Meet Noah! He started with KCRW as an SMC intern Fall 2016 and really stood out for his attentiveness and curiosity. He was always helpful during his front desk shift and made a great impression on everyone he worked with. After his internship, he started helping the Sound Engineers with MBE sessions quickly became part of the team. Noah has also been generous with his time and still helps with the Street Team and subs as a PA with the DJs. He’s a standout volunteer, so get to know him!
Where did you grow up and do you have any siblings? Pets?
I grew up primarily in Long Beach, CA and have a 24-year-old brother, Jacob, who just happens to be my best friend and has always been an amazing role model for me. I also have a dog named Beau and two cats named Grey and Bat Cat.
What 5 things would you wish you had if you were stranded on a deserted island?
Clean water or beer (depending on if the island already has fresh water)
Lots of Toilet Paper
Some type of solar power music player
McDonald’s Nuggets
My closest friends and family to suffer with me
What is your current occupation / what do you do outside of KCRW?
I babysit as well as DJ at different bars and colleges across LA and Long Beach. I’m soon starting training to become a sound engineer.
What is your fantasy occupation?
When I was younger, I used to be in chorus and was able to hit really high notes and sing opera quite well. I absolutely loved to sing, but a little thing called puberty hit and my voice decided to change for the worse and I have never been able to hold a note since. The point of that story is that the younger Noah would have said lead singer of a rock band, but current day deep voiced Noah would say being a Public Address Announcer for The Dodgers or The Kings.
When did you first discover KCRW?
My high school girlfriend’s parents introduced me to KCRW back when I was about 16 years old. I remember going over to her house on a Saturday and hearing people like Raul Campos and Anne Litt, who I now babysit and PA for, and discovering new music from artists all around the world and being blown away by how diverse and eclectic (cliché I know) the music was.
How did you find your way to our station for volunteering?
When I was a student at SMC, I was desperate to find an internship program in radio since I was a Broadcast Communications major. When I learned that there was an SMC Internship program through KCRW I immediately applied and that led me to work the front desk of the station.
What’s your current volunteer position and how long have you been at it?
My current volunteer position is doing Production Assistance (PA) for people like Travis Holcombe, Aaron Byrd, Raul Campos, and Anne Litt. I am also one of the five Morning Becomes Eclectic Sound Interns helping the Sound Engineers and the amazing Producer Rachel Reynolds with whatever they need to allow the show to run a bit smoother as some mornings are crazier than they may sound on air.
Favorite volunteer moment?
It’s incredibly hard to pick just one moment after spending over a year in the magical basement. I’ve had the pleasure of working with so many amazing artists over the past year such as Mac Demarco, King Krule, and Mura Masa. There are also moments like hanging with Anne Litt or Travis Holcombe and watching them spin records and talking about music and daily life like we’re longtime friends which is pretty hard to beat. I have to say that I think that my favorite moment has to be when Father John Misty was doing a session in the basement and when I went up to him to introduce myself he said “Nice mustache.” For those people who know me best, to finally get a compliment on my mustache was the highest praise I could’ve ever received as I frequently got told by my family I look much better without one. Weird, I know, but I must have texted like 20 people that he said that to me.
If you could get on the mic and say one sentence on the air, what would it be?
“If you would like to hear two rambling buffoons talk politics and everyday struggles, who do not know what they’re talking about in anyway, but you also like local youth talent in the arts and music, you should go on Soundcloud and follow my podcast “The Beatdown” I started with my buddy Valentin Stammler. It lets the world hear our brilliant/moronic thoughts and ideas while also giving local talent a platform to share their work.”
What song(s) have you hit repeat on lately?
Bad Bad New – Leon Bridges
Gil Scott Never Lied – Huey Briss, Niko Beats, DJ Babu
Forever – Jim-E Stack
I’d Have You Anytime – George Harrison
I Feel Love – Mounika
Favorite book, movie?
Favorite book is Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli
Favorite movie is Pulp Fiction by Quintin Tarantino
Favorite thing to do outside the station?
Without a doubt, my favorite thing to do outside of the station is to go skiing. I’m a season pass holder for Mammoth Mountain and take any chance I get to go up and ski for a weekend. It’s been my passion since I was about 3 years old and I love every aspect of skiing whether that be relaxing at the lodge with friends and family or pushing myself to go down risky runs and get great exercise.
What does KCRW mean to you?
KCRW means everything and more to me. Without the station and the amazing people who work here, I don’t really know where my life would be. It has shown me what career path I want to travel down and I’ve met some of the greatest mentors and influencers in my life such as Rachel Reynolds, Ray Guarna, and Anne Litt. To see what the station means and does for LA and the people who listen to it has really shown me what it means to be apart of something that is impactful and is a means of positive change for the community around it. I can’t thank the station enough for the positive change it has put in my life and the several opportunities I’ve been exposed to because of my time in the basement. Can’t wait to move to the new building and create so many more amazing experiences!
Noah just brought tears to our eyes! Thanks for being a part of the KCRW family, Noah!
