Photos courtesy of Dani Cutler
Who are you and are you in a band or do you perform solo? If in a band(s), what is the name of that band?
My name is Dani Cutler, and I am one of the leads in an independent radio band called The Alternative KWSS 93.9fm, a non-commercial radio station in Phoenix.
I am also Scene Mom to the local music community, as dubbed by this very publication.
What instrument(s) do you play?
Spoken word in the form of hosting the daily morning show, and occasionally a viola with Scattered Melodies.
How long have you been making music? And what first drew you to your craft?
I’ve been in radio 13 years, (KWSS is celebrating 15 years in 2020!) I had no idea I would end up in radio, but thanks to a lifetime love of all music, supporting the local community, speaking out for the underdog, and creating a political podcast in 2006 here I am.
When I tried to syndicate my show on radio, they didn’t want the politics but wanted my voice. So I put my political commentator aspirations aside and became involved in the local music scene. Best move ever.
What was your favorite show of all the shows you’ve ever played?
My favorite shows KWSS presented have been the Guilty Pleasure shows with 80/20 Records. Love hearing the covers and the spin our local artists put on their favorite guilty pleasure songs. It’s a great time for all- musicians and attendees.
What would be your dream lineup/location?
A KWSS festival with Jimmy Eat World, Gin Blossoms, KONGOS, The Format and about 20 other locals. OK, so a weekend festival. At Tempe Town Lake or Hance Park. Or The Van Buren with the stage inside and an outside stage in their parking lot. Shoot I wouldn’t care where it is if I had this lineup!
Oh hell now I need to figure out how to make this happen…
Photo by David Majure
What are you listening to during this period of social distancing?
Other than KWSS, I’ve gone back to my teen listening with plenty of 80’s, heavy on the Duran Duran.
What are you binge watching/reading?
I just finished watching Game of Thrones (which I did not watch when it was airing live), and now I’m working my way through Community. Supernatural is always on the binge list.
What else are you doing with these extra hours at home? Extra creative time?
I’ve really been trying to find ways to support all of the local indie artists, venues, and businesses during this time. KWSS is in a unique position to do this, and really keep the focus on the local while we can’t be out there supporting in person. I’m also still running my digital marketing business, and using my experience to help artists during this time of no live shows.
If you could Facetime/Skype anyone in the world for an extended convo right now, who would it be?
Right now? Anthony Fauci, because I feel like not only would I get accurate information about COVID-19, but I could probably get some dirt on the Administration too. Also I’ve become a Zoom convert, privacy be damned!
Favorite food you can make at home?
I detest cooking, so it has to be super easy like pasta or something pre-prepped that I just throw in the oven. I’m not above microwave meals either. That being said I also have a snobby side and love good cheeses and charcuterie. That doesn’t require cooking!
Are you currently working on any new musical projects? If so, what?
Nothing new, other than continuing to support the local community with KWSS Radio.
How can folx support your musical endeavors? Can people check out or purchase your work online? What other options might be available?
You can help support KWSS Radio by listening and sharing the station with others. Right now we are providing a lifeline to local music by reaching ~80K listeners a month. We also have a Patreon and you can be a monthly subscriber to the station. Click the banner on kwss.org Musicians can send us music they are working on too! dani@kwss.org
Listen: 93.9 FM (in CenPho and the greater west valley)
Stream: kwss.org | TuneIn | Simple Radio app
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
~
