KCRW Hires New DJs Luxxury, John Tejada and Peanut Butter Wolf — a Week After Cutting 10% of Staff

KCRW is set to transform its weekend schedule with three new hosts, following the departure of five longtime DJs. This programming shift comes in the wake of workforce reductions that saw 10% of staff laid off as part of a broader cost-cutting initiative. Beginning October 31, the station will introduce fresh shows from Luxxury, John Tejada, and Peanut Butter Wolf. The restructuring was accelerated by the loss of federal funding for public broadcasting—a policy enacted during the Trump administration that continues to strain budgets at public media organizations nationwide.

KCRW Music Director Alejandro Cohen expressed full confidence in the incoming roster, describing them not just as selectors but as versatile creators with distinct artistic visions and loyal audiences. His comments align with earlier statements from KCRW President Jennifer Ferro, who cited both evolving audience expectations and the withdrawal of government support as catalysts for change. Public radio analyst Dr. Lena Sharma noted, "Stations like KCRW are navigating a delicate balance—preserving their legacy while innovating to survive in a new funding landscape."

Each incoming host will define a different weekend sound. On Fridays, Luxxury—the stage name of producer Blake Robin—will helm a rock-oriented program. Robin, who co-hosts the "One Song" podcast with Diallo Riddle and gained viral attention for his "INTERPOLATION" whisper on TikTok, is celebrated for merging classic songwriting with contemporary production. His show will follow the long-running broadcast by Henry Rollins, the punk icon known for his tenure with Black Flag and his influential spoken-word performances.

Saturdays will be anchored by John Tejada, an internationally recognized electronic artist with more than 20 years of experience blending experimental and accessible techno. His set will fit seamlessly alongside established offerings like DJ Silva’s program and Jason Bentley’s "Metropolis," underscoring the station's dedication to dance music culture. Sundays will then shift to soul, R&B, hip-hop, and jazz curated by Peanut Butter Wolf, the founder of the influential independent label Stones Throw Records. Under his real name, Chris Manak, he will share the Sunday slot with presenter LeRoy Downs, offering a soulful conclusion to the weekend.

With the cancellation of Travis Holcombe’s weeknight program "Freaks Only," KCRW will now fill Monday through Thursday evenings with encore broadcasts of the new weekend shows. This strategy of reusing content reflects a push for greater operational efficiency in response to financial pressures. By adopting this model, the station aims to sustain its identity as a hub for musical discovery while adjusting to an era of reduced public investment.