Listen & Be Heard Weekly Archives

David Martin is a man with a vision. He has spent decades as a working musician, fighting with the recording industry over contracts, creative issues, marketing and distribution, and with radio stations for the all-important airplay so necessary to the success of an artist. Now he wants to repay for the success he?s earned (davidmartinmusic.com) by helping local musicians avoid part of the steep learning curve, and easing the ability to get airplay in a world of increasingly restrictive radio playlists.

The first step in his vision is Ozcat Radio, a two-week old, low-power radio station currently alpha-testing at 104.9 FM in Vallejo. Broadcasting from a tiny studio in a warehouse overlooking the water, the station?s mighty 4-watt transmitter barely covers beyond the downtown area of V-Town, but the low power signal fits his community-centric ideas for the station. The planned internet streaming will remove the signal limitations and give the station a world-wide reach.

Ozcat Radio is slated to be the central hub of a creative space for local artists, linked to rehearsal and performance studios, computer work-stations, and facilities where aspiring artists can acquire the tools they need to work in the industry. Martin?s vision includes space to practice, record, and present emerging art.

Hearing David speak about Ozcat, it?s obvious he cares deeply about Vallejo and its local artists, about the youth of the community, and the creative potential he sees in them. With no sponsorship, the current phase of the station is coming completely out of his pocket, a substantial commitment to a vision still in its infant phase. He?s still working toward the next phases: becoming a non-profit arts complex, the search for grants and funding, the location, procurement and design of the new studio space; but the strength and clarity of David?s vision bodes well for the success of the project.

Local artists are highly encouraged to submit their radio-quality work to Ozcat for consideration and airplay. The station also desperately needs volunteer DJs. Their current tiny staff is pushed to the limit keeping programming on the air. If you or someone you know has interest in on-air work, or local music they?d like to have played on the air, contact information can be found on the station?s still-rudimentary website at ozcatradio.com or by calling 707-554-4097.

What else can you do? Listen to the station at 104.9 FM. If you appreciate what they?re doing, call and tell them. Radio is far more fun when you?re not broadcasting in a vacuum.

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