‘Meet the DJs’ is a blog series to get to know the DJs that keep WRFL running 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, without any automation. This time around we’re meeting Jody Barnett, but you may know him better as Johnny Trash, the DJ behind The Cutting Room Floor, which airs on WRFL on Tuesdays from 8 to 10pm.
How long have you been a WRFL DJ?
This is my third semester.
Do you have any frequent guests or co-hosts? What’s your dynamic like?
Occasionally I have a relevant interview.
Why did you join WRFL?
To share my rare recordings with the world.
What do you play on your show?
Rare rock and roll recordings-1950’s to present day.
Why do you play/talk about what you do on your show? What sparked that interest?
I have always been a music collector since 12 years old.
what was that first piece of music?
As far as how I started collecting, my mom gave me her prized Beatles and Elvis records.
How do you acquire new recordings for your collection?
I get my music where ever I can. I own around 2000 cd’s. I go to record shows, flea markets, yard sales, record stores and I download rare stuff.
Who are some of your favorite musical artists?
Frank Zappa, Brian Eno, and Rolling Stones.
What’s your process for planning your show?
I only use my own recordings. I put my shows together at home.
What do you do outside of WRFL?
Look for new recordings to showcase.
Do you have a favorite memory of something that happened at WRFL, either during your show or at a WRFL event?
I got the chance to interview Napoleon Murphy Brock from Zappa’s band The Mothers.
Can you tell us a bit more about your interview with Napoleon Murphy Brock? What did you talk about? Did he say anything that surprised or interested you?
Napoleon had a sickness as a child and almost died..he said when he got well he began hearing melodies and harmonies in his head. Teachers saw him not paying attention in class and would ask him what he was doing and he would reply “Listening to the music.” That to me was something I found fascinating. We also discussed how he met Frank while playing a gig with his cover band (he had never heard of Frank, this was 1973) and Zappa had to beg him to join the Mothers because he already had a commitment with his other band. He had to buy Napoleon’s contract out.
What other WRFL shows/DJs do you like listening to? Why?
Psychedelicatessin, WRFL Live, and Anarchy in the U.K. Because there is nothing like them in town.
Do you have a “Most Interesting Phone Call” story from your time as a DJ?
I got a request from a mental institution.
Was it a patient calling in? Do you remember what they requested? Did you play it?
It was a patient that called in wanting to hear some Blondie. I was told by another listener that he is a regular listener/caller. Because I put my shows together at home, I can’t take requests, BUT I actually had planned to play some rare Blondie that day, so all worked out.
Can you share a story of an interaction with a listener of your show?
See above.
What do you want listeners to take away from your show?
Don’t settle for what mainstream radio wants to feed you.
What do you hope for the future of your show?
I hope to gain a bigger fan base and have fun as well as making friends.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Rock on!
Tune in to The Cutting Room Floor with DJ Johnny Trash on Tuesdays from 8 to 10pm on WRFL.
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