For those outside the US, Clear Channel is an enormous conglomerate that controls a lot of radio stations, including what is played. The likelihood of airplay for actual indie music, the kind that is in no way distributed by the majors, is nil.

Apparently, there is a way to sneak through the powers of mammon, however.

In Richmond, Va, the major rock radio station is called "102.1 The X!". I guess "the X" makes it sound cool.   Yep, it's pretty cool to be a monopoly. They own SIX radio stations in Richmond, Va.

From 9-10PM Sunday Nights, however, a show that actually features local musicians is on air. Studio B with Jay Smack has been on the airwaves for a decade. The show and accompanying website is actually a neat thing. Though most of what's played sounds exactly like wannabe corporate rock to me; there is more than a nod to diversity. To wit...and this is how I got in there...my old pal, Jimmy Ghaphery, free jazz saxman (and one third of New Loft) was on the show on Sept 20 to plug an appearance in Richmond with Euro avant/jazz legend, Gunther Hampel. Jimmy was allowed to choose a few tunes by other local artists. He chose my song "Getting Involved."

So...thanks Jimmy!