(Welland, ON) – For the past year two guys from the Niagara Falls area have occupied the 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. time slot every Thursday night on Max Ink Radio. Shane Christopher Neal and Bobby R. Rock have created quite a following in the last year with their crazy antics, special musical guests and playing a great mix of music genres – mainly indie bands.
The first year has been quite the learning experience for the pair, who have been friends for many years and who are musicians as well. They co-host their own online radio show, BS Live Rocks, on Thursday nights and on Sunday nights Neal hosts his own show from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. which includes the Top 7 Indie Countdown.
You never know what these two are up to but they make radio fun and entertaining! March 13, 2015 will mark the duo’s first year anniversary. The pair have bigger plans as they head into their second year. Music Life Magazine caught up with Shane Christopher Neal to reflect on the first year and to tell us what’s planned for BS Live Rocks.
JOEL – Congratulations to you both. March 13, 2015 is your one year anniversary for BS Live Rocks. Do you have anything planned for your first anniversary?
SHANE – Funny you ask that! Our one year anniversary show is Thursday March 12th but we are not in studio. We will be at the Juno Awards‘ kick-off party in Hamilton, Ontario so we are phoning in our show to DJ Phoenix Camerah. Other than that, the following week I think Bobby Rock is gonna buy me a nice gift and cake for gracing him with my presence this past year.
JOEL – When I spoke to you guys earlier you told me you had no experience in radio broadcasting. How did you guys hook up and get started?
SHANE – Our experience actually was from years ago so it’s been some time. I worked at two stations in my 20’s and did take radio for a year at school. I had an evening radio request show at 1220 CHSC in St Catharines in the 90’s, couldn’t make any money and wasn’t willing to go to larger markets so I took up a different career. Bobby, I know, took Broadcasting for a couple years but other than that we have just hosted events and Youtube videos so being in front of mics and cameras just came natural, I guess. Bobby has the perfect face for radio!
JOEL – Was it a big learning experience?
SHANE – We had some guidance from our program director Jimmy K in Wisconsin and also from DJ Phoenix who also has a radio show on Max Ink Radio. We use SAM as our broadcaster and for the most part, it’s pretty simple. Engineering the show can be challenging at times (depending the amount of alcohol intake – LOL!) but after a few months we both seem to get a good handle on how to make this work.
JOEL – What can you tell me about your radio shows on BS Live Rocks?
SHANE – We started playing lots of 80’s hair rock and a few indie bands. Over the year we have switched to about 80% indie music and 20% old school hair rock. We play lots of Canadian indie, some from the states and overseas. Indie artists need all the support they can get. We do regular weekly interviews with these artists to help promote their CDs, upcoming shows etc. We try and create an entertaining show. Bobby and I are complete opposites so we agree basically on NOTHING! LOL. Besides that, we focus on the indie artists and try and get them as much airplay as possible. On Sunday nights we added a “LITE” show which is just myself hosting and playing 90% indie music. We also do a Top 7 Indie Cut Countdown at 8pm Eastern which people can vote for our our website bsliverocks.com. We do regular features on Thursday nights between 8 and 11pm such as 80’s NON Hair Rock Challenge …..80’s Dirty Little Secret….SCN’S Country Cut…Bobby Rocks Concussion Cut….I like rock but love country too…Bobby’s a metal head.
JOEL – How did you get involved with Max Ink Radio?
SHANE – Pretty much through Candy Burns (DJ PHOENIX CAMERAH). Her family owns the station in Madison, Wisconsin and she had a show running on the station and put a word into them to hire us on to do one as well. Funny though, we pondered it for almost a year and finally decided it was time. Sometimes in life things are in the “slow cooker” but once they happen they happen with success and I believe we have been successful in our efforts so far. We have had great input from many including Phoenix and Jimmy K the Program Director.
JOEL – Do you know any numbers as far as listeners?
SHANE – I’m sure it’s in the tens of millions…we’re bigger than STERN ya know! LOL
JOEL – You’re both musicians, right? Do you feel it helps you in any way when doing your shows and interviewing other musicians?
SHANE – 100% ….credibility of being “one of them” does help not only with contacts but also with us understanding their challenges in today’s record/music business.
JOEL – You feature a lot of indie bands that would otherwise not get airplay on other radio stations. You play a mix of music genres and artists who are more known and established. How did this format come about? Was this something intended right from the beginning, just playing anything?
SHANE – No, as mentioned we knew we wanted to do “radio” and that we had a vision of promoting new indie talent but had no real clue how we would make that happen. You learn as you go, you get feedback and you make changes and that’s how it all came to where it is today. Honestly, when we started it was kinda silly and just a bunch of shtick but now its got a definitive direction but still provides some silly crazy antics that keep the listener interested. Let’s be honest. If we spun 100% indie music with a lame show we would get no where. It’s a balance of edgy, education, entertainment and good new indie music and interviews. I credit my partner Bobby Rock for keeping our entertainment company focused on what’s important yet still delivering a quality fun show. Anyone can go on the internet and be silly.
JOEL – You’ve had a number of guests on your show. Who sticks out the most for you as most memorable and why?
SHANE – A couple do to myself. Darren James Smith of Red Dragon Cartel. Not only cause I was a huge fan of Harem Scarem (and I’m a drummer) but he has remarkable talents as a singer and guitar player as well. Not to mention, he sings now with JAKE E FRIGGN LEE from Ozzy! I enjoyed talking to Gerald McGhee as well since Brighton Rock has made somewhat of a comeback overseas especially and he is just a nice guy!!! For Bobby I’m sure his mom was the most memorable person he has talked to! LOL
JOEL – Have you guys had any disasters?
SHANE – Well, we all have good shows and bad shows but I can only recall a couple that were a little out of control Remember, internet has no regulations and earlier on we had some silly moments but not so much anymore. We are pretty focused on our task now and what we are there to do. That doesn’t say we don’t have a few beers and the odd stripper in studio but everyone needs to have fun once in awhile too! LOL
JOEL – If you can have any band or musician on your show, who would it be?
SHANE – Rikki Rockett of Poison. Bon Jovi and probably Sean Spencley. Stay tuned ’cause one day that may all happen! I met Rikki this past January at NAMM in California. A real nice guy and since we are Instagram friends doesn’t that mean we are tight now ???? LOL. We have some connections to the Bon Jovi world and he would be a pleasure and Sean Spencley is the God of all Guitar!
JOEL – Any big plans for your second year on air? Is there anything you want to add or plug?
SHANE – We are looking at expanding our BS LIVE ROCKS ENTERTAINMENT GROUP in general. More opportunities for further radio programs. Possibility of Terrestrial Radio on some level. Band and music distribution and promotion. Record label connections to enhance our presence and offerings to indie artists. We have met some incredible people over the last few years who have guided us with some great advice. We utilize Canadian Music Week every year (thanks to Danya Dixon and Randy Rowe) for making new artist connections, education seminars in radio and music touring/distribution. We want to keep our foot on the gas, make smart choices, partner with the right people and not only catapult BSLR Entertainment Group but also all those musicians who are working so hard to get their music heard!
JOEL – Thank you Shane! All the best to you and Bobby!
SHANE – Thank you for your time!
Social Media:
Website: www.bsliverocks.com
Twitter: @bsliverocks
Facebook: BS LIVE ROCKS ENTERTAINMENT GROUP and BS LIVE ROCKS ON THE RADIO.
Instagram: BS Live Rocks_Max Ink Radio
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