KNOW a KAOS DJ: Roxy, Divine Unheard

When and how did you start at KAOS?

I’m Roxy and I host Divine Unheard 1-3PM every Thursday. This particular radio show I launched back in January of 2019 after hosting the Wednesday Ladies First Block Party, Tuesday Breakfast Special, and frequently subbing on various shows. I’ve been involved at KAOS since 2015 and began my radio journey at KEXP as an intern in 2009. I stayed at KEXP at their old home for about 5 years, helped them pack up and move to their new space, then I moved to my new home in Olympia where I finished my Bachelors in community-based media and fell head over heels with the community here, so I stayed put! Since harvesting my Geoduck degree in 2017, I kept hosting on KAOS as a community member because I just love sharing cool music.

I’ve always been intrigued with radio programming and wanted to host something different, so my show Divine Unheard airs ‘unheard’ music: self-released music, local releases, and indie labels. I play all LGBTQIA2S+, women and non-binary artists in R&B, hip hop, electronic, jazz, soul, funk, disco, indie, rock, and more! My show is always themed on empowerment. I like to shout out local shows as well as have an occasional guest on air to let us know about their upcoming events.

Do you remember the first song you ever played on-air?

On September 13, 2015, I was subbing and hosting for the first time live on “The Club is Open” (a variety show). I played Sweet Tea covering Wendy Rene’s “After Laughter (Comes Tears)” on the Light in the Attic 10 Year Anniversary comp. Sweet Tea is Erika Wennerstrom from Heartless Bastards and Alex Maas from The Black Angels.

When I was Cheryl Waters' assistant at KEXP around 2012 I think: there was 1 particular day that felt rough, so she aired Junior Senior’s ‘Shake Your Coconuts’ on my behalf. A dance party began at the station and it was a memorable, funny moment. That kinda felt like a song we played together, which I think is something radio is always about: making requests and getting to hear them together! 

What’s the most memorable moment you’ve had live on the air? 

Hosting with Rowan Katz and they would read the community billboard and events calendar in the silliest voice (I could not stop giggling). The show was 10pm-midnight Wednesday nights. We alternated hosting every week and that 1 night we were both there together. It was great fun.

How do you prepare for a show — or do you just wing it? 

I never wing it. I meticulously make playlists that have good enough segues that I feel comfortable airing them side-by-side. I like to mix in a good amount of newly released music with some old favorites, always trying to share music that is inspiring. 

I will say I mostly find out about artists by listening to other radio shows (I’m constantly tuned into radio). Then I’ll often find a band/artist on Bandcamp, Tidal or by following folks on social media. A lot of my radio plays are from bands/artists I’ve seen live or notice on upcoming show flyers (@postersolympia on IG). And I can’t forget about all my spectacular finds at local record shops. 

I love planning a really awesome radio show ~ especially themed shows. I've done shows based on Earth Day, Halloween season, Pride month, hyperlocal Olympia releases, favorite releases of the year, and season-specific jams.

What’s something you wish more people knew about community radio? 

It’s a learning lab for the community! It’s for everyone! You can show up with any skill you want to share or learn, whether that’s mixing for a live band, interviewing a local community organization, creating a PSA, curating your own radio show,.. the list goes on. Community radio is where you can meet people, connect, and get informed ..whether you’re just tuned in or showing up in person. You can even help online virtually (it’s the future!)

What’s the last song you completely fell in love with? 

Evan Greer’s track “$5 (ft. Eve 6)” from their newly released AMAB/ACAB album is really sweet. I’m a frequent show goer / organizer and it reminds me fondly of all the amazing touring musicians I’ve seen and hosted over the years.

What record made the biggest impact on your life? 

I don’t know if I’ll ever have a response to that question,... there have been too many impactful albums that helped me overcome different obstacles at different times of my life…I just don’t know how to pick. ‘Smalltown Boy’ by Bronski Beat is often on repeat in my brain and helps me reflect on confrontations I’ve experienced as a queer woman. The Planningtorock remix is extra cathartic.

What was your first concert? 

The KISS 106.1 Jingle Bell Bash in 2005! I was 12 years old. My friend’s mom brought a group of us pre-teeny boppers. She loved KISS 106.1 and was screaming during The Backstreet Boys, The Pussycat Dolls and Rihanna of course. Also caught twin sisters The Veronicas there, they rock (cue strings and claps ).

What music-related hill will you die on? 

Everyone should buy music from artists directly, support local community radio, and local music venues and shops. It is ridiculous how often people only listen to algorithm-generated playlists on platforms that largely profit off artists making barely a percentage of a cent. I’m all about supporting locally and building community. 

What’s your favorite local music memory from where you grew up? 

I grew up watching my friend’s ska band ‘Poke da Squid’ and was really into tap dancing back then. I would bring tap shoes to their shows and they’d invite me on stage to tap dance during a song. I also got to tap at bars once I was 21 in Seattle, sometimes jamming alongside local-famous jazz musicians.

What’s your favorite local band or artist right now?

Tender Forever: They are an outstanding person and artist whose music I’ll forever gravitate back to time and time again. They are also dealing with health issues presently and are accepting/appreciating mutual aid funds (via GoFundMe).

What genre do you secretly know way too much about? 

Disco

What artist do you like that would surprise your audience and friends the most?

I like some metal, Ragana comes to mind.

What artist do you not like that would surprise your audience and friends the most? 

Weird Al. I love puns, I play accordion and I often make up my own lyrics of songs just like Weird Al, and yet, I’m just not a fan. Also I don’t like grunge. I know, not very Northwest of me.

If you could interview any musician—living or dead—on your show, who would it be?

Betty Davis.

What are a few of your desert island discs?

I’d want to hear music from many decades for sure, so here’s more than a few:

“Walkin’ My Cat Named Dog” by Norma Tanega (1966)

“Phoenix” by LaBelle (1974)

“All Hail the Queen” by Queen Latifah (1989)

“Reachin' (A New Refutation Of Time And Space)” by Digable Planets (1993)

“Primal Prayer” by Beverly Glenn-Copeland (2004)

“Dreams in the Rat House” by Shannon & the Clams (2013)

“Different Places” by Seaside Tryst (2023)