One thing that was clear from early on in my interview with John Dufilho is that he is truly an advocate for college radio. With his involvement in multiple bands who were championed almost exclusively by college stations (Deathray Davies, Apples in Stereo, Clifffs), it was obvious that he was grateful for the attention and airplay his bands received.
We had a great conversation that covered his early experiences as a musician and music lover, finding that the bands he heard on the local college radio station spoke to him in a way that his metal albums did not. Those influences, ranging from R.E.M. to the Ramones, would continue to inform his career, from his (very) early days jamming with his friends in the band “Unwanted Children”, to his breakthrough success as the leader of Deathray Davies and later becoming the drummer of one of his favorite bands, Apples in Stereo.
Later in the interview, we would cover some of his experiences with college radio as a musician, as well as discussing just what it is that makes some bands such a perfect fit on the college airwaves. We also got a short tour of his record collection, diving into the unique blend of music that helped build his musical taste. Ranging from The Ventures to Frank Sinatra, it was an excellent way to wrap up a conversation that was far too short.