special show called "Virgin Vinyl". Yes, I used vinyl only.
Of course when CDs began in 1986, sure I entered the new
world, but left the name of the show the same.
KLPX, the commercial rocker allowed me to do whatever
I wanted. It gave them huge ratings. That's all they cared
about. For me, it gave me the freedom to put on a wild
show of unknown artists at the time, and have crazy guests
from Henry Rollins to Huey Lewis.
The show even back then was a blending of many styles and
world's of music. Live on-air chats with The Cure, XTC,
and so many more. So many memories.
The show ran for 14-years through 5 different stations.
The latter 4 in Phoenix, Arizona.
From Metal, to what was once Alternative, to Pop,
Hip-Hop, Trance, to whatever, that is what makes
my musical world go around.
Then I went off to Los Angeles in 1995 to run a magazine
for the Album Network. I also hosted numerous national
syndicated specials, and made some guest appearances on
Los Angeles radio.
When I returned to Phoenix in late 2005, I was welcomed
back to KUPD. I was given full creative control, which I had
always in the past, once again.
Hence "Lopsided World Of L".
So, why do I really need to be on the radio?
The answer could be; Given respect? KUPD is like home? I
am allowed by Chuck and Larry to do what I feel is right
to entertain an audience musically? I am surrounded by a
great staff of pro's that will never leave KUPD unless they
are given the offer in the sky? Ratings don't matter for what
I do nowadays?
The answer? All of the above.
Oh, and one other. The internet!
When I began in radio back in the early 80s, I never dreamed
of being heard around the globe. Interenet streaming has
changed that forever.
Where as I always dreamed of being syndicated around the
United States, and when Satellite radio began, my thoughts
turned to that also, I now know that they both pale in
comparison to the internet.
Syndication is cool, but limiting. Same goes for Satellite, which
can only be heard in the United States and Canada.
The 'net' is everywhere, and today most people are sofisticated
enough with a great to good sound system on their computers.
Every weekend I spend many hours prepping my two shows
musically. My aim; to bring people back to a dying entity,
radio.
You know what really keeps me going? It is absolutely bar none,
the listeners. You are so faithful. Every week I am humbled by
the phone calls, e-mails, and Instant Messages while I am on the
air, and in the aftermath too.
I have many listeners who remind me it is their outlet for hearing
something different than what they are used to, or that they are
left listening to the boredom of heavily programmed radio of the
same old, same old.
I more than appreciate that. I know who some of the faithful are.
And, you know who you are too. You put aside other things to
spend time listening to my frightfully pleasantly annoying shows.
Although Phoenix is now the fifth largest populated city in the
United States (look it up), and there is possibly over a hundred
thousand listening at any given moment ( I don't need ratings
to prove that), it is also the hundreds or thousands ( I wouldn't
know) that are listening from all over the United States and to
me just as important, many other countries.
See this woman below. She listens every single week to both shows
faithfully. And I mean faithfully, from Berlin, Germany. Every show
she messages me through Myspace so I know she is listening. I am
a real part of her life.
Do you realize what that means to me? Everything. It makes all
the work and pleasure that goes into putting together a show
twice a week worth it all. Money cannot buy that.
I thank Gaby and the many that I do know that make me part of
their lives weekly. That is what keeps me going, going, and still
going!
I am blessed. That's all.
On a parting note; My founding and programming the legendary
KUKQ is another facet of my career that I will always cherish,
but it will always be the special shows like "Virgin Vinyl", and
now "Lopsided World Of L" that is pure me, and only me.
BEST RESPONSE BACK EVER!
***Internet does not kill the radio star***
because...it is the best way for a global affair.
(new lyrics for Aldo Rox...ha ha ha)
Internet…the best achievement of our time!
Jonathan, you are the bomb :)
I just read your blog...wow...thanks.
I like your way of thinking, my thoughts are linguistically
unfortunately reduced :(
Quite right! ~Lopsided World of L~ and his master is really
a part of my life .
Have a look-that is my kitchen board above =)
I work about 50-60 hours a week in my shop, and my first
relaxation begins with your Saturday show…and I feel great,
have fun, great music and English instruction (*grin*).
I estimate your work so much, Jonathan!
Rather your understanding, realization of persons/musicians
and your taste and selection of music.
I love you for what you are and for what you do. :)
Send you much, much, much...love from Berlin. ;D
Gaby xoxo
*How could I not run this?
The photo's and words melt me.- JL
MORE RESPONSE
Diva from Nevada
Ok JL,
We haven't talked in awhile cuz we're so freaking delightfully in
demand, (we're busy in our lives), but consider yourself bitch slapped
to reality and told : you're still on the radio because you are a king
at what you do and you have the heart of rock and roll in your blood
and it would be a sad world without you, beatch!
Now, stand up straight, take a deep breath and tell yourself, "I'm so
cool, I even dig me" and RAWK ON!!!
*Blush* I can't do that-but I had no idea you've been listening. I
thank you so much for that.- JL
Musca from Phoenix, Arizona
Don't forget those of us who listen to you in stealth mode.
We're listening but you don't know it. ;0)
You are the BEST of the best when it comes to radio. When you
talk it's intelligent and informative. When you spin the tunes you
give us a break from the mainstream.
If you didn't deserve those words I just typed out then you would
not have seen them (at least from me).
You love it, we love it, and it works.
That's why you're still on the radio. =0)
*You're right! I would never know that you listen. Thanks for
coming out of the stealth mode for a few minutes, so I do
know you are listening. You know it means alot. :-)
That's the thing, I really don't know who all is listening. -JL
Dana from Scottsdale, Arizona
The foremost reason you are still on air is that your listeners would
demand your return so greatly, that the radio station would get tired
of our whining !
That, and because you are the REAL deal!
You are a quintessential artist-whether it be blasting our souls to
the core on a weekly basis-and I thank you so kindly for that, or are
educating the masses with your eclectic musical expertise, which does
NOT include spoonfed mainstream! But, your love and knowledge of
music permeates through every fiber of your being, and we can sense
and respect that!
Passion is infectious.
And your voice is so calm and soothing, not the typical eye- opening
cheesy media radio voices I so often hear!
By the way, Ive been listening all along...since KUKQ and Virgin Vinyl
in the 80's and beyond. I could never forget that voice!!!
Always my love, Dana
*So sweet Dana. :-) -JL
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