Life & Work with Syndicate Radio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Syndicate Radio.

Syndicate Radio began in 2011 in a garage in Reseda, CA. It was started by fellow djs DJ Mk, DJ RU, and DJ Sound Asylum. It was a pass time once a week. DJs would come and spin and their sets would be broadcasted live on the internet for any and all to come enjoy. In August of 2011, after randomly deciding to interview some local hip hop artists, the guys were introduced to Justin Muzack, who at the time went by the name Tha F.O.R.M U.L.A. This would spark the idea to feature artists every week. Due to the success of this first event. Soon, Justin Muzack’s manager NickEP joined the team as the operations manager, which had Justin Muzack as the talent scout/booking agent, and DJs MK, RU, and Sound Asylum as the hosts of the show. It wasn’t long before Justin Muzack and NickEP graduated to hosts as well. The show flourished from there. It became a staple for up and coming talent from the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas.

With an average of 500 – 1000 listeners weekly from all over the world. Since then Syndicate Radio has had five official seasons and has broadcasted live and independently from garages, raves, barbershops, night clubs, Blis hookah lounge in Chatsworth, CA, and as of 2020 Norms Studios in Burbank, CA. The show has also featured various hosts. In its current iteration, the show is hosted by original creator and founder DJ Mk as well as Justin Muzack and NickEp, with now the addition of the very charismatic and outspoken Ashley Says. Today in 2021, almost ten years later, Syndicate Radio is now a standout show on 101.5 FM KQBH. From a garage to FM radio, Syndicate Radio has transcended time and adversity. Many different faces and artists such as Kyle, Katori Walker, and RMean have come across their doors.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. For many reasons be it money, our age, life events, and plainly egos, there have been many times where we have stopped doing the show for years at a time. Since it wasn’t just a one person operation and the fact we were/are self-funded, keeping the lights on as kids fresh out of college was difficult. Not to mention the pressures of society to have a “real” job or career. Graduating from college. All these things weighed heavily on us.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We specialize in broadcasting in any type of environment whether it be in a studio or live events. We are known for giving up and coming creatives the platform to be heard whether it’s in an in-depth interview or a DJ mix. We pride ourselves on giving opportunities to others and amplifying their voices. We are most proud of how over the years, we have discovered acts or DJ’s who are now household names and we have produced a show that is a staple in our Community. What sets us apart is each member of our team has a skill-set that makes our operation a success. Kent being an all-knowing person when it comes to tech and sound production. Nick naturally being organized and administrative to produce the show and enhance its quality. Justin with his knack for artists relations, scouting talent, and his love for creating content. Finally, Ashley who is a natural-born radio host and personality who comes up with great topics and talking-points. Combine all that together, you have an independent power-house that is based on the love for music and being creative!

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
You really have to believe in and want the dream. It is very easy to give up and lose track of why you wanted to do this in the first place. For all of us, it has always come down to the gut feeling of “we are almost there” no matter if it’s a few months or a few years that we end up being off air, we always come back and it’s like no time has passed at all. It’s also about learning your craft and find out how to make it happen with the tools available. When we started, Syndicate Radio cost about $500 a month to keep running. Now it is virtually $0. We never capitalized when we were big in fear of selling out or giving up control of the quality of show we produced. Others focused on just making it happen and figuring it all out on the way.

Contact Info:

• Email: syndicateradiola@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syndicateradiola/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SyndicateRadioLA
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SyndicateRadio_
• Other: https://www.mixcloud.com/SyndicateRadioLA/