10 Questions with ... Oedipus

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Began in 1975 as a DJ at M.I.T.'s college station WTBS (before the call letters were sold to Ted Turner). There I created the first Punk Rock radio show in America, introducing Punk and New Wave. Joined WBCN in 1977 as a part-time announcer and soon had a full-time shift. In 1981 became WBCN Program Director, and was upped to VP/Programming in '95. Elevated in 2003 to Vice President of Alternative Programming for Infinity Broadcasting (now CBS Radio) responsible for 16 alternative and rock stations throughout the country.

1. What do you remember the most about about your early days at WBCN?

I was the alien punk with purple hair. It was a wildly eclectic undisciplined hippy station, politically-charged, and the voice of the counter-culture.

2. After spending almost 30 years at WBCN, what did you miss the most?

The creative environment and the interaction with the amazing people who flowed through those hallowed halls.

3. What led to your long-time running "Nocturnal Emissions" Sunday night specialty show?

The love of new music and the fact that punk, new wave, and other new music were not being exposed on the radio. It was an outgrowth of my show, The Demi-Monde, at M.I.T.

4. Why did you decide to put The Oedipus Project online and what motivates you to continue championing new alternative music?

There is simply too much great new music not being heard on the radio. We live in an on-demand world and radio has relinquished its musical leadership position. These new sounds continue to inspire me and the greatest of these musical moments are transcendent.

5. How would you describe The Oedipus Project?

A filter into the vast world of new music with occasional side trips into the past.

6. Why did you decide to launch a radio show on CyberStationUSA.com?

It's a perfect internet portal for podcasts/broadcasts of new music and an adjunct to my website.

7. Explain the Boston Music Compilation you put together.

I was asked to create a soundtrack for the 2010 Boston Music Awards. It is a mere sampling of the history of music out of Boston. So many more artists should and could have been included.

8. What would surprise people most about you?

I have saved at least one copy of every record and CD ever given to me. I collect Christmas music as well and still broadcast my Christmas Eve show on WFNX.

9. Your best advice for Alternative programmers today?

Entertain your audience. Music is not enough. Every break should add something to the listener's life.

10. What new artists are you most excited about?

Visit Oedipus1.com for the Oedipus Project. It's updated daily.

What are your hobbies?

Reading fiction, fine dining, scuba diving, golf

Last non-industry job?

Photographer. Self-taught, prior to radio I photographed theatre productions and bands, including a few album covers.

First record ever purchased?

Jimi Hendrix - Are You Experienced

First concert?

The Doors

Favorite band of all-time?

Too difficult to narrow down to even a top 10 but that would include David Bowie, The Clash, and Dead Can Dance.