Radio Garden State Celebrates One Year On The Air

Radio Garden State's Mike Ham interviewed Governor Murphy.

Radio Garden State's Mike Ham interviewed Governor Murphy.

When Mike Ham started Radio Garden State (RGS) on the Internet in the tradition of off-shore free-form pirate radio stations unencumbered by corporate dictates and dedicated to the proposition on keeping The Garden State LOUD, he didn’t even know if a year later he’d still be in business. That was July 1 of last year. Well, here we are and now he has a crew of 19 still cranking out Jersey noise 24/7 “and we’ve only just scratched the surface,” he tells us.

The obvious DIY hustle is evident in its mandate. As he explains, “that means giving homegrown talent a stage to shine, from indie musicians and podcast pioneers to the community voices shaping the state we love. We’re raw, authentic, and powered by the rebellious spirit that makes Jersey Jersey.”

The eclectic mix of music, pre-recorded podcasts, live shows and opinion permeates their proceedings with a punk mindset. Rock’n’Roll, Hip-Hop, local sports and late-night talk make this the accompanying sound of diners, dive bars and the boardwalk. “It’s not just about playing by the rules,” Ham reminds us, “it’s about making the rules up as we go along. Keep it local. Keep it real. Most importantly, keep it LOUD.” 

RGS will be at the album release event for Reese Van Riper’s American Dream album this Saturday, July 12, at Backroom Studios in Rockaway (Morris County), then at the Pride Blood Drive July 19 at the Recreation Center in Barnegat (Ocean County) from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tomorrow, “Snake Hill Motel” will launch at 10:00 p.m. As they say on their website, “anyone can submit a 15-minute segment of music, spoken word, comedy, whatever you want. It’s your room at the `Snake Hill Motel’ and what happens behind closed doors is your business.” Visit https://www.radiogardenstate.com/snakehillmotel for more information.

Listen to Radio Garden State:  https://www.audacy.com/stations/radiogardenstate#

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Mike Greenblatt

MIKE GREENBLATT has been writing for Goldmine magazine and New Jersey's Aquarian Weekly for more than 35 years. His writing subjects fill the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

He's interviewed Joe Cocker, Graham Nash, David Crosby, Carlos Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Johnny Cash, and members of The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. He was 18 when he attended Woodstock in 1969.

In addition to writing about music, Greenblatt has worked on publicity campaigns for The Animals, Pat Benatar, Johnny Winter, Tommy James and Richard Branson, among others. He is currently the editor of The Jersey Sound.

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