My goal is to entertain, lead cats down new musical journeys, and inspire people to expand their musical knowledge.
"My goal is to entertain, lead cats down new musical journeys, and inspire people to expand their musical knowledge." Kelly O

Seattle radio station KEXP has tapped 2015 Stranger Genius nominee OCnotes to host its new Sunday Soul program. The show, which began May 6 with temporary DJ Gabriel Teodros, specializes in both new and old soul, funk, hiphop, and R&B, and it airs Sundays from 6to 9 pm PST, on 90.3 FM and at kexp.org. OCnotes (aka Otis Calvin III) will take over on May 20.

A key member of the Black Constellation and the groups Metal Chocolates, Indian Agent, and FREEKAZOIDZ, OCnotes is a wise choice for this role, as his excellent, mercurial productions and various club DJ sets have revealed a mind attuned to diverse musical influences and an ability to synthesize unlikely connections among them.

“OCnotes joining KEXP and being on the ground level of this new soul show couldn't be better news for our music community, the station and especially our listeners,” said KEXP Associate Director of Programming and Morning Show host John Richards in a press release. “He's a relentless creative force who has a deep knowledge of soul, funk and R&B not to mention a serious crate-digger.”

“I’m honored to be chosen for this position," Calvin said in another press release. "I feel like I’ve been preparing for this for more than half my life and I can’t wait to share beautiful music with my city. This is a dream come true and I’m excited to rock the airwaves and help expose the city to new grooves and flavors, and hopefully inspire some cats along the way. I promise I won’t let you down, only lift you up!”

Reached by e-mail, Calvin elaborated on what he plans to achieve with Sunday Soul. "I will be playing mostly underplayed and overlooked music by amazing artists from all over the region and the world. I will also be paying respect and giving tribute to the scores of OG funkateers, soul brothers and sisters, and often under-appreciated pioneers of the past with some quality airtime. My goal is to entertain, lead cats down new musical journeys, and inspire people to expand their musical knowledge and appreciation."

In other KEXP news, on May 4, Michele Myers moved her electronic-oriented program to Friday night (6-9 pm PST), where she spins an eclectic mix of dance music with an emphasis on women artists. Also shifting to Friday night is Street Sounds, KEXP's popular, durable hiphop show, which Stas THEE Boss helms from 9 pm to midnight every week.