Working as a KCRW DJ is a dream come true for Mario Cotto, a preacher’s kid from North Philadelphia.
A former middle school teacher and improviser, Mario moved to LA to pursue a career in sketch comedy. He started volunteering at KCRW, assisting longtime DJ's Eric J. Lawrence, Jason Bentley, Chris Douridas and Tom Schnabel. Once Mario realized he was spending more time at the station than at the theater, he knew this was where he belonged.
His first 5 records were Menudo's Quiero Rock, Michael Jackson's Thriller, The Beatles' Rubber Soul, Michael W. Smith's Project and -- unbeknownst to his parents -- The Beastie Boys' License to Ill.
His sound is inspired by; strong coffee, Marcel Duchamp’s ready-mades, the NuYorican Poet’s Café, SAMO, Philadelphia’s Making Time, Blade Runner, golden-age hip hop, Manchester, Repo Records, arroz con pollo, shell-top sneakers with New Yorker laces, ESPO, Tristan Tzara’s 1918 manifesto, breakfast cereal, comic books, and metropolitan railways.
Contact: mario.cotto@kcrw.org
Mario Cotto on KCRW
More from KCRW
Vagabon gets experimental with 'Flood Hands'
Best New Music"Break the rules you think you are bound by." That's the inspiration behind Vagabon's second album.
Lila Downs covers “Clandestino” by Manu Chao
Best New MusicLila Downs's new album is all about chilies; yup, it's HOT!
Pete Yorn: “Calm Down”
Best New MusicPete Yorn has been on a solo acoustic tour for the last few years previewing new songs and playing deep cuts from his albums.
Listen to Wanda Felicia's soulful track 'Until You're Mine'
Best New MusicFor years, Helsinki's Timmion Records has been releasing some of the coolest soul sides on the planet.
Claud: “Wish You Were Gay”
Best New MusicSharing a perspective from the LGBTQ+ community, Claud gifts us with "Wish You Were Gay," a story of unrequited love that transcends gender lines.
Isaac Birituro and The Rail Abandon: “I Know (I'm Ok)”
Best New MusicGhanaian xylophone master Isaac Birituro and Leeds singer/songwriter Sonny Johns (aka The Rail Abandon) team up to cross boundaries.
Download Pinky Pinky's 'Loose Change' produced by Hanni El Khatib
Best New Music“Loose Change” is a frenzied story of redemption, punctuated by acoustic piano and horns.
Carol C: “Hide Away”
Best New MusicIt took seven years for Si*Sé frontwoman Carol C to write her life journey into a transcendent debut solo album. Inspired by a friend's personal struggles, "Hide Away" unveils inner…
Aussie artist Hatchie pushes her songwriting boundaries with 'Obsessed'
Best New MusicOn her debut album, Aussie artist Hatchie pushes her songwriting boundaries and explores new sounds. "Obsessed" ponders friendships and how they bolster our lives.