Hell's Kitchen Radio #602: Tell Me Lies

Listen to this show right here!!!

Listen into all my shows here!

Subscribe to my show, via 

Hosting bands is a real treat when you're in radio. I remember being young in the radio game and getting nervous whenever I knew I had a recording artist coming onto my show. I did not want to mess this up. In those days at KFJC, most of the artists I would interview were either big names (George Clinton), or no names (you name it, they probably aren't around anymore). Either way I needed to be prepared.

And preparing pre-Internet was a chore. If the name was known (James Brown), the prep was simple (a brief history and mostly current project, tour, etc.). If they were a younger band with an album out, then I hoped there was enough bio info on the sleeve to help me prepare. Maybe the label would send something over?

The biggest lesson I learned about interview was to be a better listener. The best interviews are the ones where the follow-up questions are relevant and strong. I want to probe; get to the root. You will know the answer to my questions, but I want you to pause and reflect before you respond. My favorite response will always be "that's a really good question".

Over the years I've taken pride in how well I facilitate an interview. I've had many of my subjects state this was the best interview they've ever had. That's incredibly flattering. I love having my guests, famous or not, feel completely comfortable behind the mic. Some interviews I've hosted with bands have been so good I've invited them back with the caveat they need to guest DJ with me the nest time they're in. They love that, and many have taken me up on it.

Tonight I had Roman from P.O.S. in the studio promoting his upcoming show at the Mabuhay Gardens (FabMab) where he'll be turning 19!!! This was his first radio show, and I loved the conversation. He was so honest and vulnerable, and present. I could not ask for a better subject to talk with. 

Roman has a deep thrash metal pedigree. His father and uncle were in Death Angel, and band I loved while growing up in San Mateo in the 80s. Roman continues this tradition of quality thrash, with blinding-fast guitar, pounding rhythms, and timely lyrics about what it is to be a youth in today's society, living at the end of gangster capitalism.

They have a Bandcamp page where you can find their demo, which we played all four songs on the show. See the playlist below.

Come to Roman's birthday show this Saturday at the FabMab. You may just see me in the pit!

Do you have a band you want interviewed on Radio Valencia? Hit me up via email with music attached and I'll get in touch.

You may have heard the news that Jello Biafra suffered a stroke on Sunday. We're looking into the possibility hosting a fundraiser for him, but want to talk with him first. Stay tuned to the Radio Valencia socials for this.

We're also working on a summer show at On Broadway with their amazing crew, two of whom were in the
studio with me Monday night. Daniel "Asterisk" Haver, and Empress Katrina Zanotto hung out to talk music and running the most important club in San Francisco music history (IMHO). Daniel admitted to two things that you'll need to listen into to find out about. 

There's much to enjoy about this here show, even if there was a bit more roommate radio than I prefer. We laughed a lot, and that's what's most important.

Enjoy and please share.

jh

Hell's Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM Pacific
Radio Valencia in SF
http://radiovalencia.fm

Follow me on Blue Sky
Follow Radio Valencia on Facebook
Follow Radio Valencia on Instagram

Green Green Grass of Home: Tom Jones (Greatest Hits - 1967)
Stars and Stripes of Corruption: Dead Kennedys (Frankenchrist - 1985)
The Money Will Roll Right In: Fang (Land Shark - 1982)

Interview with Roman of P.O.S.

Deceiver: P.O.S.
Isolation: P.O.S.
Inhumanity: P.O.S.
Mauled: P.O.S.

Interview with Roman of P.O.S.

Rebel: The Viletones (7" - 1977)

Sit on My Face Stevie Nicks: The Rotters (7" - 1978)
You Say You Love Me: The Headcoatees (Here Comes Cessation - 1997)

Love Whip: Reverend Horton Heat (Smoke 'em if you Got 'em - 1990)

Cornfed Dames: The Cramps (A Date with Elvis - 1986)

She's The One That's Got It: Allen Page (7" - 1958)

The Girl Can't Dance: Bunker Hill (7" - 1963 with Link Wray)

Do You Have A Job For A Girl Like Me: The Delinquents (7" - 1973)

Your Ass Is Next In Line: The Mummies (Never Been Caught - 1992)
Batman and Robin Over The Rooftops: Sun Ra (Batman & Robin - 1966)

Would It be Worth It: Hands of Time (7" - 1969???)

Sloppy Drunk Blues: Big Joe Williams (Tough Times - 1960)

John The Relevator: Scott H. Biram (Sold Out To The Devil - 2019)
You Got Me: Theoretical Girls (7" - 1978)

Mexican Radio: Wall of Voodoo (Call of the West - 1982)

White Girl: X (Wild Gift - 1981)

Tell Me That You Love Me: James Brown and His Famous Flames (7" - 1966)

Egyptian Shumba: The Tammys (7" - 1964)

What A Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong (What A Wonderful World - 1967)

The Way We Were: Wild Man Fischer and Mark Mothersbaugh (1989 for Pee Wee's Playhouse's final episode)