The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Radio Station: 103.1 FM in Los Angeles

Indie 103.1 (based in Los Angeles) is now celebrating three years on the air, and it really has grown into its own. The FM radio station boasts an all star cast of musician/DJs, who aren't paid the big XM radio bucks. And their playlist is probably better too. Indie is a motley mix of alternative and punk music, but each show and DJ throws in his own set list and contributes to the station's overall character. Anyone who considers himself to be a music aficionado, needs to listen to Indie. Here is the ultimate guide to the ultimate FM radio station- Indie 103.1.

Harmony in My Head (Henry Rollins)

Harmony in My Head airs every week on Tuesday night, 8 PM, PST. Henry Rollins, the former leader of the punk band, Black Flag, leads us through his very personal collection of world music, punk, the Fall, and even some old school Jazz. Yes, Henry loves it all, and is not afraid to show it, as if he were afraid of anything. Mr. Rollins also happens to be very knowlegeable about his music and is more than happy to divulge on the program. You will get your fair share of tid-bits, odd trivia and facts about the bands, the songs, the way they were recorded and whatever other knowledge he may drop on you. Henry is pretty much the man.

Chaos (the all metal show)

Chaos is a great metal show hosted by Jackie. It pretty much covers the metal gamut, from the old to the new. She isn't afraid to play the hairspray stuff either, just for shits and giggles. But otherwise this is a serious metal show that will play some of the up and coming bands, as well as the classics, like Iron Maiden. If you are a die hard fan of metal, then you will love this show.

Complete Control (the punk show w/ Job SIbb)

Complete Control is pretty much hardcore punk. Bad Brains, the Circle Jerks, X and Pennywise are just some of the kinds of band you will hear on this show. It is pretty much straight ahead, no-nonsense bone crushing punk, and I personally like this show and the DJ, on Saturdays at 8 PM, PST.

Community Service (house and techo w/ the Crystal Method)

This is not one of my favorite shows, but this is because electronica is not really my cup of tea. That being said, I have heard some tunes that have caught my ear, and the Crystal Method are legends in the field. I would still rather listen to some fresh, electronic house beats than the same old, tired FM rotation on the other stations! Community Service in on Fridays from 10-12PM.

Jonesy's Jukebox (Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols)

Steve Jones is still the guitar player for the Sex Pistols, since they never really broke up, according to him. He also happens to be the DJ of probably the most listened to radio show in LA, Jonesys Jukebox. This really is an incredible show to listen to. It's amazingly entertaining, and Mr. Jones just owns it. Everything he says and does has the Jonesy stamp of humor, the wit, the Jonesy-ness that will never go out of style. His set lists are generally wild, and you really don't know what you're getting until it starts. He does have favorites, though, like the Faces, Roxy Music and Bowie. But really its a two hour show of interviews with random celebrities and industry types who seem to just waltz into the station. It's a show worthy of listening to everyday. 12-2PM, Monday-Friday. PST.

Reggae Smoke In (Native Wayne)

This is the Indie Reggae show, hosted by Native Wayne. While you will hear the legends like Marley, Peter Tosh and Toots and the Maytals, you will get a healthy sampling of some reggae you've probably never heard before. So kick back, roll up and light up on Sundays from 6-8PM on Sundays, PST.

Watusi Rodeo (Chris Morris)

This is the country-rock show, hosted by Chris Morris. This is another one of my favorite shows on the station. It features punk, rock, RandB and of course some good, old-fashioned country music. You might hear some Lucinda Williams or some Hank Williams. You might even hear some BB King thrown in just for good measure. This show is on Sundays from 9-11AM, PST.

There's a lot to be said for this station which pretty much takes musical matters into its own hands. And it truly makes a difference when real musicians are the DJs. The set lists are completely unpredictable and that defy normal FM radio convention. Just goes to show that punk rock is the new classic rock.

Audiences around the world can stream the station 24/7. www.indie1031.fm. And thanks for listening...