Copyright Variety
A week after KCRW pink slipped long-running DJs Jason Kramer, Jeremy Sole, José Galvan, Travis Holcombe and Valida in a cost-cutting move, the station has announced shows from three new hosts. Joining the station are Luxxury, John Tejada and Peanut Butter Wolf, who premiere the weekend of Oct. 31. “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 to listeners. The switch comes as KCRW last week said it would cut 10% of its staff and adjust its schedule in light of the Trump administration’s elimination of public broadcasting funding — which has impacted all public radio and TV stations, like KCRW. Luxxury — real name Blake Robin — hosts the popular podcast “One Song” with Diallo Riddle. (He’s also known for whispering “INTERPOLATION” on TikTok.) The artist, producer and DJ is “known for blending classic songwriting with modern production,” KCRW noted. His show will air on a more rock-focused Friday night, which also includes a continuing show from legendary rocker Henry Rollins. Tejada is described as “a globally respected DJ, producer, and composer” who “brings decades of influence in techno and electronic music. His refined style bridges the experimental and the familiar, connecting underground innovation with sounds that move listeners.” His show will air on Saturdays, along with DJ Silva and Jason Bentley’s “Metropolis,” as that night focuses on dance music. Peanut Butter Wolf, real name Chris Manak, is the founder of Stones Throw Records. His show will air on Sunday nights, which will be focused on soul, R&B, hip-hop and jazz. Manak’s Sunday show will air along with one from LeRoy Downs. Holcombe had hosted the weeknight show “Freaks Only”; with his departure, the station said Monday through Thursday nights will include rebroadcasts of some of the weekend shows mentioned above. KCRW president Jennifer Ferro had hinted at a change in another email to listeners last week: “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. You’ll notice some programming changes too,” she said. “Look for a new on-air music schedule in the coming weeks with new DJs and a new lineup.” Here’s Cohen’s email to listeners: KCRW has always been about exploration, that simple joy of stumbling upon a song or sound that opens up something inside you. That spirit of curiosity and connection is what’s driving our next chapter. We’re evolving our programming to reflect the pulse of Los Angeles, a city that never stops creating, experimenting, and pushing culture forward. You’ll still hear the voices you know and love, like Novena Carmel, Jason Bentley, and Henry Rollins, alongside new shows from 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. We’re always giving space to new sounds, new ideas, and new connections while staying rooted in what’s always made KCRW special: real people, real stories, and a deep love for music. While we are making these changes and introducing new voices and tastes to you, we want to give our heartfelt appreciation to the DJs who are departing. Jason Kramer, Jeremy Sole, José Galvan, Travis Holcombe, and Valida have dedicated years to KCRW and all of you who listen. We are so grateful to be with you on this journey.
