An Intimate Interview With
The Man Behind
REVENGE OF THE 80'S
CHRIS CORDANI
By: Ginger Coyote
I started following Chris Cordani and Revenge Of The 80's on Twitter.. We became friendly exchanging tweets and the weekly Friday Follow... I thought it would be a fun to do an interview with Chris to find out more about him.... I hope you all enjoy!
Punk Globe:
Thanks so much for the interview Chris. Can you give the readers some background information about yourself?
CHRIS CORDANI:
I have been in radio for 17 years, bouncing around the dial and spanning a number of different formats. Most of my work has been as a talk radio host and producer. In addition, I do voiceover work, copy and publicity.
Punk Globe:
Tell us about your radio show Revenge of The 80's Radio?
CHRIS CORDANI:
On Revenge of the 80s Radio, we focus on the classic alternative era (1978-1991). In addition to playing tracks from that period, we interview artists and icons of the time, promote their current projects and play their new music.
Punk Globe:
How did you come up with the name Revenge of The 80's?
CHRIS CORDANI:
I wish I could come of with an interesting story for this, Ginger. When creating the show, I put together a list of ideas for a name. Because most of those monikers were complete pig swill, I chose “Revenge of the 80s.” The name describes the growing nostalgia for the 80s among music listeners. Hence, our slogan: “The 80s are back -- with a vengeance.”
Punk Globe:
What was your inspiration to start doing your radio show?
CHRIS CORDANI:
Working in the radio industry, I learned that the music on playlists of both contemporary and oldies radio stations are dictated by a very small demographic/psychographic combination. There are several people who have been terribly undeserved by a medium that has become generic and flavorless. Also, many artists of the classic alternative era had been touring again and recording new music. The plan was to build a show that would serve an audience thirsting for their favorite music and at the same time promote the artists’ new projects.
Punk Globe:
When does the show air and how can the readers find it?
CHRIS CORDANI:
The first run of the program broadcasts on our flagship station in the Hudson Valley of New York, Q93.5FM, 9-11pm Eastern time (with a web simulcast on our website, www.revengeofthe80sradio.com). We have a growing network of terrestrial and Internet radio affiliates in parts of Australia, Spain and the UK who air it over the next week and a podcast edit of each show is available on www.revengeofthe80sradio.com
Punk Globe:
How long is each show?
CHRIS CORDANI:
Revenge of the 80s Radio is a 2 hour show.
Punk Globe:
Do you prefer music from that era rather than music that is happening currently?
CHRIS CORDANI:
While I do prefer to listen to classic-alternative era music, there is a lot of good music being created today by very talented people. In addition to seeking classic vinyl, I enjoy scanning the Internet radio stations to hear work from the array of interesting DIY bands around now.
Punk Globe:
Tell us about some of the bands that you have featured on your show?
CHRIS CORDANI:
Revenge of the 80s features a wide variety of artists of the classic alternative era, missing several genres like new romantic, punk, two-tone, high-NRG, alt-rock, power-pop and more. On a regular Revenge of the 80s Radio show, you might hear XTC, The Clash, Josie Cotton, Laibach, Voice of the Beehive, The Beat (both the Paul Collins and Dave Wakeling bands), Icehouse, The Ramones, Kid Creole & the Coconuts, X, Mental As Anything, The Pogues, Wall of Voodoo and the White Trash Debutantes on the same broadcast.
Punk Globe:
Unlike mainstream oldies shows, you seem to feature more edgier music am I right?
CHRIS CORDANI:
We play music from acts that were not played too often or at all on mainstream radio stations during the 80s generally due to the edge they brought to their music. You will not hear any homogenized factory-built music on Revenge of the 80s. We do, however, mix in some cross-over hits that would fit in with our playlist.
Punk Globe:
Do you play music by Black Flag, DOA, L7, The Dead Kennedys and White Trash Debutantes?
CHRIS CORDANI:
Of course, Ginger. Each of those bands has a unique place in classic alternative music history.
Punk Globe:
Do you ever play music from other decades?
CHRIS CORDANI:
We play the classic cuts and new music from our era’s artists. I have, however, been known to play tracks from other decades as long as there is a connection to artists of the classic alternative era.
Punk Globe:
What other Radio / Podcast shows do you enjoy?
CHRIS CORDANI:
I like listening to different kinds podcasts and webcasts; there is a plethora of interesting programs out there. Some that stand out to me are the podcast of "T-Bone's Prime Cuts," an Indiana-area roots rock radio show hosted by T-Bone Mathley, Mikey Jayy's eclectic "Great Unknowns Presents" and I have a lot of fun tuning in to Gene Hoyle's "Nerd Nation."
Punk Globe:
In three words describe yourself Chris?
CHRIS CORDANI:
Ready, Willing …and Crunchy.
Punk Globe:
You also have a blog site do you interview bands and personalities there?
CHRIS CORDANI:
All of our interviews that have been aired on Revenge of the 80s are available for anyone to listen to on our website/blog www.revengeofthe80sradio.com.
We also have some of our classic conversations with artists on our Youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/Revengeofthe80s?feature=mhee
Punk Globe:
Do you have links at your blogsite to hear past shows?
CHRIS CORDANI:
Yes, past programs can be found on our website, as well as ITunes and Blubrry http://www.blubrry.com/revengeofthe80s/
Punk Globe:
Do you have any web addresses that you would like share the readers to find out more about Revenge Of The 80's?
Punk Globe:
Is the show currently an act of love for the music or do you have sponsors ?
CHRIS CORDANI:
As the program continues to expand, we are experiencing more sponsor interest, Ginger.
Punk Globe:
Tell us what is ahead in 2012 for Revenge Of The 80's?
CHRIS CORDANI:
We plan to add more radio affiliates and expand the show’s reach. We are also planning to enhance the webpage, adding more content some new features.
Punk Globe:
Any last words for our readers?
CHRIS CORDANI:
Try not to step on a porcupine, it can hurt. Thank you again, Ginger.