Move over MTV, Bohemia Afterdark is on its way to kick Carson Daly to the curb and bring Phoenix a much needed music makeover.
"We play stuff MTV won't play. We play videos no one else will play," says Neil Jeckering of the new station that will be taking over airwaves sometime this week.
Bohemia Afterdark, which will air on KPHE Channel 19, is just what the doctor ordered. No longer will you need cable to listen to some killer tunes and check out some cool shows - these guys are bringing it to you for free.
"We've got the second largest music library to MTV," says Jeckering, Bohemia Afterdark's marketing man.
The station, which is nestled in the back of the Zia Records warehouse, isn't just about free music, though.
"We're actually trying to get a recording studio in the station. That way we can produce music videos and put them on the air. You can come here and do it all," he says.
That's right all of you local bands - Bohemia Afterdark is a slave to you.
"Ultimately our goal is to give bands a chance. Those who have never been on TV will get their faces and music on the air for people to see," Jeckering says.
The station will feature tons of videos from reggae to rock to old-school rap. In addition, the guys are working hard to conjure up show ideas.
Talk of having a local Phoenix band host a show where they interview other bands has been heard.
Live concerts on the air, interviews and edgy videos are just the beginning of the Bohemia empire.
Eager to get its hands on anyone who will help, the station is also looking for student workers.
"We want to get interns in here and teach them programming. We won't stop anyone from getting involved," Jeckering stresses.
Though the show has been around for nearly 22 years and won two Billboard awards for being the best alternative music show, it's just now starting to blow up.
In Portland, Bohemia Afterdark is a commonly heard name, and the Afterdark crew is hoping to start the same trend in Phoenix, where Jeckering says they intend to be a "big local influence."
The show, which would usually air for only a half an hour at 2 a.m., has picked Phoenix as a test market for its 24/7 programming.
Local bands should be thrilled, considering Bohemia Afterdark has had nothing but rave reviews from major music companies.
"Bohemia Afterdark has proven to be on of the most important shows in America in breaking acts for Columbia Records," says Gary Fisher, president of video promotion for Columbia Records.
Fisher goes on to say that "the show has proven itself to be a top resource for helping to bring artists into the spot light."
But it sure hasn't been easy, says Jeckering; "Only a handful of us are starting an entire network."
And this, of course, brings technical difficulties. Originally, the station was supposed to hit airwaves late last week. However, a faulty transmitter only sent out signals to downtown Mesa, where the antenna is located.
"The transmitter is our biggest concern," Jeckering says. "After that, it's smooth sailing. That's what we keep telling ourselves at least, but something always comes up. We're ready for it though."
The owners ordered a new transmitter last Saturday, and with the good luck it deserves, Bohemia Afterdark should be hitting homes this week.
So say goodbye to Britney Spears and her sultry snakes, and say hello to those edgy videos MTV won't let you see.
"I walked into the music library and there were videos I'd always heard of but never seen," Jeckering say of the giant stash.
Well, fear not, these guys aren't keeping the videos to themselves. They're spreading the love from their little Zia's warehouse to Phoenicians everywhere.
With a target audience of 1.9 million, the show will not only strive to make Bohemia Afterdark a household name, but will also try to put local bands in the spotlight.
"Phoenix needs this," says Jeckering, and he couldn't be more right.
Reach the reporter at erika.wurst@asu.edu.
