The Gates of KCRW

Written by Mauricio Balvanera

Topics: rants

My first discovery of true LA corporate-less culture was probably thru public radio, and more specifically, Santa Monica’s KCRW. Despite my infrequent criticisms of the station, I’ve been a listener for 7 years now, and have always thought, any station that delivers such polished, creative content, is bound to have a palace of a home. A place so pristine, that creativity flows uninhibited. A place so grand, the entrance would be unmistakable, marking the gates to unhinged free thought, with gold encrusted Roman columns.

Apparently 40 empty bottles of arrowhead bottles, and Dingy H-Vac units in the basement will do as well.

I had to snap this picture on the SMC campus to remind myself of something. Some of the most creative concerts, paintings, movies, software, podcasts, and all forms of art, have been been created, performed, and/or exhibited in “ghetto” form and format. I need to constantly remind myself of this every time I scan the Fry’s advertisements, or find myself at best buy or guitar center.

Chances are, you’ve got the tools you need to be creative. New, nice, gadgets, software, or facilities, won’t do anything to make your content creative. It may polish it, but you know how the saying goes…. “you can’t polish shit”. However, you might be able to find a new home for 40 bottles of water. I mean come on. Really.

  • http://mellemusic.wordpress.com/ mel

    dood, headroomradio is made five feet away from your washer and dryer… so yes, i agree that creative ‘perfection’ sees no immediate riches. and i kinda like that kcrw is hidden at smc campus – and not at some corporate pristine palace on mid-wilshire somewhere. those bottles though are an eye sore. ick.

  • Rosa from Math

    You should volunteer with me next time they are begging for money. You know, those 2 weeks that no one listens.

    Hey, theres nothing like discounted kcrw garb and tons of free food.