As part of our series highlighting the diverse voices and personalities that make WTJU 91.1 FM so special, we sat down with Rocker Panels, the host of Carry the Zero. Get to know the man behind the mic, his passion for radio, and what makes his show a must-listen for music lovers in Charlottesville and beyond.
Rocker Panels isn’t just a cool on-air name; it represents a deep-seated love for radio and a commitment to sharing unique musical experiences. By day, he’s the Director of Operations & Programming at The Paramount Theater, but for two hours every Thursday afternoon, from 2 to 4 p.m., he transforms into Rocker Panels, your guide through a carefully curated selection of music that spans genres and eras on Carry the Zero.
Having been a WTJU host for roughly 20 years, Rocker Panels’ journey began with a simple desire to contribute to the radio community he so admired. “I have loved radio pretty much as long as I can remember,” he explains. “I love the entire communal quality about the airwaves: knowing that what is being played is also being shared with those listening. I wanted to be able to contribute to that community.” His entry point was helping a friend with a 3:00 am – 6:00 am shift, a time slot that allowed for unrestrained musical exploration. “At that time of night we could play whatever we wanted and it was a real blast. I’m sure all the bakers in town loved us . . .” he jokes.
So, why should you tune into Carry the Zero specifically? Rocker Panels describes his show as “a really fun show” designed to broaden your musical horizons. “There will certainly be music you might not have heard of but it may be adjacent to something you absolutely know or sounds familiar.” His approach is to create a dynamic blend, mixing “the old with the new as much as possible” and ensuring diversity so “that there is something for everyone.” He emphasizes his genuine enthusiasm: “That said, I love it all and I hope you will too.”
Even seasoned radio hosts have their on-air mishaps. When asked about his biggest gaffe, Rocker Panels recounts a humorous, albeit slightly embarrassing, moment from his early 3 am shifts. “Aside from completely butchering the pronunciation of band names and song titles there isn’t anything too exciting,” he starts, before recalling, “I did accidentally play an incredibly inappropriate track that had a LOT of swearing in it once… The song started and I was like ‘Hey, this isn’t the right track but it sounds great!’ Well, about 90 seconds in, the lyrics are ‘like I give a fuck, like I give a shit about that fuck.’ It was ‘safe harbor’ so I let it ride for a bit, but it just didn’t stop and I just couldn’t let it keep going. Woof.” This anecdote reveals the live and unpredictable nature of freeform radio, and Rocker Panels’ ability to handle it with humor.
Image: Rocker Panels, veteran WTJU radio host, sharing his passion for music and freeform radio.
Despite the occasional slip-up, the joys of being a radio host far outweigh the risks. For Rocker Panels, his favorite moments are “mixing up bands that sound so good together and that would never be played back-to-back anywhere else in the world. It’s an incredible feeling.” He sees his show as a creative outlet, a way to curate “completely original playlists that just click,” often spontaneously. “I am not a musician––I don’t have that kind of creative outlet––so I love being able to at least create these completely original playlists…”
If given the chance to interview anyone, dead or alive, Rocker Panels doesn’t hesitate: “John Lennon.” His reasoning goes beyond Lennon’s musical genius. “I think he was a real strange cat with a real sense of humor in a world that takes itself too seriously. I’d love to get his take on the music industry and what it does to artist creativity and get his opinions on what he thinks of where we are in today’s world. Could you imagine (sorry) playing him a Kendrick song?!” This reveals Rocker Panels’ intellectual curiosity and his desire to explore music’s broader cultural impact.
When it comes to “guilty pleasures,” Rocker Panels takes a firm stance: “As the host of the Guilty Pleasures Rock Marathon shows (plural), I don’t really believe you should feel guilty about anything you enjoy. EVER.” He embraces musical diversity wholeheartedly, arguing that “every now and then you really need to hear Barry Manilow’s Copacabana.” This inclusive attitude extends beyond music to “bad” 80s movies, suggesting a broad appreciation for entertainment in all its forms.
The pandemic has shifted many aspects of life, but for Rocker Panels, hosting Carry the Zero has remained a constant. “You know, it’s not really that different,” he reflects. “Maybe I am just used to it now but there is something to being in the studio during the day completely by yourself. I definitely crank the volume up on the monitors a lot more than if the staff were on the other side of the door.” This highlights the solitary yet deeply personal connection a radio host can have with their audience, even in times of isolation.
Beyond music, Rocker Panels has a passion for travel. “I love to travel. I REALLY miss that right now. I miss seeing new places and the adventure of finding the treasures in different landscapes. The art museums, the restaurants, the walking around unfamiliar paths and discovering whatever else is out there.” This wanderlust mirrors his musical explorations, a desire to discover and share hidden gems.
Finally, Rocker Panels articulates why WTJU is so vital. “WTJU is a goddam treasure. It’s one of the last completely free form radio stations that creates unique content for the people who don’t want the ordinary.” He sees WTJU as an antidote to mainstream homogenization, “In a world full of Amazon shoppers and fast food consumers, WTJU is the antithesis of that and we need radio, music, and other expressions to feed our souls.” This powerful statement underscores the importance of independent radio and the unique space WTJU occupies in the media landscape.
In a lighthearted rapid-fire round, Rocker Panels reveals his playful side. Asked if he’d rather be a famous singer or bring back a deceased singer, he quips, “How about I just be David Lee Roth during his Van Halen years?” And when faced with the choice of being trapped in an elevator with various musicians, he chooses “BAGPIPES! Only because I would want a lesson. When would you ever get a chance to do that?!”
Tune in to Carry the Zero with Rocker Panels every Thursday from 2 – 4 p.m. on WTJU 91.1 FM and discover your new favorite song, artist, or genre. Experience the passion and eclectic taste of a true radio enthusiast and become part of the WTJU community.
