Radio Interview: 88.9 KXLU FM

by Mark Arellano

Waking up at one in the morning is not the ideal time. But around that time is when two extraordinary young men wake up and prepare for their live radio broadcast. ESHS alumni and current LMU freshman Sean Batton and LMU freshman Justin Bates, known as Captain Awesome, host their own rock program entitled Captain Awesome and Sean. The dedication and interest in the music, the job, and the time put into each show are testaments to the passion and commitment these guys showcase in their work.

From two in the morning to six on Tuesdays, Captain Awesome and Sean can be heard on 88.9 KXLU FM Los Angeles. They broadcast from their station on the Loyola Mary mount University campus. Upon entering the building where the station is located, feelings of excitement came upon me. I was greeted by the ever cheerful Batton, as I entered the station’s door on the fourth floor.

With the eclectic mix of rock, post-punk, and electronic music, the duo never fails to deliver a thrilling show. As I met up with both guys, there was a slight wait, for the previous show was finishing up. As I perused through the catalog of CDs and vinyl records in the room and studio, the feeling and spirit of this station, its people and audiences were all captured somehow in each separate album on the shelf.

The job of a night time DJ is quite a rigorous task. Bates explained, “Some people may believe that since it is the early hours of the morning, no one really listens, therefore there is not much work to be carried out. This is not true; preparation and awareness when beginning a live feed are crucial to the success of the show. It is a fun job, but very busy too.”

When asked how he got his own show, Batton said, “There were positions available to host a slot on the air, and I figured I would like to do something of that sort, since I am interested in music. I initially applied for the position, and an interview followed. I was basically picked because I showed the same musical preferences that the station had, and Justin was picked as well.”

The main influence in music to Batton and Bates varies in style, but has common ground amongst being inspirational realms of music. Batton has always appreciated a mix of mellow and rocking music, and even spoken-word albums. Bates has always found comfort in danceable music with feeling and soft music with emotion. Batton stated, “I have always been fond of music, so naturally I surround myself with it because I love it. I also feel a sense of belonging and understanding with music as a whole. It nurtures the soul, it stimulates the mind, and it allows the heart to venture into the depths of emotion that are locked away within the human being as itself.”

“Music is a key part of life, and it is the soundtrack to our lives. The tracks we remember and store forever tied with a memory we hold in kind or cruel regards is what the brain does naturally to hold onto those memories and feelings. Music is a very powerful force,” said Bates.

The magic and chemistry between Batton and Bates is ecstatic and lively. As a regular listener, their show is improving with time, and the topics they discuss are more and more interesting. The music played varies greatly. Mostly underground current music line-up the play list in the four hours allotted for the early show. The new releases are put in the DJ booth, which is the new promotional disc’s place for a few weeks. This is where all the new releases are kept. When stored in the booth these promos are to be guaranteed airplay and review.

What was very interesting during the broadcast was the constant searching for material to play. Batton looked through thousand of CDs and LPs on the wall to find suitable songs to play on air at that time. Bates made sure that the control panel, the volumes, and all of the equipment and discs worked properly. The on-the-go feel to this job gives light to the often underrated attitude showcased to disc jockeys. “I enjoy being around music and this job is God-sent. The workload is demanding, but it pays off in the end with the satisfaction of knowing you are doing something that you love,” said Batton.

Captain Awesome and Sean can be heard on Tuesday mornings from two o’clock to six o’clock on 88.9 KXLU FM and can be contacted at (310) 338-5859 for early morning requests. The ultimate reward for both guys is being given the chance to discover a world that they love so much through the medium of radio and entertainment. Los Angeles is lucky and well in-debt to repay radio for lending the city two of the best DJs that have been produced in recent times.