In January 2009, my friend and I started a radio program called “The Party Line with BC and Merch” on KTSW 89.9 at Texas State University. “The Party Line” ran for 2 years and was one of KTSW’s most popular programs. We played a mix of dance, rock, indie and hip hop, aiming for a more upbeat “party” sound.
We were also notable for encouraging interaction with our listeners through the KTSW chat room and phoning into the station. We were also one of the first programs to incorporate Facebook and Twitter as means of communicating with our audience, as well as promoting our program. We were nominated for Austin Chronicle’s “Best Radio Program” and “Best Radio Personalities” in 2010.
When I graduated from Texas State in May 2010, we reformatted our program and moved it online, exclusively. With BCandMerch.com, we broadened our audience through constantly posting new music and releasing themed mixtapes.
We also have hosted a number of concerts and events around Austin, including CD release parties for Austin indie-rockers Quiet Company and Austin rapper Zeale. We also hosted Dizzy Rooster’s Christmas Party in 2010.
BC and Merch have covered numerous national music festivals, including Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, Fun Fun Fun Fest, and South By Southwest. We have also met and interviewed many artists like Kid Sister, Gogol Bordello, Chuck D of Public Enemy, A-Trak, The Cool Kids, Big Freedia, We Are Scientists, Atari Teenage Riot, and Passion Pit.
You can check us out at BCandMerch.com
