re: I don’t think KEXP needs metal
Christopher, not everything can be twee indie rock. Some of the best shows I’ve seen in the metal genre include Mastodon (one of the best shows I’ve seen this year), Early Man, Slayer, the Melvins, Big Business…etc. Soft, non-jarrring music dominates the station, and there are a ton of great bands that get hyped through that for good reason. If there’s room for three different country shows and seven afternoon hours of indie rock, there’s got to be room for music that gets your blood pumping and your head banging, even if it hurts the ears of the delicate types. People listen to music for reasons other than to be soothed.
They should get an electronic music show first (I know there is Expansions, my favorite specialty show, but I think Segal might argue this doesn't do it, and I agree). Hosted by Sean Horton from the Decibel Festival, or Dave Segal. There is no comparison between the number of people going out to clubs to hear electronic music vs. metal. I bet it's 25 to 1 at least. And then before metal, how about an alternative hip-hop show. Think of a schedule on KEXP that had a Monday night electronic show and a Wednesday night alt Hip-Hop show. Maybe a metal show after the punk show. One less country show and one less world music show (there are 3 of each now) wouldn't hurt, and the station would much better reflect what Seattle is listening to.