Dentonite Hollie Groos exposes local talent with radio show Infrequent Exposure

DENTON — About a year ago, Hollie Groos launched what has become Denton’s best outlet to discover new local music. Infrequent Exposure is the name of her two-hour radio program, which can be heard on Saturday nights from 7-9 p.m. on KNTU 88.1.

The 21-year-old Houston native knew little of the DFW music landscape prior to moving to Denton for college three years ago. “Meeting Dale Jones (of The New Science Projects) was what really opened the window to figuring all this out,” she said. “Then once I met Ryan Thomas Becker (of RTB2), it all sort of just exploded.”

Originally, Groos came to UNT to pursue a career in film until a professor suggested she try out for the radio program. Turns out that was very good advice. In rapid fashion, she rose from volunteer to music director for the University of North Texas’ flagship station. Shortly thereafter, she said she noticed something missing from the station’s repertoire. “Why isn’t there a local music show? I mean this is Denton, Texas. We need one,” she said.

Here's an example of what Hollie Groos might play: This is June 12's Infrequent Exposure playlist from 7-8 p.m. Pretty great stuff if you're into local music:

Eaton Lake Tonics -- I Kicked the Pieces Out Into the Ocean
Delmore Pilcrow -- Poor Richard
Cocky Americans -- I'm Too Good For You
Little Black Dress -- Show In June
Hendrick -- City Lights
Sarah Jaffe -- Vulnerable
Balance Problems -- All Ears Now (Turkish Bath Version)
Spooky Folk -- Resurrect!
Forgetting Max Fischer -- Lone Sailor
The Naptime Shake -- Honeybear
The BAcksliders -- Talk to My Heart
Ashley Gatta & the Free People -- Where the Humble Go
Monastery -- Track #2 from Flowers EP
Jacob Metcalf -- Pocketful of Hesitations
Dust Congress -- My Name Is David

As it turns out, that was a sentiment shared by many throughout the DFW area. Within a few months, KNTU added Infrequent Exposure to their lineup, 102.1 The Edge began airing The Local Edge with Mark, and KXT 91.7 started broadcasting their blend of local and national talent. Groos' new station was smack in the middle of a renaissance, if you will, of local musicians getting attention from large-market FM stations.

While Infrequent Exposure is certainly the lesser known of the three, it does offer something the others can’t. The show resides on Denton’s lone radio station and is run by students of Denton’s biggest university. Therefore, it only seems natural that it would focus in on Denton’s massive music scene and serve as a sort of megaphone for the town’s talent. While the show is not 100% comprised of Denton artists, it has without question promoted them more than any other program has within the past 12 months. Infrequent Exposure has become a valuable tool in the export of Denton’s seemingly endless supply of musical talent to the rest of DFW.

Turning people on to her radio dial

In this age of infinite blogs, tweets, and status updates, terrestrial radio seems like an archaic form of accessing new music, especially new local music. But when done right, a show on the FM dial can still be the most powerful means of introducing talent, Groos says. Take for example, Dallas’ most successful “underground music” radio show, The Adventure Club with Josh on KDGE. For over a decade, that program has reigned supreme for introducing bands, local and otherwise, which normally would never receive airplay on FM radio. When you have a knowledgeable host with a keen ear for great music, people will tune in. It is something that Groos is learning firsthand.

Last week at Hailey’s Club in Denton, Groos hosted the first ever Infrequent Exposure Showcase. “The whole thing took about three months to put together,” she said, “and it is really difficult promoting a show on non-commercial radio. I really couldn’t talk about it on the air.” But the event could only be described as a total success. The lineup was outstanding, with Caleb Ian Campbell, Fox and The Bird, Spooky Folk, and RTB2, and the atmosphere was nothing short of electric.

KNTU, which is of course primarily a jazz station, has had its share of similar programs come and go over the years. Though, to be fair, none of them ever reached the level of momentum or buzz that currently surrounds Infrequent Exposure. The show has a positive and fun energy that suggests some serious staying power. And Groos is taking no chances. She wants to make the showcase an annual event and has positioned the show as a paid program within KNTU. The idea is to give future generations of DJs more incentive to carry on the program once she leaves. And if things continue moving in the current direction, that should be no problem

Posted via email from Music Business Information