Leo McVicker of Live From Access Studios
By Matthew Toledo - 2/5/2002
The local music scene has broken the television barrier. Last year saw the creation of the OU student produced music show, Jukebox. The new year has brought with it a new show. Local Public Access 23 producer Leo McVicker recently created the show "Live From Access Studios" which features live performances from local bands.
You can catch the show Thursdays at 10:00 PM on Time Warner cable channel 25 and on Ohio University cable. Leo and I chatted online about his show and what he hopes to accomplish. We also discussed what it takes to get your local act can get on the show.
AMN: Tell me a little bit about "Live From Access Studios." What's it all about?
Leo: Basically I felt not enough people were getting out to see Athens bands and the show is an attempt to bring these bands into more people's homes and listening habits. Its all devoted to local bands and helping them get heard, while having a fun time.
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AMN: I have similar feelings sometimes. Why is it you think that more people don't go to see local bands?
Leo: I don't know. I even feel as if I often don't get to see as many as I would like. Maybe its laziness or just not knowing that these bands exist and often rock.
AMN: How did you go about discovering new bands before you started the show?
Leo: Well many of the bands booked so far are ones that I know people in, so there was already that connection. However, I try to get out and see shows, read the ANEWS music scene column, and check out the Athens Musicians Network site to learn more about it. Also, I've been going to shows in Athens for quite a while so I sometimes know what's going on. Word of mouth is good too.
AMN: How did "Live from Access Studios" come together? Is it your brainchild, or do you have any partners in crime?
Leo: I have been wanting to do something like this for a while, but I basically started working to make it happen over the winter holiday. My friend Wells, who is the host of the show, really helped develop it. The Audio Engineer, Jon, has also been a great help. He's really good at what he does. Oh, Wells wanted me to say at some point that he thinks he is a sexy host.
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AMN: Well people can see how sexy his is on the show. Does he pose suggestively while conducting interviews?
Leo: Sometimes, he also wears a shirt and tie...
AMN: How long have you been producing stuff at Public Access?
Leo: It's been a long time, I think I first involved myself in 1998 and I've been doing live shows ever since. The longest running one is The Weak in Revue which I've been doing for about 3 years.
AMN: I've seen some of the acts that have been booked on your show live and I know that some of them have volume levels that can melt people's heads off. How does the sound equipment at the studio hold up against it all?
Leo: Not bad, other than a few technical difficulties the first show. Its been going pretty well. It sounds good I think. Luckily the sound ordinance or violation of it doesn't go into affect until 11pm, so we're covered pretty well that way.
AMN: When does the show air?
Leo: Thursday nights, 10pm. Its right before the weekend, so we get to talk about what's going on in the scene.
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AMN: Is it a call in show?
Leo: Sort of. The format is as follows; the band plays, there is a short Q&A section, people briefly have the chance to call in and talk to the band, and then they play a little more.
AMN: Is it a half hour or hour?
Leo: Its supposed to be an hour, but it sometimes runs a little under that if the band runs out of material.
AMN: So tell me, how does a band or artist go about auditioning for your show?
Leo: There isn't really an audition. Basically you just have to ask. We have a web site with our schedule located at http://amusiclive.tripod.com. Or, they could e-mail me at amusiclive@excite.com. We welcome all acts. Soon we should have some flyers around town with this info, by our resident graphic designer Jesse Dillon.
AMN: Are any of you guys in bands yourself?
Leo: Wells is in a band the Well Hung Overs, they're scheduled to play the 28th of this month. He'll be pissed if I describe it wrong, but its sort of country sounding and they do a Misfits cover. I'm currently trying to get some stuff together. Jon too. We've all been involved with some stuff in the past.
AMN: Like what?
Leo: Wells was in legendary (when we were in high school) Country Hank's Magical Bluegrass Explosion of Love, and Corn Liquor. I've played around with numerous bands that never really performed. I'm trying to get something together called the Slimeballs.
AMN: Nice band names. I take it you will be performing operettas and singalongs for children!
Leo: Oh yeah, we hope to. It's all about the kids.
AMN: So lets say you get a band with 20 members and a horn section, can the studio handle it? Basically, what are the limitations for a band if they want to perform on your show??
Leo: We are a bit strained, because of limitations in mics. Last week we had a five piece and they had to let us borrow a couple of mics. We're mainly set up for 4 or 5 piece groups. Also there is the space limitation in the studio.
AMN: Where do you guys tape at? I hear that Public Access has two locations now?
Leo: Yeah one on Columbus road next to ReUse Industries. The other is located on the 3rd floor of 50 S Court street. That's where we broadcast from.
AMN: You mentioned that the show is open to all sorts of musical formats. If you could pick 3 acts to be on your show, who would they be?
Leo: At this point I'm not sure. I'm really glad with the response I've received from people I've talked to. And the bands that have played. I would like for more bands that can't book shows to play to give them a hand and let people know that there's more out there.
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AMN: Well, before we wrap this up I'd like to do my patented speed round of questions. And by "patented" I mean ripped off from various talk shows. I ask you a question or give you a phrase and you write what comes to your mind.
Leo: sounds good.
AMN: Baked or Fried?
Leo: Fried
AMN: Chicken Mc Nuggets or Spam?
Leo: Burger King's nuggets.
AMN: The percent of chicken sphincters you believe to be in the average nugget?
Leo: I'd have to say a lot, but not as much as in hot-dogs.
AMN: The last local show you saw was...
Leo: It was my show last Thursday. I wasn't able to make it out this weekend.
AMN: Word that describes Athens best?
Leo: 2-fun/boring.
AMN: Last one
AMN: My mother is so fat...
Leo: you talk about your mom that way?
AMN: It was supposed to be the intro of a mama joke, you know? But if I said "your mother," you might be insulted. So I said "my mother" which from your perspective would be "your mother" since you are talking to me. You see, it all works out.
Leo: I haven't heard any good ones lately.
AMN: Well that is OK. Thanks for the interview and I will try to catch your show on Thursdays. You can only see it on Time Warner Cable, correct? Not Nelsonville or satellite, right?
Leo: Sadly you can't. But Time Warner people get lucky I guess. Ohio University cable gets it too. I'd just like to thank you for this. And I want to ask everyone to support local music. Go check out the shows, even "Live From Access Studios". Go form a band. Contact me if you want to play.
