As part of "The BIPOC Spotlights," Live365 is shining a spotlight on KPTR Party Train Radio! Carmie Scott shared the station's story as well as some music recommendations with us. Check out their story below!
How did you get started with your station?
I am African American, born and raised in a small town in GA in the 70s, and I was the youngest of 6 kids. As a Black family, we didn't have much financially back then. We thank God that we were born to a beautiful woman that never allowed her kids to go hungry. My mom was a true creative, strong-willed Black queen, that loved music and also figured out how to make ends meet during a time where work was placed before education for Black people. During those times, if you didn't know how to work in the fields to make a little money or grow your own food, you didn't eat.
Growing up, my mom's way of dealing with the stress of trying to take care of her family was unwinding on the weekends with friends and music. I always loved her taste in music. At the age of 4 or 5 years old, I learned how to put a record on a turntable and played records to entertain my mom and her friends on the weekend. So, playing and listening to music was my hobby as a child.
I have always played music online, starting when it first became possible to share music online. I remember when playing music in voice chats became the norm in the 90s. I always looked for a way to share my music to the masses. Throughout the years, I would listen to a lot of local independent talent on and offline, and this encouraged me to eventually start my own internet radio station in 2009.
I realized there was so much talent off air, so I started my very own radio station, KPTR Party Train Radio, to let these artists shine and give them an opportunity to get heard on a worldwide scale. Today, this station has grown beyond what I've dreamed. KPTR has thousands of fans worldwide. As DJ Carmie, I've interviewed legends such as Freddie Jackson, James Mtume of Mtume, Jonathan Lewis of Atlantic Starr, Cheryl Cooley of Klymaxx, Greg Jackson of Zapp, Karyn White ("Superwoman"), bass legend L.A. Sno, Thrill Da Playa of 69 Boyz, the Soul Prince Calvin Richardson, Sheila Raye Charles (daughter of the late great Ray Charles), James Brown's A&R "New Funk Munk," and many successful independent artists.
I now own KPTR Party Train Radio as well as WJSJ Jazz Sweet Jazz!
What can listeners expect when they tune in to your station?
Listeners can expect a wide variety of genres from mainstream and independent artists worldwide. Some genres we feature are hip hop, R&B, funk, jazz, reggae, blues, and much more!
What’s one artist that you play on your station that is underrated in your opinion?
Durand Bernarr
What’s one song that particularly stands out to you and that has stayed with you, whether for the storytelling, a lyric, the production, or any other reason?
The one song that particularly stands out to me is the live version of Kenny Loggins' "This Is It" featuring Michael McDonald. The reason it stands out is the lyric "Stand up and fight." It really touches you deeply, especially if you are depressed. The lyrics encourage you to stand up against all odds and fight, and that's for anything you are going through that makes you feel defeated.
What are your top 5 favorite artists?
My top 5 favorite artists are Rachelle Ferrell, Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Raheem DeVaughn, and Michael Jackson.
What are your top 5 favorite songs currently?
- Savage Remix (feat. Beyoncé) - Megan Thee Stallion
- Toosie Slide - Drake
- Go Crazy - Chris Brown & Young Thug
- Dior - Pop Smoke
- Like That (feat. Gucci Mane) - Doja Cat
Listen to KPTR Party Train Radio on Live365.com, like them on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter and Instagram!
BIPOC Live365 Broadcasters! We'd love for you to share your story with us as part of The BIPOC Spotlights! We invite you to submit by filling out the form at the following link: The BIPOC Spotlights Submission Form. (Duplicate station entries will only be featured once. You must have a Live365 Broadcaster account.)
