Ho-Chunk Larry K takes his show “Indigenous in Music” into international syndication on Native Voice One (NV1) The Native American Radio Network
Larry Knudsen (originally from Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin, USA) remembers being 14 years old and listening to WDGY 1130 AM in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was captivated by the DJs and inspired by what he heard. He would call in to request songs, and he even won a few prizes. Two turntables later, “Larry K” was born!
In 2006, Knudsen started doing interviews, album reviews and promoting Minneapolis Musicians like Blue Dog, Sarah Hindsley, Cochise Anderson, Buggin Malone, Red Pony Band, The Pipestone Band and Marc Lemere. Knudsen knew these musicians weren’t getting any airplay and realized something had to be done.
‘Indigenous in Music’ was launched in 2010 in Sarasota, Florida, on WSLR 96.5. Arleene Sweeting, the station manager at the time, recognized that Knudsen’s show was unlike any other broadcast on the radio and was good enough to put up for syndication.
During his reign at WSLR, Knudsen decided it was time to take his show to the next level. In 2015 he left WSLR and moved the show to “Two Buffalo Studios” where he found Native Voice One (NV1) and The Native American Radio Network. Now ‘Indigenous in Music’ can be heard daily.
‘Indigenous in Music’ features music performed by Indigenous artists from the western hemisphere, a large feat motivated by the lack of exposure available to Indigenous musicians. “No one was playing our music in the mainstream music scene, and that’s why ‘Indigenous in Music’ exists,” said Knudsen.
With nation-wide carriage, Knudsen hopes to market his show to radio stations around the world; promoting Indigenous artists and providing music and interviews to the general public.
Knudsen has some advice for anyone looking to get involved in broadcasting. “It does take a lot of work. A two-hour show takes three of us to produce and about 10 hours to finish; all starting with picking out the music, artist research, doing the interview, editing and then uploading the final product up to three networks.”
“The best advice I can offer is to find the right niche,” said Knudsen. “Pick a catchy name and a community station that has an open time slot and is willing to let you shine your light. And hang in there! It has taken me 8 years to get where I am now.”
You can find ‘Indigenous in Music’ on your local NV1 affiliate station. If not carried, ask your local station to begin carrying it. Listen live on NV1.org or download the NV1 app on iTunes and Google.
