WPKN Archives: Alec Cumming

Host profile: Alec Cumming

I am a pop historian and a music obsessive - principly focused of the pop, rock, r'n'b/soul, easy listening and early alternative music scenes of the '50s through the mid '70s, plus the punk/new wave/alternative rock, pop, r'n'b/hip-hop genres of the late '70s up through today. I tend to view all music through pop (or "poptimist") lenses. Is it catchy? Inviting? Smart? Dumb-smart? How does it speak to its audience? I think great pop is great art.

I love to tell the stories behind the music, to the best ability I can. I suppose the radio personality I most try to emulate is Vin Scelsa, if not Ron Lundy. I wrote a book on New York City's radio history in 2013 {New York City Radio, Arcadia) and have done major historic projects for NBC, MSNBC and Rhino Records. I also write and produce TV promos and I know a fair amount about how broadcasters deliver content. Being a DJ at WPKN has been a lifelong dream come true. Thank you SO MUCH for tuning in!