The Central District-Capitol Hill border zone can now add internet radio station to its list of neighborhood amenities. The volunteer DJs at Hollow Earth Radio are all moved in to their new space on Union near 21st, broadcasting daily from right here in the ‘hood. You can listen here.
They’ve cleaned out, painted, and decorated a small first floor space in the same building where 2020 Cycles and Central Cinema live. They even constructed a real-radio sound booth up against the back wall. And they’re celebrating with an open house this weekend including a day of community open mic on Sunday.
The group has sixty members that do everything from running their own radio shows to behind the scenes production work. It all got started three and a half years ago in Amber Morgan’s basement, where she and her partner Garrett Kelly produced six hours of original content per day. Other people were interested in getting involved, and soon they had a crew of fifteen volunteers that have all stayed involved with the project since then.
They later moved the station to an attic in Wallingford, and as the project continued to grow they started looking for a new, more accessible space. Amber was friends with the owner of 2020 Cycles, and he suggested the possibility of using the unoccupied space just west of his store that was only being used for storage. Building owner Jean Tinnea gave them a good rate that allowed it to all happen.
Amber says there were several factors that made the Central District a place they wanted to be. The central part was important, since it is convenient and accessible to people on all sides of the city. Plus the neighborhood seemed like a good fit for what they are trying to build. “It feels like there’s this rich music cultural history in the Central District. There’s a lot happening that feels comfortable, and it’s a good place for people to get involved.”
People getting involved is a key part of their strategy. They’ve had pedestrians stop into the studio all week to see what’s going on. That includes when they have musicians for in-studio broadcasts, where people from the neighborhood are welcome to stop in and listen. (watch the schedule on their website for shows you might be interested in)
This weekend will be a good chance to check things out and get involved. Hollow Earth is planning a weekend full of activities, starting with workshops and an art opening on Saturday. Then on Sunday they’re having a full day of open mic from 10am to 6pm. It’s your chance to stop by, tell your story, talk about your cause, or even perform some music.
Welcome to the neighborhood HER!
