The gregarious musician who’s half of the Channing & Quinn indie-folk duo and host of ‘GR Live’ already has become an integral part of the community radio station.
An Affable Ambassador: Quinn Mathews takes the helm at WYCE on Aug. 1. (Photo/Local Spins)
Quinn Mathews has spent his career behind a microphone – most of it as a musician and as part of the Channing & Quinn indie-folk duo.
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But he’s also grown to love the microphone as a radio host, most recently as a volunteer programmer and frontman for WYCE-FM’s new “GR Live” radio show that takes place at noon Thursdays at H.O.M.E. in The B.O.B. with performances by regional artists and summaries of upcoming area events.
On Stage: Quinn Mathews performing with Channing & Quinn. (Photo/Tori Thomas)
Mathews, a native of Charlotte, N.C., also has a burning passion for building a vibrant community of music in West Michigan.
So, not surprisingly, the Grand Rapids Community Media Center today announced that Mathews has been named WYCE’s new station manager, filling the position at the community radio station that was vacated earlier this year by AJ Paschka.
“I feel very comfortable promoting the station and the music community,” said Mathews, 35, who officially takes the helm at WYCE (88.1 FM) on Aug. 1. “It’s a dream. I’m so excited.”
Mathews moved to Grand Rapids from Nashville with his wife, singer and multi-instrumentalist Channing Lee, more than two years ago and was immediately impressed by the talent and collaborative nature of the music scene in West Michigan.
“We really found a community here. We love it,” Quinn told Local Spins, noting he wants to “take it slow” when assuming control at the station while gauging the needs of listeners and volunteer programmers. “I want it to be a very smooth transition.”
A PENCHANT FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS WITH ‘GREAT THINGS’ AHEAD
Linda Gellasch, executive director of the Community Media Center, said Mathews was chosen from about 80 applicants for the position and she predicts “great things” ahead for WYCE.
“We’re very excited about having Quinn at the helm of WYCE,” she said. “Quinn’s work in developing the live concert performance radio show ‘GR Live’ and making this a community project truly shows his ability as a collaborator. He’s not only been a great ambassador for WYCE, but also for Grand Rapids’ music scene, building new partnerships along the way.”
‘GR Live’ Host: Quinn Mathews at H.O.M.E. in The B.O.B. (Photo/Anna Sink)
Program director Matt Jarrells, who recruited Mathews to the station as a volunteer programmer, cited Mathews’ talent and “affable personality” as prime attributes.
“It’s been inspiring watching him grow the ‘GR Live’ broadcast from the ground, with a strong vision for championing unsung regional artists and gathering the sponsors to make the show a reality,” Jarrells said.
Mathews insisted that his work as a musician in Channing & Quinn should mesh well with his “day job” as station manager. The duo recently released a new studio album, but mostly performs regionally in the evening and on weekends. (Read more about Channing & Quinn in this Local Spins feature.)
The multi-instrumentalist added that the duo’s move to Grand Rapids — encouraged by friend and West Michigan musician Brian Vander Ark — was precipitated in part by a desire to “settle down” and ease up on rigorous touring. And the stability provided by his job as station manager may actually be “freeing” for his musical creativity, he surmised.
Interestingly, Quinn holds a degree in broadcasting from Appalachian State University, but conceded he’s never really used it. “My dad’s really happy now,” he quipped.
Copyright 2016, Spins on Music LLC
