Similar to how Indie 103.1 went off the air a few years ago and re-launched as Indie1031.com, Phoenix Media/Communications Group re-launched its legendary alternative rocker (after the sale to Clear Channel) at wfnx.com and via the WFNX Mobile App. With the re-launch, listeners can expect to tune into one of the most electrifying online streams in the country and to find creative programming that pushes the radio envelope beyond what WFNX did during its nearly 30 years on the FM dial.
The new vision for wfnx.com is led by Executive Producer Kurt St. Thomas, a creative force and celebrated figure in the music and entertainment industries and a former leader of WFNX-FM.
Given that during his first tenure with WFNX, from 1985-1997, St. Thomas laid down such historical tracks as being the first in the country to play Nirvana, producing Nevermind It’s An Interview – the band’s only officially released interview CD, and orchestrating Green Day’s unforgettable 1994 performance at Boston’s renown Hatch Shell, listeners can expect exhilarating things from the re-launch. “I am confident that WFNX’s role as a groundbreaking platform for bands, both locally and worldwide, will only grow with our take on online streaming. The digital sphere is such a progressive space for music right now, and free of FCC shackles, we will be able to provide unfiltered, uncensored content that exceeds listeners’ expectations,” says St. Thomas of the venture.
Programming will feature interviews with musicians and industry newsmakers, live shows, and the best in alternative rock radio including tracks from Jack White, The Black Keys, Passion Pit, Silversun Pickups, Alabama Shakes, The xx, Tame Impala, Band of Horses, Grouplove, Father John Misty, Japandroids, Mumford & Sons, Dum Dum Girls and many more. St. Thomas is joined by a talented team of music and radio veterans at WFNX.com who will be joining him for live DJ shifts beginning October 30 at midnight. The on-air line-up is as follows:
– Mike Gioscia, Assistant Program Director (9am-Noon) – An award winning independent filmmaker, writer, and radio producer. As the Production Director at WFNX in the 90s, he won 2 Boston A.I.R. awards, and was host of the live broadcast ‘X Night At Axis’.
– Kurt St. Thomas, Executive Producer (Noon-2pm) – This award-winning radio, music and film professional oversees the re-launch of wfnx.com and will be the on-air personality from 12-2pm. St. Thomas has 25 years of experience in the music and entertainment industries. After serving as the forward-thinking, thought-provoking Program, Music and Production Director of WFNX-FM from 1987-1995, Thomas then moved on to work for Clive Davis at Arista Records where he was Senior Director of A&R. In 2001, he became Senior Director of A&R for Tommy Boy Music. After years of working for record companies, St. Thomas returned to the radio at the world-famous KROQ where he is an on-air talent and produces the free-form radio show Jonesy’s Jukebox with Steve Jones of The Sex Pistols. He is also already known as an innovator in the online radio world for his popular alternative stream, Houndstooth Radio.
– Sabrina Boyd, Assistant Music Director (2pm-5pm) – A self-professed rockstar wannabe, Boyd settled for hanging out with some of the coolest stars during her day job. Listeners will recognize her from hosting weekend shows on WFNX or on WBRU in Providence, where she was also the Music Director. She returns now as wfnx.com’s afternoon DJ.
– Michael Marotta, Music Director, Boston Accents (5pm-6pm) – The Music Editor of The Phoenix Media/Communications Group’s print publication, The Phoenix, Marotta brings his insight to the online airwaves while continuing to host his popular local music showcase, “Boston Accents.” Marotta is also resident DJ, promoter, and booking agent at The Pill, one of the longest-running weekly indie dance parties in the world, and in September 2011, he founded the Allston-based Vanya Records, a reputable, independent home for emerging artists and bands from various corners of Boston’s eclectic music community.
– DJ 3001, (5am-9am and 6pm-10pm) – The world’s first totally robotic DJ, wfnx.com introduces DJ 3001. Is he a glorified iTunes shuffle machine that wears pants, or a fully sentient disc jockey with a love of Kraftwerk and Underworld? Listeners will have to find out.
RBR-TVBR observation: Why Clear Channel didn’t keep the format and imaging after the sale is beyond us. WFNX is (was) one of the few commercial, terrestrial Alternative stations worth listening to. And now that FM frequency in Boston is Adult Hits. How imaginative…guess they can pick up some old WODS listeners that left after the flip to CHR.
New wfnx online sounds great, new player and to me reminds me of the energy and programming of the old wfnx… I stream it online and in car using apps. Glad they are back
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