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Nic Harcourt, who may be the most influential radio DJ in America not named Ryan Seacrest, will step down from his post as music director and morning show host at Santa Monica’s KCRW on Nov. 30, so he can spend more time with his family and on other projects like his music-supervision gig for the CW’s remake of 90210.
Harcourt took over the Morning Becomes Eclectic post from Chris Douridas in 2000 and since has been credited with bringing a number of adult alternative acts–among them Dido, David Gray, Travis and Norah Jones–to the American mainstream. My personal suspicion was always that Harcourt had a unique ability to be in the right place at the right time more than an exceptional ear for talent (he’s frequently given credit for the success of Franz Ferdinand and Coldplay, but I’m pretty sure both acts would have broken here eventually). Still, the fact that in 2008, any radio show host in America has as much influence over music-consumption habits as Harcourt is amazing–one of his recommendations will send discs flying off record store shelves and quickly sell out showcases and concerts.
Vampire Weekend, “Ladies of Cambridge” (live on Morning Becomes Eclectic)
Ryan Adams, “Come Pick Me Up” (live on Morning Becomes Eclectic)
A successor to Harcourt’s position has not yet been announced, but in true KCRW fashion, the job will be given to the seventh subscriber to call in, as long as they have not won a prize from the station in the last ninety days.
KCRW’s Harcourt To Step Down [FMQB]
Met him once briefly at a KCRW event held just a few blocks from where I lived. Personable guy, and he and his wife were doting over their baby so that gets points.
(Anyway, now is the time for my friend Eric J. Lawrence to take over the spot.)
Pete Yorn wept.
Nic Harcourt and KCRW might be the best thing about living in LA
@Cos: Uh, no. (That would be the quality and range of all the places to eat.)
does ryan seacrest play music on his show? i thought he just talked to celebrities and discussed Hollywood. as thrilling as that sounds i have never once heard the man’s radio show, so i honestly have no idea.
@Cos:
WHOA WHOA WHOA! Talk about hyperbole! Woo Jesus!
Maybe John(Richards)in the Morning on KEXP will lighten up now.
Nic took over for Chris in April 1998 – he’s hosted the show 10.5 years.