SoCal Radio: KCRW-FM Overhauls Talent L:ine-Up

Olive Kimoto and J Rocc

Two new DJs are joining KCRW-FM 89.9 as the Santa Monica public radio station overhauls its music programming lineup and parts ways with a longtime on-air personality.

DJ J.Rocc, founder of the influential Beat Junkies turntablist collective, will host a new weekly show Sundays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Olive Kimoto, a DJ and musician known for her work in the trip-hop band Locust, will follow with her own program Mondays from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

At the same time, the station let go of veteran DJ Dan Wilcox, who had been on staff for 19 years after years as a volunteer. His longtime slot is being replaced by J.Rocc’s new show as part of broader programming updates.

“The magic of KCRW’s music programming is that it’s made by people with something to say, not just something to play,” said Alejandro Cohen, KCRW’s music director. “While J.Rocc and Olive are equipped with deep musical expertise, what we’re most excited about is the way their specific voices and cultural authority will compel listeners to discover things they didn’t realize they were looking for.”

A station spokeswoman added: “As part of how we regularly evolve our programming, KCRW made the decision to update the lineup and bring in new voices and sounds. We’re grateful for everything Dan brought to the station and to our listeners, and we deeply appreciate the connections he built here. We hope you’ll continue to listen and explore what’s ahead on KCRW.”

Olive Kimoto described her Monday night show as “where earth meets ether.” She said: “Growing up on the airwaves of KCRW, I dreamed of telling stories through sound and sharing tracks that take you somewhere else entirely. I’ll meet you on your nighttime drives.”

The changes reflect KCRW’s ongoing effort to refresh its eclectic, taste-making music programming while honoring its history of curated, discovery-driven content. Wilcox had been a fixture behind the mic and turntables since 2007.