The Free Zone: Can You Say That On the Radio?

The Free Zone on 88.7 FM WICR Indianapolis was a throwback to the days before consolidation and market analysis. Featuring independent-minded local and national music mixed with incisive talk, the Free Zone brought a unique perspective to the airwaves every Friday and Saturday night at midnight.

Local and touring bands were regular in-studio guests. From philosophical to political, avant-garde to old school punk, The Free Zone was described by Nuvo Newsweekly as “an outpost of freedom on the FM dial.”

In spring 2004, the Free Zone organized a luggage drive for the Children’s Guardian Home of Indianapolis. We solicited donations of backpacks, duffel bags, tote bags and other luggage for displaced children who had no means to carry their few belongings. Donations were collected at the Patio nightclub throughout the 2004 Battle of the Bands. Over 100 pieces of luggage were collected and delivered to the Guardian’s Home.

In September 2004 the Live From the Free Zone CD was released, featuring live recordings from every musical guest over the previous two years. Thanks to donations of goods and services from local companies, 100% of the money from sales of the CD and commemorative t-shirts went to the Indiana Organ Procurement Organization. A live concert was held with performances from many of the bands, raising about $2000 in one night.

From the Media

“The corporatization of radio in the ’70s and ’80s killed off freeform FM radio and the result, some say, has been cookie-cutter, bland music being rewarded with airplay. But Indianapolis has one lone outpost of freeform radio, in the form of The Free Zone. The show (has become) a cult favorite among fans of independent music.” (Nuvo Newsweekly)

“(You) wonder just what city you have driven into. It’s still Indianapolis, you’re still listening to the radio; it’s just that no other stations play this sort of mix. This is what The Free Zone is all about—playing music that the other stations don’t play.” (Indianapolis Music Net)

“The Free Zone isn’t the place to hear a DJ usher you from weather to commercials to songs he or she didn’t even pick for broadcast. By definition, (it) is a refreshing, surprising and local enterprise.” (Indianapolis Star)

“Chandler and Rob G. should be considered saviors by those tired of listening to corporate FM stations that jam the airwaves with nonstop commercials and songs you probably heard 15 minutes ago.” (INtake Weekly)

Sampling of In-Studio Guests

Otis Gibbs, Mono, Brazil, Creepin’ Charley & the Boneyard Orchestra, Jens Lekman, Brian Deer, Lord of the Yum-Yum, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Calibretto, Rhymefest, Lunar Event, Arcade, About the Fire, Project Bottlecap, Castle Oldchair, John Wilkes Booze, Mad Happy, Reverend Ivan Stang & Dr. Howl of the Church of the Subgenius, The Decanters, Samsell, Dow Jones & the Industrials, The Gizmos, The Impossible Shapes, Russell “Choc Soreel” Johnson of Mudkids, Miranda Sound, America Owns the Moon, The Pieces, The Common, Pop Lolita, The Nods