Photo Credit: John Tejada by Holly Parker; Peanut Butter Wolf by Jackie Radinsky; Luxxury by Øystein Haara (KCRW)
KCRW fired 10% of staff just last week to cut costs after federal budget cuts, but already the station is introducing shows from three new hosts.
Less than a week after KCRW announced cutting 10% of staff—including longtime DJs Jason Kramer, Jeremy Sole, and José Galván—the station has unveiled three shows hosted by three new DJs. Premiering the weekend of October 31 are new DJs Luxxury, John Tejada, and Peanut Butter Wolf.
“They’re not just incredible DJs; they’re artists with their own creative worlds and communities, and they’re bringing that energy straight to KCRW,” said KCRW Music Director Alejandro Cohen in an email.
Luxxury (Blake Robin) is the co-host of the popular podcast “One Song” with Diallo Riddle, and is also known on TikTok for whispering “interpolation.” The artist and producer is known for “blending classic songwriting with modern production. His rock-focused show will air on Friday nights.
John Tejada is a “globally respected DJ, producer, and composer,” who brings “decades of influence” in techno and electronic music. His style “bridges the experimental and the familiar, connecting underground innovation with sounds that move listeners.” His show will air on dance-oriented Saturday nights.
Peanut Butter Wolf (Chris Manak) is the founder of Stones Throw Records. His show, focused on jazz, soul, R&B, and hip-hop, will air on Sunday nights.
“These decisions were made after careful consideration of how best to position us against the twin challenges of needing to adapt to how people consume media today as well as the loss of federal dollars,” said KCRW President Jennifer Ferro in an email last week, announcing the staffing cuts.
“You’ll notice some new programming changes too,” she added. “Look for a new on-air music schedule in the coming weeks with new DJs and a new lineup.”
According to Cohen, the changes in programming are an effort to “reflect the pulse of Los Angeles,” assuring long-time listeners that they’ll still hear “the voices you know and love, like Novena Carmel, Jason Bentley, and Henry Rollins.”
The music director’s email concluded by thanking and offering “heartfelt appreciation” to departing DJs Jason Kramer, Jeremy Sole, José Galván, Travis Holcombe, and Valida, for their years dedicated to KCRW.
