Center Stage on Live365 this week is CHILLFILTR Radio, with a mix of electronic pop, alt folk, and indie rock. We spoke with station manager Krister Axel about their history with radio, their station's programming, and we got some music recommendations. Check out the interview below!
What made you get started in radio?
I always hear about people that are frustrated because they don't know how to find great music anymore. So, I started writing about my favorite songs at chillfiltr.com, and soon after started an internet radio broadcast.
What brought you to Live365?
My last streaming host said they were reporting to SOCAN, and that might be true, but there certainly wasn't much money getting to the artists. It is important to me that artists get paid, so a big part of what brought me to Live365 is the included licensing.
What's your favorite part about running your own radio station?
Even though I do all the curation, I still get excited about hearing a song that surprises me in some way. Songwriting is such a mysterious process, and sometimes the right song at the right time can change everything about your day.
Tell us about your station's programming. What can listeners expect when they tune in to your station?
We stream a mix of electronic pop, alt folk, and indie rock 24 hours a day. I am always picking up new tracks either on Bandcamp or directly from the publicists. Our programming is about 90% fresh, and the rest explores indie nuggets from the last decade or so.
Name one artist that you play on your station that is underrated in your opinion.
Maro needs more love. There, I said it. "Walk Above the City" also features The Paper Kites, a fave band of mine.
What's your favorite music memory/moment?
I am a retired songwriter and musician, so I would say my favorite musical moment was playing keys and singing backup with CHEYENNE for her self-titled MTV show (circa 2006). We did a show in Breckenridge that was picked up on satellite TV and it was an amazing moment. That was the first and last time I ever signed a promo photo for anyone. :)
Please list your top 5 or 10 songs, with a brief reason why each song made your list.
Wow, that is tough.
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Top song is an old one, but amazing - "A La Modeliste (Bonobo Remix)." I just love this groove, it's a feel good song I could listen to all day. Erykah Badu - nuff said.
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I keep coming back to the slide playing on "Happier Now" by Luke Enyeart. Just a killer song and a unique playing style.
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Bold Forbes - "400 Years" - Right when I started my blog, years ago, I wrote about this song because they found me on SubmitHub. No lie, I was crying. Still gets me emotional. I love the lyrics.
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"Way Back in the Way Back" - Hiss Golden Messenger: This guy's been on my radar for years, but this last release of his is the first thing to really crush me. It's an amazing album, front to back. Plus I'm always a sucker for a nice Wurlitzer track.
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Years ago I had a crush on Catherine Feeny when we were both part of the Hotel Cafe scene. She was always such an inspiration to me, as a songwriter and lyricist. I stumbled upon this song of hers awhile back and it just brings me right back to those days - "Police State"
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