We know we’re probably not the first place anyone thinks to turn to when brushing up on their metal bonafides… but you’d be surprised to learn how many KCRW staffers absolutely shred. Chief among them is KCRW’s Art Director (and maestro of merch) Evan Solano. His love for sounds that thrash and his ability to connect the dots with tunes you may never have considered (think: The Smiths, Ultravox, Lady Gaga?!?) make Evan the man for the job of soundtracking the ultimate Power Trip experience.
The festival’s inaugural outing begins at the oh-so-respectable hour of 6:45 p.m. on Friday Oct. 6 at Empire Polo Fields (same grounds as Coachella and Stagecoach) with a set from godfathers of the genre, Iron Maiden. The entire weekend is all killer, no filler: Friday night has Iron Maiden followed by Guns N’ Roses. Saturday brings Judas Priest and AC/DC. Sunday offers the one-two punch of Tool and Metallica.
And having the right tunes for cruising those desert highways is crucial, so without further ado, here’s Evan in his own words breaking down his “Metal Meltdown” playlist:
KCRW’s Metal Meltdown playlist is a mix of some metal classics, ‘80s new wave, electropop, industrial, and plenty more. From Megadeth and Metallica to Lady Gaga and The Cramps, I present an assorted blend of genres and songs that get your blood pumping for Power Trip and beyond into the black leather void. Fun fact: Did you know The Smiths’ “How Soon Is Now” was the key inspiration for the X-Files theme song?