by Alex Shtaerman
Sick of listening to Hot 97? For some people there is always K-Rock; but how much of that can you take? Really now. Want to hear slamming techno tracks played by underground talent 24 hours a day, seven days a week without commercials or annoying dialogue? This is that shit they don’t play on the new KTU. However, if you have Internet access you’re in luck. Over the past two years KindRadio has featured such guests as Function, Agent Orange, Bob Brown, Mr. Robb, Richard Hinge, Myth I-S and Monro Secor, just to name a few. Conceived and hosted by the KindKidz Records crew, the Internet broadcast reaches techno fans around the globe while serving as a valuable outlet through which independent artists can channel their music to the masses. As the generic dream of a lavish label deal has progressively become more tarnished; for many, the growth of independent media channels such as Internet radio presents considerable hope and opportunity in the years to come. For Thomas Grossmann of KindKidz Records aka DJ Round-N-Round, the future seems bright. With many projects on the horizon and KindRadio growing, the KindKidz Records crew is still headed in the same direction: promoting positive values in our scene and pushing that techno sound. The other day we had a chance to sit down with Tom and see how it all came together.
RIOTSOUND.COM: When and how did you first come upon the idea of doing live Internet broadcasts? Were you motivated by the promise of being able to get your music out independently?
DJ ROUND-N-ROUND: Well, first a friend of mine introduced me to the technology that allows us to stream media online. Then we developed the concept and started the promotions. Over time we have improved upon our technology and strive to bring listeners the freshest talent. Of course we also welcomed this as a new channel of promotions; our roster of DJ’s regularly rotate and spin on each webcast along with our special guests.
RIOTSOUND.COM: Who were some of your favorite guests this past year?
DJ ROUND-N-ROUND: This past year..it’s really hard to say, we’ve heard so much great music! Richard Hinge & Joey Stitch played a really nice extended tag set. On March 30th, The Rev spun a really impressive set, full of energy and funk! Poizon Ivy also recently came out and ripped it up.
RIOTSOUND.COM: Watching KindRadio grow is exciting because it gives many independent artists hope for tapping into audiences directly via the Internet rather than having to rely on traditional resources that often tend to be governed by interests outside of music. Do you feel that as the Internet continues to grow, more and more people will tune in to independent stations like KindRadio?
DJ ROUND-N-ROUND: I believe that more and more people will tune in. I do feel that the techno music we focus on is the future.and in the future more and more people will turn to KindKidz.com as the Internet’s ultimate source for quality techno music. We see from our weekly statistics that more people are progressively tuning in.And that’s a good sign!
RIOTSOUND.COM: Presently, the show’s primary focus is techno. Do you have any plans to expand into other genres of electronic music or perhaps even beyond that?
DJ ROUND-N-ROUND: Yes, our passion is techno, but we do have guests of other genres such as house, ambient, jungle, Hip-Hop and hardcore.
RIOTSOUND.COM: Are you interested in expanding the show’s live format beyond the Thursday and Sunday night broadcasts?
DJ ROUND-N-ROUND: It has been talked about. We have already started our 24 hour techno station. When KindRadio is not live, we re-broadcast archived sets and special performances. More live shows are definitely a possibility for the future.
RIOTSOUND.COM: Where does your goal stand as far building your audience even further? What’s your strategy going forward?
DJ ROUND-N-ROUND: Our goal is to keep techno music on the rise while promoting positivity. We are always trying to build our KindRadio audience and at the same time we are developing new ideas and concepts to help expose techno to new and fresh faces. We want to touch as many people with the music that touches us.the music we create.
RIOTSOUND.COM: What would be the ultimate KindRadio lineup be?
DJ ROUND-N-ROUND: [laughing] Oh boy. DJ Rush, Adam Beyer, Ben Sims, Space DJ’s.
RIOTSOUND.COM: Tell us about some of the things the KindKidz have in store for 2004 and beyond?
DJ ROUND-N-ROUND: Shhhh!!!.can’t let the cat out of the bag, but I’ll share a little. We are currently working on some tracks due out this fall on our label, KindKidz Records, with more releases scheduled for the winter. Of course. more installments of KindRadio! Definitely some events here and there.of course our annual July 4th festival! We have a lot of other projects in the works with details to be released very soon, so stay posted to KindKidz.com for the info!
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