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Zach Killian is the host / producer of a local music radio show on FM 88.1 KNTU called Infrequent Exposure that features music by local bands.

How did you get started with Infrequent Exposure?

I’ve been doing it for about 2 years now. I took on as host, because there were about two other hosts before me. But I’m having to give it up this time next month because I’m graduating, so I’m trying not to cry.

How long has the show been around?

Since 2011, I think is when it was started. It’s been a lot of fun. I’ve gotten to meet a lot of cool people, and it’s all about the local music.

Were you already working at KNTU?

Yeah, I volunteered there at first, then I became a DJ, and then applied for the show, and they accepted me, and again after a year.

So how do you find the bands you play?

They usually contact me, or I’ll go out to shows and say “Hey, I think your music’s pretty awesome. Would you mind if I played it?” And they’re usually like “Oh, yeah! I’d love that.” It’s awesome, because usually people are like “Oh, I don’t like listening to the radio anymore. It’s just your typical generic stuff.” And I’m like “Well, there’s other stuff you could be listening to.” I’m trying to offer people a different selection, because honestly I used to listen to classic rock and metal and that was it, but then I took over the show. I didn’t listen to rap, I didn’t listen to other genres, I was close-minded, but it really opened it. With mainstream music it’s really kind of formulaic, it fits one pattern, but with local music it’s a wider array. Sometimes you don’t realize there’s all this talent out there until you actually listen to it. Now all I do is listen to local music.

Is it just you running the show? I host it, produce it, I do everything for the show, basically.

What’s the process for selecting bands for the show?

I’ll put up flyers places, go to live shows, post on social media, just let people know about it. And through networking, bands will tell their friends “Hey, he put me on, why don’t you give it a try?” And I’ll listen to everything that comes in, and 95% of the time I’ll hear music and I’ll play it. There have been a few times where people need to work on their craft a bit more.

What are your favorite bands in Denton?

Black James Franco. It used to be Human Groove Hormone, but they disbanded in October. I actually hosted an event that was their last performance. It was my second showcase event, and I asked them if I could host their last show, and they said they’d feel honored. So I felt honored in return. Other than that, anything Ryan Thomas Becker is in, RTB2, Hares on the Mountain, Daniel Markham. He’s just like a universal guitarist. And Jessie Frye, she’s really good.

Where are your favorite places to find new music?

Rubber Gloves, Haileys, Dan’s Silverleaf, Andy’s, and Abbey Underground. Those are all good places.

So what happens to the show after you graduate? Is another host lined up?

My bosses, Russ Campbell and Mark Lambert, will determine. But there’s two people I’ve put up there, Francine Gratton and Alex Smith. They really want to it, but ultimately it’s up to my managers.

What do you want to do after you graduate?

I want to work for 97.1. Right now it looks like I might work with 1190 News Talk Radio. I’m also looking to work with Funimation, because I’m taking a voice acting class with Sonny Strait in May, which I’m so excited for.

Is there anything you want people to know about Infrequent Exposure?

A lot of people seems scared to send their music in, because they think it’s not good enough. What I say on the show most of the time is send it to me, because honestly there’s a 95% chance I’m going to say yes. I just want people to recognize their talent. I put more effort into getting music in than hosting. I don’t care about what I have to say, I care about the music and that’s all. I want people to get recognized, because that’s their dreams. They’re trying to get out there, and I’m just here as the midway to people getting one step closer to what they’re wanting to do with their music.

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