What are your five favorite songs? Why are they important to you? Tune in to KZSM 104.1FM/KZSM.org to hear performing artists talk about their five most memorable songs on “Rootin’ Around” (Saturdays 5-7 p.m.). Host Mike August plays the songs that inspired his guests and asks them to share the stories behind the music.
His inspiration for the show came from “The List,” a 2009 album recorded by Roseanne Cash, based on her father Johnny Cash’s list of 100 greatest country and traditional American songs. “I believe every artist has some kind of list in the back of their mind,” he explains. “I ask them to tell me songs that are meaningful to them, and we talk about each one and listen to them.”
The result is an impressive variety of genres: classic rock and country, blues, R&B, singer/songwriter originals and more. The range of selections expanded thanks to an artist who chose all of their own songs. After thinking about that, August decided “to feature each artist’s music around their list so I can get them to focus on inspirations and influences.”
He looks for guests who live or work in the area and have upcoming gigs or new releases. James McMurtry, Rosie Flores, Eliza Gylkyson, Madame Radar, Dale Watson and others have shared their five favorite songs along with their own music.
The title “Rootin’ Around” expresses the variety and originality of the show. Host and guests are “rootin’ around” the music library to find hidden gems, and also exploring the roots of today’s music. Many guests choose songs from their parent’s record collection that they heard growing up.
Host Mike August’s extensive career in radio and television began back in the 70s at KPFT in Houston. He retired and moved to Wimberley about 12 years ago and quickly became involved in the creation of KWVH, Wimberley Valley Radio, where his show originates.
After years in television, he was happy to return to radio. “In TV you need a team of people to tell a story. In radio it only takes one person. That makes the medium more personal,” he reflects. Though many have predicted the death of radio, it remains relevant by reinventing itself to meet new needs. “KZSM is part of the new trend of hyper local programming with strong ties to the community. I am looking forward to its increasing success!”
