Pat Kearns, the host of the “Local Music Showcase,” was the guest on last Friday’s (April 8) Up-Close Show, where he discussed the recent explosion of music being made across the Morongo Basin. Reporter Jef Harmatz recaps the interview.
Kearns, who curates submissions of high-desert-made music for his radio show, is also a producer himself, operating out of a studio near Goat Mountain. When asked if he could define the “desert sound”, Kearns said that there is no “definitive” sound of Joshua Tree.
“I don’t think so. I mean, outside of here, people think it’s just the stoner rock thing. When I got here, there was a big enclave of singer/songwriters. There’s still that, but there are all kinds of other stuff.”
Kearns discussed the quality of production that can be achieved in home studios, and how that has allowed for local artists to make songs that stand toe to toe with big-budget hits from national acts. Kearns considered the way that the high desert appeals to artists, and how the unique sounds of the Morongo Basin can influence the music that is made here. He even brought along choice cuts from a few of his favorite groups to share with listeners.
You can hear the full interview with Pat Kearns by listening to the Up-Close Show as a podcast on z1077fm.com. You can hear the “Local Music Showcase,” two hours of local music hosted by Kearns on Sundays at 4 p.m.
