Station News

Twice a year 103.3 Asheville FM changes its on-air schedule to make room for new shows and give current DJs a chance to move time slots or drop from the schedule, based on their needs. (Programming at Asheville FM is done entirely by volunteer DJs and show hosts.)

This article is part of a series introducing you to the new shows hitting our schedule.

DJ RussBaby brings you Ghosts of the Neon Arcade, a brand new show centered around ’70s and ’80s synth tunes. Tune in for a mix of punk, new wave, synthpop, and post-punk deep cuts, as well as more popular tracks. DJ RussBaby says the show was inspired by memories of spending time (and that week’s allowance) at the local arcade with a Walkman on. 

In the premiere episode, DJ RussBaby played a collection of songs by Duran Duran, SSQ, A Flock of Seagulls, Depeche Mode, and others. The show features plenty of fun, pulsing synths and makes for an exciting listening experience. 

Ghosts of the Neon Arcade airs on Sundays at 11am. 

AshevilleFM Live Music Sessions – Lavender Blue

LAVENDER BLUE IS… the vessel for the songwriting and guitar playing of Kayla Zuskin. Lavender Blue the band consists of Mike Henry Johnson on Pedal Steel and Synthesizers, Mary Steinbrecher on Electric Bass and Jack Victor on Drumkit and occasionally keys.Their music is best described as slowcore and alternative indie with a dash of Americana.Located in Asheville, NC, Lavender Blue musicians are also music teachers, engineers/producers, songwriters and multi-instrumentalists.The In Between, Lavender Blue’s second LP, will release in summer 2024. “Craggy” the first single was released on all platforms on Friday June 14th.

PRESS
“With a lovely use of pedal steel guitar, reverb, and a dreamy vocal performance, the effect is something that captures a wistful sense of melancholic and looming loss, perfect for the chilly and lonely days of winter, let alone in the current stage of this never-ending pandemic, where we have all been forced to indeed, slow down.”- We All Want Someone to Shout ForUnderlying themes of folk and soft-rock brings House on a Highway by Lavender Blue. The song lies out gentleness in the most reposeful way— still breeze, total reminiscence. This is what it feels like to fall in love, finding home in someone and within yourself.-Start Tracks“Zuskin’s plaintive vocals firmly placed underneath sand waves of slightly off-kilter guitar chords, and instrumental crescendos being teased but not acted upon every once in a while. By the end of the song, though, she’s done with teasing – instead, she lets an unexpected guitar solo rip out. It’s not bombast for the sake of it but a way to finish the song in a determined and tenacious way.- High Clouds.org““Beware” embodies the unique style of Lavender Blue, summoning both dark and light to create its own atmosphere.”-American Pancake“Grace and subtlety are the hallmarks of this understated collection of songs.”-Mountain Xpress

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Twice a year 103.3 Asheville FM changes its on-air schedule to make room for new shows and give current DJs a chance to move time slots or drop from the schedule, based on their needs. (Programming at Asheville FM is done entirely by volunteer DJs and show hosts.)

This article is part of a series introducing you to the new shows hitting our schedule.

Soul-Ectica is a brand new show hosted by Ian, whose recently discovered interest in ’60s and ’70s soul jazz tunes inspired him to spin grooves from all decades and continents. The show will be grounded in a classic soul jazz sound but could feature anything from West African funk, underground house music, and new releases.

In the premiere episode, Ian featured tracks by Tony Allen, Jeff Mills, Sam & The Soul Machine, Fred Astaire, and Eddie Harris. With lots of songs that’ll make you want to get up and dance, Soul-Ectica is a good time! 

Soul-Ectica airs on Wednesdays at 12pm. 

You can listen to the latest archive of Soul-Ectica here: https://ashevillefm.org/show/soul-ectica/

Twice a year 103.3 Asheville FM changes its on-air schedule to make room for new shows and give current DJs a chance to move time slots or drop from the schedule, based on their needs. (Programming at Asheville FM is done entirely by volunteer DJs and show hosts.)

This article is part of a series introducing you to the new shows hitting our schedule.

Table for Two is a brand new community-driven dating talk show! Co-hosts DJ Hot Probs and DJ HMU, along with the show’s resident supervisor, are excited to talk weekly on Tuesdays at 7pm. The show is narrative based and will incorporate stories and personal experiences, allowing for dialogue and community participation.

In the pilot episode, DJ Hot Probs expressed that Table for Two will allow for some psychoeducation as all three hosts have experience helping others articulate feelings they may not otherwise know how to express. Both hosts then went on to describe love and to explore the inner workings of love and romance. DJ Hot Probs, DJ HMU, and the resident supervisor look forward to talking in the next episode and expressed their thanks.

Table for Two airs on Tuesdays at 7pm.

You can listen to the latest archive of Table for Two here: https://ashevillefm.org/show/table-for-two/

Written by Malachi Mena

The Asheville City Council met Tuesday, July 23rd, to discuss a few different matters, primarily focusing on housing developments in Haw Creek. The meeting went on for over four hours and addressed other matters, including the Woolworth building, general obligation bonds, and community development. 

On AFM News Hour, host KP Whaley spoke to David Forbes, journalist for The Asheville Blade, who was in attendance at the Council meeting. Forbes explained that the majority of the meeting was focused on the 27 acres of land in Haw Creek that was proposed for housing development. According to Forbes a majority of the land is mature forest, and they expressed the rarity of such a thing in the city of Asheville. Controversy has been sparked regarding this housing plan since last year and Forbes made clear that the controversy is still very much present. 

Forbes explained that supposedly 2 of the 84 housing units will be considered affordable. They said the other 82 will be on the market for $500,000 or more. While the city is claiming this development will provide housing, members of the community have expressed that said housing will not be affordable. Forbes pointed out that people in Asheville with a modest salary simply cannot jump into a half-million-dollar home. They went on to explain that these new homes would likely go to wealthy people who can afford multiple houses or be turned into Airbnbs. Forbes goes on to state, “This isn’t trickle-down economics. We need affordable housing. We need housing people can actually live in and have some stability and autonomy.” 

Most of the neighborhood that spoke up about the situation said they did not approve and that the deal was decided in secret, according to Forbes. Ultimately though, the developers’ request was granted, five to one. Forbes went on to speak about the Asheville City Government and transit, parks, and sidewalks. They explained that unfortunately much of the funding towards these things will either be invested someplace else or go towards the wealthier parts of Asheville.

For more on the conversation and a deeper look at the City Council meeting, listen to this week’s episode of AFM News Hour.