Montez Radio Station Revives New York City’s Underground Cultural Scene
In a city known for its vibrant and diverse cultural scene, Montez Radio Station is making waves by bringing back the spirit of community radio to New York City. With a lineup of eclectic shows and a dedication to showcasing underground artists and musicians, Montez is quickly becoming a hub for the city’s young creatives.
“They make me believe people in New York are interesting and have wild interests,” said Kaitlin Phillips, a publicist and former host of the Montez show “Insider Baseball.” “The internet era can make you forget that people know things you don’t. I’m always like, Where do they find these people?”
One night, during an ambient music show at the station, station manager Mr. Laprade heard a commotion from the sidewalk outside. It was a young guy performing with a unique style that caught Laprade’s attention. This chance encounter led to the discovery of Mat Kastella, an outsider pop musician, who was invited to perform on air at the station.
Inspired by the success of their collaboration with Kastella, Laprade and his colleague Ms. Skolnik organized a concert at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, featuring Kastella and a crew of backup dancers. The event was a hit, showcasing the station’s commitment to supporting emerging artists and pushing the boundaries of traditional radio programming.
For many young artists and writers in the city, Montez Radio Station has arrived at the perfect time. With other community radio stations struggling to stay afloat, Montez is filling a void and providing a platform for creative expression and collaboration.
Donald Miller, a former host of an experimental music show on the Columbia University station WKCR, praised the station for its role in fostering creativity and connecting artists. “That era’s creative ferment inspires today’s downtown denizens,” said Adrian Rew, an East Village record store owner with a show on Montez. “What Montez is doing reminds me of what I read about the Mudd Club or Danceteria, where punks and avant-garde artists and curators were all rubbing shoulders.”
As Montez Radio Station continues to grow and evolve, it is clear that it is more than just a radio station – it is a community, a platform for artistic expression, and a beacon of creativity in the heart of New York City.
