KZSM — Dedicated to what we love
Commitment to a non-profit, all-volunteer community radio station is labor of love—time and thought expended for the sheer joy of it. Mark Moniz, host of “Metal Mark Live” (Thursdays 10 p.m. to midnight) has been living that commitment to community radio and to the Heavy Metal music he loves for over 20 years.
Mark began playing guitar and recording music off the radio as a teenager in California. “I was the kind of guy who had the tape recorder ready when his favorite song came on.” Relocated to San Marcos, he began broadcasting on KIND radio, an alternative radio station, in 1997. KIND was shut down early in 2000. When he heard the test signal for the fledgling KZSM in 2017, Mark quickly joined the family and began broadcasting. Drawing on his contacts in the area, he showcased the local Metal scene, playing CDs sent to him by up-and-coming bands and inviting them to play live in our storefront studio or even outside on the sidewalk.
Last month, Jessica Espinosa’s band Jessikill came to the studio before they embarked on a statewide tour with legendary Yngwie Malmsteen, local San Antonio performer. And more recently a Buckethead tribute performer played live on the show, complete with bucket and mask, remaining in his character for the entire twohour show. On Aug. 11, Mark will create a Metal on the Sidewalk promotion with Bat Allison, a Bohemian Punk Rock Band that performed at our October Kissing Alley concert.
Metal on the Sidewalk, like Mark’s many promotions, combines his devotion to Heavy Metal and his commitment to community radio by raising funds to cover the expenses of KZSM.org. He’s planning a three-day Metal Fest fundraiser in November, with a full slate of bands performing in three different venues over a weekend.
Hosting “Metal Mark Live” “makes me feel part San Marcos, Texas,” he explains. Broadcasting from the heart of the city creates a meaningful connection. “Bringing back to the people music that has been buried by corporate greed in the broadcasting industry--musicians that would never see any airplay--that’s what floats my boat. My goal is to help KZSM succeed in any way I can. I believe every city in America should have its own community radio station.”
You can create your own connection to the community by volunteering for broadcasting, producing, administration, or whatever floats your boat. Email KZSMSanMarcos@gmail.com.
