There was a period of time, years ago, where I wanted to listen to music in my 1983 Volvo, but I was at the mercy of my radio's ability to pick up one audible rock station.  The station guaranteed "new music" but kept regurgitating the same music from years prior.  Over time, I developed an unhealthy obsession with bands I couldn't stand.  I made up their genres to entertain myself.  Lumberjack-Rock.  Neanderthal-Pop.  Self-Destructive-Frat-Guy-Rock.  Norwegian-Trucker-Metal.  I even went to the length of buying a popular Canadian band's DVD just to see how painful their live show was.  If only I had tuned into Richmond's local music show, Studio B, with Jay Smack, I would have saved some indie street cred points.  Producing and hosting the show since 1995, Jay has been an active supporter and promoter of local and regional music.  His passion for the local music and community speaks loudly as his labor of love.  I stopped by Studio B to hang out with Jay while he produced one of his shows.

33: How long has Studio B promoted local and regional music?
JS: In total, fifteen years on three different radio stations.

33: What regions does Studio B cover?
JS: Primarily, Richmond and the Mid-Atlantic region.  When the show started, I thought it would be cool to highlight bands who were playing gigs and help artists connect and swap gigs.

33: What fueled your passion to start a local music show?
JS: I'm more of a music guy than a radio guy.  I tried the band thing, but it eventually came to an end.  I wanted to do more and stay near the music.  I wanted to do more in radio, so I married the two passions and created Studio B.  I wanted it to be a safe haven for local artists on the big airwaves; a forum where musicians could submit their music, connect with others, and not be intimidated by mainstream radio.

33: Was proposing a local music show on a mainstream station challenging?  How did Studio B get a time slot?
JS: While working at 104.7 The Buzz, I proposed the idea to the program director.  He was really into it, so it wasn't a much of a challenge.  As the station changed into XL102 and now 102.1 the X, Studio B was welcomed in each time.

33: When you produce a show, how do you determine which artists get on the air?  How influential are listeners in choosing songs for the show?
JS: It often depends on the calendar of shows in the area.  I'll typically play songs from artists who have gigs coming up.  The idea is to showcase the music and promote the gigs so the listeners can see them live if they enjoy what they hear.  As far as influence from the listeners, I rarely hear from them.  Ninety-eight percent of the interaction I have is with artists.  Local artists do all the work.  They make producing a show easy.  There are rare occasions where a band will mobilize many of their friends to call in and make requests.  I've had fifteen requests for the same band in one week.

33: How often does Studio B have live, in-studio performances?
JS: I try to have a couple live performances on the show each month.

33: Speaking of live performances, where do you go to check out local acts?
JS: There are a lot of cool venues.  The Camel, the National, Alley Katz, the Triple, and McCormack's are a few.  Each venue has a unique environment for live music.

33: Which artists, who have gone on in the music industry, had been featured on Studio B before their mainstream success?  Has a local artist from Studio B ever been passed to mainstream airplay?
JS: Lamb of God, Carbon Leaf, Avail, River City High, Strike Anywhere, Denali, White Cross.  Some Richmond bands that have made it to mainstream radio had never been featured on Studio B.  I think some bands feel weird about submitting their music to a local radio show.  I'm not sure if it's a pride thing.  I'm just passionate about providing the forum for local artists, showcasing their music and promoting their gigs.  Everybody is welcome.

33: In your years of hosting Studio B, which local artists have stood out to you?
JS: There are so many great bands.  Tens of thousands!  Breadwinner, the Technical Jed, Kepone, Hex Machine, Horsehead, Mensrea, Duchess of York, Labradford - bands that are uniquely Richmond.  I can't forget Anthony Curtis.  The man is a genius.

33: Which local artists should listeners keep their ears open for?
JS: It's hard to pick just one.  Brainworms, Heks Orkest, Dream Atlantic, Ki: Theory, Cough, Marionette, Transgression, Barnaby Jones, Ada Doom, Lord By Fire, Jonathan Vassar, and one of my favorites, ILAD.

33: In closing, what is the best way to submit music to Studio B?  Do you prefer nifty press kits?
JS: Mailing in a CD or emailing songs in MP3 format are the best ways to submit.  Be sure to include the band's name, song titles, and a little background about the band.  Press kits aren't necessary but they help me get to know more about the band's history, influences, and achievements.

Thanks, Jay!

Tune in to 102.1 the X to catch Studio B on Sundays from 9-10pm.

Submit your music to Studio B:

By mail:
Studio B Local Music
c/o Jay Smack
WRXL-102.1 The X
3245 Basie Road
Richmond, VA 23228

Email: smackstudiob@hotmail.com

For more information, visit www.wrxl.com/pages/studioblocalmusic.html

By Author: Michael King

Michael King returns to Richmond, Virginia after working four years in the music and television industry. He’s a VCU graduate thrilled to finally use his English degree for Magazine33! On road trips, he enjoys listening to indie rock, folk, and NPR. He digs the sound of a Fender Telecaster and is nerdy about guitar pedals. An ASCAP member, his music has been placed on MTV and Destineer video games.

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