10 Questions with … Tom Butler

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Started out at CD1025 (previously CD101), as an intern right out of college in 1998. Started hosting The Independent Playground in summer of ’99. Have done overnights and late-nights. Started hosting our local program, Frontstage in 2006. Got my MD stripes this year!

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1. It’s been almost 20 years since you started at WWCD as intern for the late-great former PD Andy Davis. What stands out the most from when it began for you at The Alternative Station in 1998 with Andyman?

I mostly remember being in awe of Andy. Everywhere we went, everyone knew him and loved him. It was amazing! Lots of trips to get him lunch. The weekly music meetings really made an impression on me. Just the idea that everyone on the staff had a say in the new music we played seemed unreal to me.

2. What is it like working at CD102.5, a locally owned heritage Alternative station?

It’s amazing! Everyone here is doing it for the cause and we all wear multiple hats. I get to work with a group of folks who all love music. That’s awesome. The community is really supportive too.

3. What led to the recent return of The Independent Playground after a one year hiatus?

Our new PD liked the show, believed in me, and gave me the chance to resurrect it! Listeners have been helpful in bringing it back. The support they’ve shown over the last 20 years has been unbelievable!

4. How would you describe your Sunday night specialty show?

The Independent Playground is two hours of the best music from the underground! I often liken it to the glory days of MTV’s 120 Minutes.

5. What is your show prep routine and how do you put together your weekly playlist for The Independent Playground?

Typically I spend 8-10 hours a week listening to new music. Sundays, I load the things I like the best, try to schedule the show into small sets (punk set, soul set, shoegaze set etc.) and voice it!

6. What do you love most about doing the show?

Ever since I was a teenager, I always loved turning my friends on to new music. I’d make mix tapes for people all the time. Getting to do the show gives me the same feeling. Playing songs I love for my friends. Getting to be one of the first people to play a band or a song on commercial radio gives me a charge too.

7. What may surprise people about The Independent Playground?

I am not the founder or original host. My buddy Rudy started the show in November of ’98. I took over in summer of ’99 and did the show solo for a year. He came back in summer of 2000 and we hosted the show together for 8 years.

8. How would you describe your on-air style?

Passive aggressive.

9. What new bands are you most excited about right now?

SHAME SHAME SHAME!!! I also love Lace, Moaning, Khruangbin, Naked Giants, Death Bells, and Bootblacks…

10. What is a typical workday routine at CD102.5?

Typically I roll in between 1-2p. Chat with our PD Mase and APD Rachael about music, anything important going on that day, events, promotions, etc. Spend a little time working on our weeknight specialty feature Frontstage. I handle some production duties. Edit then voicetrack my 8p-12a show. I’ll often end my day hanging out upstairs at the Big Room Bar.

What are your top 5 recommendations for Columbus visitors?

Pretty much all record stores. I’m a record junky. We have a ton of great ones here. Used Kids, Spoonful, RPM, Lost Weekend, and Magnolia Thunderpussy.

Tell us about your band.

I play guitar and write lyrics for a band called Suffering, Praying Hands. It’s a really dark folk thing. I spent years playing in punk and metal bands. Finally the dude that I write with and I got tired of lugging around massive speaker cabinets and started playing acoustic instruments. We still tend to play with a lot heavier acts, but there’s something just as subversive to me about killing the audience with quiet. sufferingprayinghands.bandcamp.com.

What are weekends like for you?

I’m often out playing shows with the band. If I’m not doing that, I’m usually out at shows. I try to spend as much time with my mom. Sidebar, call your mom. She misses you!

Who is the best band you have seen in the past year?

Shame! I got to catch them here in Columbus a couple weeks before SXSW then had to see them as many times as humanly possible in Austin.

Favorite new artist?

Easy one. Shame!!!

Several years ago you told me your favorite bands were My Bloody Valentine and Black Flag. Would you still go with that answer?

Absolutely! I’ve also developed an unhealthy love for Creedence over the last couple of years.

Anything else you would like to add?

I’m just so thankful to Andy, our station GM Randy, new PD Mase, and everyone else I’ve had the pleasure of working with at the station for giving me the opportunity to do something I love for almost 20 years. I’m also humbled and grateful at the huge outpouring of love and support I’ve gotten from both industry folks and listeners regarding the return of The Independent Playground. I feel the love!!!

 

(All Access, 2018)