A lot of us at KUTX are parents and we believe it’s never too early to shape your kids’ musical taste. So we’re really excited to launch a new show Sunday evenings that’s kid-friendly yet appeals to your musical sensibilities.
“Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child,” debuts on KUTX 98.9 this Sunday, Mother’s Day, at 6 p.m. The hour-long show features many of the local and national artists you hear on KUTX, like Austin’sSara Hickman, Carrie Rodriguez, Gina Chavez and KUTX’s own Elizabeth McQueen; as well as They Might Be Giants, the Ramones, Mike Doughty and Mates of State. Check out some of the recent playlists to learn more.
Produced and hosted by Bill Childs in Austin, “Spare the Rock” plays indie music for indie kids – and their parents. We sat down with Childs to learn more about the show and his Austin music experience.
How did you get into the radio business?
I’ve been perpetually interested in radio. I started as a college DJ for WMCN Radio — “Ten blazing watts of power” — at Macalester College in Minnesota and later volunteered for a low-powered community radio station where I started “Spare the Rock.”
What do parents say about the show?
They’re surprised it’s something they want to stick around and listen with their kids. Many parents continue to listen after their kids have aged out.
What do kids say about the show?
They like to get up and dance, and rock out. They appreciate having something on the radio that’s about them and for them. There’s lots of great radio in Austin but it’s not always relatable – or appropriate – for kids.
Why do you think Austinites will love Spare the Rock?
The show is committed to playing eclectic and diverse music, which — as a music city — is what Austin is all about. We also do book reviews and exclusive in-studios from dozens of artists, such as Dan Zanes, Dog on Fleas and Elizabeth Mitchell. It’s smart and entertaining for all ages. And it’s definitely not your typical kids’ programming.
What do you like about Austin?
The music scene. The range of events. Too much fun. There’s always something really interesting to do, including a lot of family friendly activities.
Where do you like to see music in Austin?
I love seeing shows at the Mohawk and Red 7. And Stubbs is great for bigger shows. I saw Sleater-Kinney there last month.
Tune in to “Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child” Sundays from 6 to 7 p.m., which is followed by “Horizontes” with Michael Crockett.
