Culture
New Internet Station Spotlights Ohio Musicians
By: Marlena Scott
Posted on:
A new source for local music has popped up in the form of an internet-only radio station.
Upon visiting ohiohomegrownradio.com, visitors are greeted with a 24/7 audio stream featuring nothing but regional talent. Introducing listeners to quality “homegrown” music has been the station’s goal from the start, according to co-founder John Vince.
Vince became acquainted with the sounds of Southeastern Ohio after attending a Blue Room Session hosted by Insea Sound Shop, located between Nelsonville and Logan. That experience sparked the idea for an internet station devoted solely to local and regional music.
He discussed the idea with pals (and eventual co-founders) Jeremy Gibson and Jonathan Hall, and the trio ran it by a few other friends. Soon afterward, Ohio Homegrown Radio was born, fulfilling a lifelong dream for Vince.
“[Radio] was like a calling to me,” he said.
A calling which Vince pursued during high school and college in the 1980s. While attending Ohio University, he worked for ACRN, OU’s student-run radio station.
Now, after logging countless hours at stations in Marion and Logan, Vince is hoping to shake things up a bit with Ohio Homegrown Radio. For instance, original material from all Ohio musicians, regardless of genre, is welcomed–a rarity in today’s tightly formatted commercial radio landscape.
“I’m an avid fan of alternative music, but really, I love nearly all kinds,” said Vince.
Vince sees the station as a center for announcing upcoming festivals and events, such as the Diamond Festival and Inspire Fest. He also hopes to include interviews with area singers and songwriters, plus live shows and podcasts by volunteer DJs.
“I see this as a great opportunity for people from all over to learn what Southeastern Ohio has to offer,” he said.
Ohio Homegrown Radio launched on April 20 with a live webcast at the Nelsonville Eagles Lodge. Vince said to look for updates, including new programs and features, in the weeks to come. For additional updates, visit the station’s Facebook page.