Arm The Angels, Dirty Sweet, Anya Marina, Buddy AKAI, Scott and Aimee, The Bloody Hollies, Fifty On Their Heels, Transfer, The Stranger's Six, Goblin Cock, Get Back Loretta, Mr. Tube, Sirhan Sirhan, Nihilist, The Plot To Blow Up The Eiffel Tower, I could go on and on...
Where’s the best place in San Diego to see an all ages show? What about 21+? Has this changed over the years?
Casbah - hands down the best place in town!
Soma - I like this place too, especially the sidestage.
Che Cafe - Don't make it their as much as I used to, but we'd be lost without it!
HOB - I don't care for when they do all ages shows here, cause it forces all the elders up into a small bar area.
What are some of your personal most memorable San Diego acts/shows/events?
Any Rocket From The Crypt show!
Louis XIV playing their first two shows for me!
Every time I host a show at the Casbah!
UV Tigers playing their first show for me!
Any predictions for the future of local music in San Diego?
Nothing but Grammys and million sellers! Plus some good underground stuff too!
Anything else I missed or you’d like to add?
San Diego means Whales Vagina! Thanks for the support!
Hear Tim hosting The Local 94/9 Sundays 8-10 PM on 94.9 FM.
Tim Pyles interview conducted April, 2005 by Joel Scheingross.
http://www.myspace.com/thelocalpyle
http://www.myspace.com/thelocal949
http://www.fm949sd.com
Help keep sandiegopunk alive by visiting our sponsors!
