MD of the Month :
Kris Kosach Wellen
KLBP Long Beach Public Radio
How did you first hear about KLBP (Long Beach Public Radio)? How long have you been involved there and when did you become music director?
A few years ago, my old PD told me about KLBP and suggested they might need some direction. The priority at the time was to find a GM so I took that job on, but I also reported to NACC and produced my own show too. I was exhausted by the time the new board president came in, and I was going to step away, but he had other plans (haha). I’ve been MD ever since.
Tell us about the duties of your job there and what part of it you love the most and what you find the most challenging.
I’m always on the hunt for undiscovered artists. I love when I find something truly unique. Most challenging is probably meeting my Tuesday deadline because weekends are so busy I can’t do it until Monday (the guilt is real, NACC!!!)
What is the process for reviewing new music and what sort of commitment does the station have to exposing your listeners to new releases?
It starts with me combing through all the new music that week. I have an open door policy for DJs to bring me new music since Music is collaborative in its creation and curation. For artists, I give an extra listen to those from SoCal in an effort to keep an eye on Local Music, and I give them more rotation. Still, I love artists from all over, including the great music coming out of the UK right now.
Who is an artist or band that you’ve discovered in the past year or so that has become one of your favorites? What is it about their music you love?
Recently, I came across a truly unique group out of Liverpool called STR^NGE. They’re evocative of David Bowie, the weirder side of The Beatles, maybe a little Queen for their theatrical flair, but their sound is also ridiculously modern. They take you on a dark and unexpected musical journey. They are very innovative.
Do you have an all-time favorite artist or album you never get tired of listening to?
Probably American Idiot by Greenday, especially right now.
What upcoming 2026 album(s) are you most anticipating the release of?
Dogstar has always been my favorite ‘we-have-a-moviestar-in-our-band’ band. I hope this next album blows up for them. They are ridiculously talented.
Who is an artist or band(or perhaps a few) you first heard as a kid or young adult that may have sparked your love of music and made you want to somehow be part of the music industry?
The overused answer is Nirvana (though it’s true), so I’ll say Radiohead, Blondie, and The Cash.
If you had the power to instantly change one thing going on in the world at the moment, what would it be?
To reset the power dynamic in entertainment, business and politics. Those at the top seem to have forgotten the innovators and creators that built their businesses in the first place. It’s only getting worse.
What event in your life would you say has shaped you the most as a person?
The death of my mother as a young adult made me really think about my own journey and what I want to accomplish.
If you could choose, what time period in the past would you most want to travel back to visit and why?
I’d love to walk around Pompeii a week before Vesuvius erupted; maybe see a play and hear their music. I suspect Hollywood’s version of ancient Rome is off. I mean, did people really wear white togas and sandals on a cold day?
Do you have a favorite restaurant in Long Beach or the surrounding area that you’d recommend people try if they are ever there?
The Promenade Cafe on board the Queen Mary is delicious, but it’s also so unique!
What in your life brings you the most joy?
Our kids. Watching them discover new things is priceless. Our son is playing guitar and I love to walk in the house and hear riffs from my youth. Gen Z is really into Gen X music and I’m here for it!
Lightning Round:
Dog or Cat? Is that a real question? DOG!
Morning Person or Night Owl? Night Owl.
City or Country? Country.
Beach or Mountains? Yes! (I grew up in the mountains; now I live at the beach)
Watch TV or Read A Book? Watch TV.
Sunny or Rainy? Rainy.
Restaurant or Home Cooking? Home Cooking.
Pants or Shorts? Skirt.
Warm or Cold drinks? Cold.
Do you have any current favorite shows you’re enjoying/binging? How about a movie (new or old) that you’ve watched recently that you loved?
Fun fact: I love Horror. SINNERS deserves the accolades. It’s smart, spooky, visually stunning and the music is great.
Finally, If you could have a lifetime supply of anything, what would it be?
An Everlasting Gobstopper…. but I guess I would only ever need one, huh?
***BONUS answer you didn’t know you needed to hear!
Long Beach is already gearing up for the Summer Olympics in 2028! When you saw the Chili Peppers performing on the beach at the Paris Closing ceremony… that was in fact just down the street from KLBP! We look forward to hosting the volleyball, rowing and sailing competitions and KLBP will be boots on the ground.
