Twyla Twang

How long have you been involved with KZUM and how did you first hear about the station?

I recall discovering KZUM my second year of college and have been listening ever since. My first off-campus roommate was a music major and turned me on to KZUM in 1980. Blues, funk, jazz, folk of which I hadn’t ever heard before! I began programming in 2016 and added on as co-music director in 2020.

What advice can you offer other MDs regarding the ways you get your DJs to play the new music the station receives from labels and promotors?

I maintain a very ‘hands-off’ approach to what our DJ’s play. We’re all volunteers, all very knowledgeable within our niches, with independent spirits. We just play music we love, determined by our tastes and not outside influences. My mantra is “let the music speak for itself.”

Tell us about the duties of your job and what part of it you love the most and what is most challenging.

Our music department is split between physical and digital releases; Deb Andersen processes and logs the physical CDs and I handle communications, logs, and digital distribution. Deb and I communicate frequently, share the same log and make a great team, in my not-so-humble opinion 😉 I enjoy developing relationships with promoters, managers, etc; my favorite aspect of this position is being the “clothes pin” between the artists and listeners! The most challenging aspect is working with volunteers who aren’t ready to embrace the digital world.

What is your favorite album released in 2022 and why?  Is there a 2023 release on the horizon you are eagerly awaiting?

Picking a favorite album released in 2022 is a tall order! Calling it a tie between Paul Cauthen’s Country Coming Down and Tami Neilson’s Kingmaker; Sophie and The Broken Things’ Delusions of Grandeur as a runner up.

Country Coming Down’s groove could incite a dancehall fire, Tami Neilson’s vocals slide into your soul. Sophie Gault’s Delusions of Grandeur reminded me that rock and roll will never die. Her original songs, unique fusion of rock and country simply hit the mark for this ol’ Stones-lovin’ rock chick. The production of all three releases is second to none. All artists from my favorites had at least co-production credits: Beau Bedford (Texas Gentlemen), and Jason Burt aka “Electrophunk” with The Big Velvet’s on Country Coming Down, Tami herself behind Kingmaker and Ryon Westover and Twon Haugen with help from Ray Kennedy for Delusions of Grandeur.

Frankly, I’m not following upcoming releases! I am loving what’s in front of me, looking forward to having a little time during the holidays to digest more of the phenomenal releases from 2022.

Do you have a favorite artist or album you never get tired of listening to?

Waylon Jennings. Truth.

Which artist/band has put on the best live show you’ve ever seen?

So far, this year alone, Jon Batiste. Been going to see live music for over 45 years, so it’s practically a cruel question to ask ‘best live show .. ever’.

Who is an artist or band totally outside the realm of the music you play on KZUM that people might be surprised to know you love?

McCoy Tyner.

If you had the power to instantly change one thing going on in the world at the moment, what would it be?

For those in conflict (like, everyone) to have the ability to experience true empathy; to be able to see the world through the eyes of their perceived enemies.

What event or person in your life would you say has shaped you the most as a person?

My namesake, Twyla. Twyla Mae Shoemaker was my caretaker and surrogate mother, who always believed in me.

If you could choose, what time period in the past would you most want to travel back to visit and why?

I would love to travel back to 1920’s New Orleans and witness the birth of jazz and wear those fabulous dresses!

Do you have a favorite restaurant in town (dine-in or take out) that you recommend people try?

The Hub Café – breakfast/lunch, farm to table, rotating seasonal menu, sponsors live music series and small farmers’ market, great owners.

What in your life brings you the most joy?

Creating and witnessing other people’s joy, especially when it’s through music.

Lightning Round:

Dog or Cat? Dog
Morning Person or Night Owl? Night Owl
City or Country? City
Beach or Mountains? Mountains
Watch TV or Read A Book? Read a book
Sunny or Rainy?  Sunny
Restaurant or Home Cooking?  Home cooking
Pants or Shorts? Neither. Leggings and skorts
Warm or Cold drinks? Cold

Do you have any current favorite TV shows you’re enjoying/binging?  How about a movie (new or old) that you’ve watched recently that you would recommend?

I rarely watch TV, but I thoroughly enjoyed “The Good Place” while isolating and recovering from covid. The writing is brilliant, clever, and a provides delightful exploration of philosophy.

Finally, with holidays upon us what is your favorite part about this time of year?

With a full-time, challenging, non-radio career and the busy-ness of life, I absolutely love to be snowed in, with lights, power and a full fridge, knowing everyone’s safe and everything shuts down for a couple days. Oh and that Spring is right around the corner, relatively speaking. Ha!