Eric J. Lawrence

Eric J. Lawrence

KCRW DJ

Host/KCRW Staff

Contact: ejl@kcrw.org | 310-314-4630

"I was born in Indiana, but moved out to Los Angeles with my folks when I was nine, thus accounting for my homespun charm combined with an over-cultured mind. I was kind of a late bloomer when it came to music, never learning to play an instrument or anything like that, but once I caught the bug, I dived in head-first. The first concert I attended was Thomas Dolby at the Greek Theatre, but my second was the Meat Puppets at McCabe's Guitar Shop, and by then, anything was fair game. Throughout high school, Talking Heads were my absolute favorites, but since then the Fall have overtaken them in my affections. Over the years, I've been lucky enough to see performances from folks like John Cage, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Beck (in his acoustic folk mode), Public Image Ltd., the Durutti Column, Julian Cope, Laibach, the Blue Nile, the Wedding Present, Cheap Trick, Kraftwerk, Kevin Ayers, Radiohead, the Sea & Cake, the Coctails, Roy Harper and, of course, the Fall.

While attending UCLA, I worked at their little-heard student-run radio station, KLA. Over my years there I worked as DJ, sports guy, ticket giveaway guy, music director, general manager and even game show host. I got my degree in English Literature (a subject still close to my heart), I have also done a fair bit of journalism, writing calendar entries for the New Times, serving as music editor for the magazine Caffeine, and contributing to the guidebook MusicHound Jazz. I never really anticipated having a career in radio, but I always enjoyed listening to KCRW, so I became a volunteer here in 1993. Since then I have worked as a music department volunteer, ticket giveaway guy (again!!!), assistant music librarian, substitute DJ and, now, host of my very own program, heard every Monday night at midnight.

I've had the pleasure to work here at KCRW, bringing my admittedly esoteric tastes to the airwaves. I enjoy hearing your feedback. And for crimony's sake, be an active music listener! Music is too good to let simply wash over you -- engage it and it will reveal many unexpected treats."

Eric J. Lawrence on KCRW

In 1991, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Metallica released albums that remain some of the most influential rock records of all time.

From Nirvana to Guns N’ Roses, how 1991 changed music forever

In 1991, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Metallica released albums that remain some of the most influential rock records of all time.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

At this point, many people have spent the better part of 2020 trying to figure out what makes them feel good.

Turning to oldies for musical comfort during COVID-19

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Saturday marks author Ray Bradbury’s 100th birthday. He moved with his family to LA when he was 14 and attended Los Angeles High School in Mid-City.

Ahead of Ray Bradbury’s 100th birthday, a look at his writing and love of shopping malls

Saturday marks author Ray Bradbury’s 100th birthday. He moved with his family to LA when he was 14 and attended Los Angeles High School in Mid-City.

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