This month we check in with Jay Hunter and his Team at iROCKRADiO.ME. Celebrating 10 years of broadcasting on the world wide web. iROCKRADiO.ME is your go to for Real Rock and Real Variety. They play the newest bands and latest releases as well as all your favorites, from the 80’s, 90’s, 2000’s to the present. Most of the music is in its uncensored form and along with the big names they also support our local music scene by featuring “iROCKiNDiES”. Unsigned bands from our area and beyond that are making names for themselves. Jay is always out supporting the local music scene and hosting shows at various venues throughout the state. If you haven’t checked out iROCKRADiO.ME go to the site and listen in while you read more about Jay and the DJ’s of iROCKRADiO.ME
JAY HUNTER OWNER/PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Where are you from? Originally, Tamaqua. Bounced around various parts of PA including Lehigh Valley, NEPA and now Central PA (Harrisburg area)
Tell me a little about your musical background and how you became a DJ at iROCKRADiO.ME? Started playing requests with 45’s on a record player at age 3, joined college radio and never looked back. T102, WZZO, 97.9 The BEAR, 97BHT, New Rock 93.7X, 105.7 The X, RED 102.3 and Smooth Jazz 92.7
In 2006, I wanted to start an internet radio station, but it didn’t make sense to have a station that you had to stay locked at a desk to listen. The vision was always that someday there would be touch screen internet available. By January 20th of 2014 the dream became a reality and WWW.iROCKRADiO.ME was born and streaming 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.
Wow 10 years of iROCKRADiO.ME congrats, Tell us a little bit about what types of music/ genres we can expect to hear throughout the day and how you pick what songs and artist to feature.
Every hour you can always expect to hear a wide variety in regards to style. Rock, Hard Rock, Nu Metal, Pop/Punk/Emo, Alternative, etc. Although over 60% of the rock heard, each hour has been released over the past 3 years, we still manage to throw in early 2000s, 90s and even the occasional 80s classic.
You support a lot of local musicians with your “iRock iNDiES” Tell us what types of bands you are looking for and how a band can get added to the iROCKRADiO.ME line up.
The “iROCK iNDiES” is a category we take very seriously. Although, it would be very easy to just insert any random garage band, we like to make sure that the recording quality, songwriting and relatability to our audience. Typically, independent songs that are submitted go through the same process as any other song that we consider adding on a monthly basis. Anything that has never been played on the station, gets run by at least 5 people on a music committee (and they are not told if the artist is on a national label or independent).
What can we expect for the next 10 years of iROCKRADiO.ME? Any upcoming events we need to know about?
Honestly, this past 10 years has been a wild ride. 10 Years ago, this started as a hobby one laptop computer in a one bedroom apartment. 4 college radio buddies originally joined me on this journey, as the original DJs. Now we have listeners in 88 different countries and throughout the United States. We’ve achieved things that I originally never thought we would. We’ve hosted national concerts at many venues: Chameleon Club (Lancaster), REVERB (Reading), H-MAC (Harrisburg), Pat Garrett Amphitheater (Bethel), Santander Arena (Reading), Mickey’s Black Box (Lititz), Goodfella’s (Pottsville) and Lovedraft’s Brewing Company (Mechanicsburg). We’ve been avid supporters of the amazing music scene here throughout Pennsylvania and even released a compilation CD of Raw Unplugged performances of bands, during their interview time. All I can say is “Possibilities are endless”. As for shows left this year… iROCKRADiO.ME still has: 11/7 – The Hu & The Funeral Portrait at Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center, Capitol Room, 11/30 – VRSTY at Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center, Stage On Herr and 12/7 – Eva Under Fire at Lovedraft’s Brewing Company in Mechanicsburg. Plans are already being made for our 11 Year Birthday Bash, a Volume 2 acoustic compilation CD and a VIP concert club for our listeners/followers to save money on our partnered concerts with 717 Entertainment.
What is your most memorable concert moment?
So many memories, but it’s a tie … ShipRocked 2018 watching Stone Sour play in the middle of the Gulf Of Mexico and recently iROCKRADiO.ME’s 10 Year B-Day Bash. 717 Entertainment worked with us to not only book the band “10 Years” for the occasion, but other national supporting acts AND we had a plethora of regional talent. Listeners and supporters came from not only all areas of Pennsylvania but 11 other states. It was truly humbling
What makes your show different from the other DJ’s at iROCKRADiO.ME? I try to share personal experiences and information about the artists, but also occasionally bring bands in the studio for interviews and acoustic performances.
What do you do in your spare time? Go to the beach, Bowling, drinks by the river and a little hobby called iROCKRADiO.ME
Name 5 top bands on your personal playlist right now.
Constantly changes. Right now: The Funeral Portrait, Shinedown, Papa Roach, Five Finger Death Punch, Another Day Dawns.
What is the best part about being a DJ at iROCKRADiO.ME?
Ability to share great music worldwide, whether it’s already established artists or independent
Use one word to describe Jay Hunter. “Me” lol. Or “Determined”
Is there anyone you would like to thank that has helped you along the way? Every year I try to tag those that helped on Facebook. The list is HUGE and I wouldn’t want to forget anyone. Any of the past and current staff members, no matter how long they were or are still a part of the family (both online DJ personalities and promotional helpers). I can tell you, this online radio station would not have began streaming without the help of: Chris “Andy” Andrew and Tony “T-Bone” Thomas for their ingenuity, Blake Dannen for introducing me to the possibilities of online broadcasting, Mr. Ed as the official radio station Voice & Imagining, “BIG AL” Miscannon for long creative phone conversations, Rob Hampton (original logo art) & Jeremy Garver (finished logo product) and every single listener, online follower, advertiser and promotional partner for believing in us.
HAMILTON DJ – Music Director / Assistant Program Director
Where are you from? Lehigh Valley PA
Tell me a little about your musical background and how you became a DJ at iROCKRADiO.ME? College radio WXLV (LCCC), FM Q100 – Hot 99.9 -WBSG – B104. College radio with Jay Hunter, we shared ideas and dreams of radio being bigger and better than FM.
What is your most memorable concert moment? Do I have to pick one favorite… Allentown fairgrounds with Motley Crue or Def Leppard or Ozzy or Bon Jovi at Stabler arena or Stone Sour or Shinedown at Musikfest. Jimmy Buffet??? Don’t make me choose.
What makes your show different from the other DJ’s at iROCKRADiO.ME? Wait…. people listen to me. REALLY? Maybe it’s the stupid news I find on the internet. Nope… I see Squirrels!!! I do supply peanut butter cups and Sam Adams… for myself.
What do you do in your spare time? Golfing, shooting, grilling, drinking, can’t leave out the Gym. NOT all at the same time.
Name 5 top bands on your personal playlist right now: I Prevail, Jellyroll, Nothing More, Autumn Kings, Wage War
What is the best part about being a DJ at iROCKRADiO.ME? DJ / MD / APD – A chance to be part of the creative process that is iROCK and playing the best music for everyone to enjoy all over the planet.
Use one word to describe Jay Hunter: “ Late “
RICK BECKER Interview & Special Programming Producer
Where are you from? Born and raised in Lancaster County, but temporarily misplaced in Saint Petersburg, Florida.
Tell me a little about your musical background and how you became a DJ at iROCKRADiO.ME? Coming of age during the Grunge explosion of the 90s, and started working as an intern at 105.7 The Edge in June of 1997, at the age of 16. I worked at that station for nine years, and that is where I met Jay Hunter, who was our promotions director. In October of 2015, at my going-away-party for my cross-country move to Arizona, Jay Hunter was there. He told me about his on-line radio station, and my first shift was Christmas Eve of 2015.
What is your most memorable concert moment? The best man at my wedding and I planned a cross-country road trip in October of 2014. As a long-time Pearl Jam fan, I thought it would be awesome to add the Austin City Limits Festival to our itinerary, since Pearl Jam was headlining. We woke up in our hotel in Kenner, Louisiana, and drove to Austin, Texas. Right before Pearl Jam was scheduled to close things out on the main stage, there was an artist on the side stage I had heard a friend say I might like.We found a spot with views of the side and main stages, and Lorde took the stage to put on one of the greatest shows I have ever seen. I didn’t know one song, but that friend who said I would like her was 100% correct. Ten years later, and Lorde is on my Mount Rushmore of artists, and I never would have gotten into her if I hadn’t seen her that night. Of course, as always, Pearl Jam was amazing.
What makes your show different from the other DJs at iROCKRADiO.ME? My background is much more in the Alternative world than the Hard Rock world. This isn’t just the music that I love, but also in my sense of humor. There is a hell of a lot of crossover between Alternative and Hard Rock, which is why I think I still fit in on the station, but a different sensibility makes my show unique. That is one of the best things about our station. We have a lot of different sensibilities and backgrounds.
What do you do in your spare time? I am a gigantic baseball fan, and I attend almost 100 games per-year, in-person. Living in Florida, I am a regular at theme parks, especially Disney and Universal. As a member of Tampa Bay GAA, I have competed over the past four years in the traditional Irish sports of hurling and Gaelic football. I love the outdoors, including running and hiking. In 2021, I became an official Boston Marathon Finisher, and I also completed the Yuma Marathon in 2019. In 2022, I hiked across Ireland on the National Famine Way to raise money and awareness for a local domestic violence charity. For almost four years, I have also hosted two different podcasts. The Irish Baseball Podcast is about to hit 100 episodes, and Tall Guy Talks Travel with Rick Dougherty is getting ready for a 200th episode. I also spend time with my wife Courtney and my cats Cassie and Róisín.
Name 5 bands on your personal playlist right now. Always: Pearl Jam, Alanis Morissette, Everclear, Lorde and The Jellybricks
What is the best part of being a DJ at iROCKRADiO.ME? In the nine years I have been with the station, I have had the opportunity to interview some incredible artists. I have talked with members of Sevendust, Sponge, Kingdom Collapse, Royal Bliss, Soul Asylum, Killer Queen, and more. Whenever I get the chance to talk to an artist about their process, I am thrilled. Living far away from the main studios, I don’t get to many of the Birthday Bashes or big concerts, but when I do get the chance, I always have an absolute blast being around the crew.
Use one word to describe Jay Hunter. Don’t say “bald.” Don’t say “bald.” Um…dedicated
MCGEE – The News Bytes (reporter)
Where are you from?
Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania
Tell me a little about your musical background and how you became a DJ at iROCKRADiO.ME? How far back are we going?! Both of my parents are huge music lovers, so I’ve been around all types of music my entire life. Fell in love with Quiet Riot as a toddler (I was born shortly before MTV went on air). Met Jay Hunter when I was 19, became an intern at the station he was working at, at the time, and he hasn’t been able to get rid of me since!
What is your most memorable concert moment? As a kid, my parents took me to see Aerosmith’s “Pump” tour. It was my very first concert. I couldn’t believe that the music I heard on the radio and on TV could sound even better LIVE!
What makes your show different from the other DJ’s at iROCKRADiO.ME? I report news with inserted sarcasm. Basically, I’m tits and they’re NOT!
What do you do in your spare time? Concerts! I’m a total beach bum too….oh, and watching home improvement shows and having completely unrealistic ideas on projects I can do in my house
Name 5 top bands on your personal playlist right now: Disturbed, Rob Zombie, Stitched Up Heart, Gojira, Jelly Roll
What is the best part about being a DJ at iROCKRADiO.ME?
Rock fam is the best whether it be our staff, our listeners, or the bands!
Use one word to describe Jay Hunter. With my big mouth?! Just ONE?! I couldn’t. Jay has always been and always will be pure magic and perfection to me. His determination, resilience, and drive cannot be matched. I’m lucky to have him as a mentor, but even more lucky to call him a friend
DANIKA WILDE
Where are you from? Leduc, Alberta Canada
Tell me a little about your musical background and how you became a DJ at iROCKRADiO.ME? I was in musical theatre and singing lessons and camps from the age of 7 to 19, I love to sing. I also occasionally use lyric writing as an outlet for mental health. I have ADHD and music has always been more than a happy place for me, eventually I joined the Shiprocked Cruise family and that’s where Jay found me. We quickly became great friends over a shared admiration for music.
What is your most memorable concert moment? Shiprocked 2020, my first year ever. I was beyond blown away by the insane level of energy at the shows, the ability to mingle with and meet your heroes and the incredible experience of your favorite band playing deck stage in the middle of the ocean. Also, the amount of love you’d feel for your SR Family.
What makes your show different from the other DJ’s at iROCKRADiO.ME? Well for one, I’m the only one in Canada but what I really hone in on is the mental health aspects of music. I try to delve into the lyrics and the meaning behind the songs for that reason. My goal is to make sure you have the catalog of tunes you need… when they are needed most.
What do you do in your spare time? Answer to an amazing 7yr old boy, other than that, I am an internationally published model with a full time career in supply chain. I am a tattoo, concert, and movie addict. Love gaming – console and PC, and have been cosplaying for a few years, and love walks with my puppers.
Name 5 top bands on your personal playlist right now: Breaking Benjamin, Sleep Token, Crossfade, Falling in Reverse, Another Day Dawns
What is the best part about being a DJ at iROCKRADiO.ME? Your boss is pretty cool, haha, but hearing new music first is awesome, as is having a worldwide platform to discuss important topics with others but also just sharing your love of music with so many!
Use one word to describe Jay Hunter: Giving
DAMIAN DJ
Where are you from? Allentown Pennsylvania
Tell me a little about your musical background and how you became a DJ at iROCKRADiO.ME? Spent most of my life going to shows. Spent my college years doing radio and not long after iROCKRADiO.ME was launched I was asked to join the team.
What is your most memorable concert moment? Back in the day seeing Metallica on the Ride the Lightning Tour. There was a massive thunderstorm overhead. The show was outside. The lightning and thunder fit perfectly with the tracks as they played it. Something I’ll never forget.
What makes your show different from the other DJ’s at iROCKRADiO.ME? I just wing it. I don’t try to be polished and professional about it. If I’m genuinely having a good moment and show, I think it translates to the listeners better for me than something overly planned out.
What do you do in your spare time? Ride my motorcycles. Work on cars, trucks and cycles, the occasional race when time and money allows.
Name 5 top bands on your personal playlist right now:Not in any order Sevendust, Steel Panther, Stone Sour, Nonpoint, Static x
What is the best part about being a DJ at iROCKRADiO.ME?
I just have fun doing it. Once in a while meeting folks out that know who we are. Last year I was at a Steel Panther show and the guy next to me saw my iROCKRADiO.ME shirt and knew who we where. We had a good time just hanging out during the show.
Use one word to describe Jay Hunter: “Slapnuts”
RJ DJ
Where are you from? That’s not an easy question for me. I was born in Orlando, Florida, raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, grew up in Tamaqua, PA.
Tell me a little about your musical background and how you became a DJ at iROCKRADiO.ME? I played the piano and guitar, for a short time, but grew up with my dad being in radio. I ended up being a DJ because Jay Hunter made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.
What is your most memorable concert moment? Meeting Matty Mullins and then being on the rail for the entire show. It was the best night!
What makes your show different from the other DJ’s at iROCKRADiO.ME?. I’m the newest and most inexperienced, lol!
What do you do in your spare time? I hang out with my dog or my son or I’m finding Live music to enjoy.
Name 5 top bands on your personal playlist right now: Memphis May Fire, From Ashes To New, Nothing More, Asking Alexandria, and Halestorm
What is the best part about being a DJ at iROCKRADiO.ME?
The music! And making connections with the other DJ’s and the listeners.
Use one word to describe Jay Hunter:. Entertaining
MONSTER DJ
Where are you from? Berwick, PA
Tell me a little about your musical background and how you became a DJ at iROCKRADiO.ME? Skillet concert+drunkenness+party bus+Jay Hunter
What is your most memorable concert moment? Chad Gray (Mudvayne) thanking me for lifting him up above the pit while he sang Happy?
What makes your show different from the other DJ’s at iROCKRADiO.ME? I have zero musical or radio background, but am a Rock Star in my own delusions
What do you do in your spare time? Successful career professional and owner of a vineyard which allows me to dedicate time to pretending to be a rock star (See above)
Name 5 top bands on your personal playlist right now: Butcher Babies, Mudvayne, Slayer, Killswitch Engage, Hatebreed
What is the best part about being a DJ at iROCKRADiO.ME? I love the listeners and hope that they are laughing at me. Or with me? Hell, just laughing.
Use one word to describe Jay Hunter: A Squirrel.
SPITFIRE
Hometown where are you from? York, Pennsylvania
Tell me a little about your musical background and how you became a DJ at iROCKRADiO.ME? I started in my 20’s going to local concerts. I became part of the scene just as a local supporter of music. I then held a job that I actually worked with two men that are part of two different bands. Jay would see me out at shows, and see how I interacted with the bands, and also the crowd. Music and shows for me were at one time my time for me, since I am a single mom. It was my release. Jay approached me at an Observe 93rd show and asked if I would be interested in becoming a DJ. I had a test with Jay while we did an Oz Fest Tribute show for Nick Myers at Lovedrafts. That was 3 years ago. Since that time, I have grown into a person who helps promote and assist bands behind the scenes. In the past year Jay has now included my son as the youngest member of the Irock crew. The crowds and bands have come to know us both.
What is your most memorable concert moment? I can’t name just one. My son Landon and I attended a Defiant show in 2022 that everyone in Lovedrafts sang happy 10th birthday to him, then Joe handed him a guitar from the stage he was playing. The other would be the last few years I got to be on the red carpet at the CPMA with Jay and also Mark. I love getting to know a musician for who they are, not just their music. Being able to announce a winner at the CPMA this past year, and the crowd response when I walked onto that stage was humbling.
What makes your show different from the other DJ’s at iROCKRADiO.ME? I am different on my show as I digest into a song. I say how the song can relate to others or what the artist was saying in their song. I also research and dig into the artist and like to give facts of who they are, or what their band is about. I promote mental health awareness and autism awareness through my show. You also get to hear my sarcasm and random voices and noises. I am after all Spitfire you either like me or you hate me.
What do you do in your spare time? In my spare time I enjoy being outside, I enjoy random drives and jamming out to music. Most of my spare time is being a mom and doing whatever activity my son is into, like the skate park. I also take time to work with special needs kids/adults, and animals.
Name 5 top bands on your personal playlist right now: Motionless in White, Ice Nine Kills, Wage War, Falling in Reverse, Black Sabbath.
What is the best part about being a DJ at iROCKRADiO.ME?
Getting to meet all the people I have met. Myself and my son have been thanked in Albums. But the best part truly, I lost my mom in Sept 2023 and I never knew how many in the music community would become family. My son has many big brothers/Uncles he looks up to that are in the bands. To be able to have many people that are now part of my daily life, becoming personal friends is not something I ever expected to happen.
Use one word to describe Jay Hunter. Hard to describe Jay with one word, but I would say charismatic.
ROOSTER
Where are you from? The small town of Sweet Valley, PA but we have no High school so I tell people the Scranton area (yes, home of The Office or if you’re a WWE fan I’m from by WilkesBarre where Vince McMahon blew up the limo). I guess I could just say Northeastern PA
Tell me a little about your musical background and how you became a DJ at iROCKRADiO.ME? I’ve always been a fan of music and I can play drums a little, guitar a bit but was a piano player for years. I became a DJ on iROCKRADiO.ME because Jay Hunter owed me $100 from a few years ago at the strip club. We also worked together years ago in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA market so he knew, as he told the Program Director back then, “he doesn’t suck” He was wrong then and now though
What is your most memorable concert moment? That’s a tough one. I’ve been to a lot of shows. I’ll pick two…finally meeting Lzzy Hale and the first time seeing Godsmack. I wasn’t a fan. Didn’t have any interest in seeing them but they were opening for Motley Crue and I was totally floored! One of the best shows I’ve ever seen.
What makes your show different from the other DJ’s at IiROCKRADiO.ME? There are 3 of us! Well, 1 and a half of us I guess. My producer who’s way funnier than me and some intern that doesn’t do anything. We just have fun…no direction, just stupidness with music mixed in.
What do you do in your spare time? I’m a dad to a 6 yr old little girl so I’m at dance, birthday parties (there seems to be one a week), getting my nails or makeup done or trying to watch sports, pro wrestling, sitting by the fire or sometimes going for a motorcycle ride.
Name 5 top bands on your personal playlist right now. Oh that’s tough because I have a huge variety. In general it’s Nickelback, The Beach Boys, Sawyer Brown, Katy Perry and Def Leppard but if I had to pick rock I’d say My Darkest Days, Nickelback, Halestorm, Godsmack and I have to go with Scranton’s own Motionless in White
What is the best part about being a DJ at iROCKRADiO.ME? Have you listened?! It’s as much fun being behind the mic as it is to listen to except we get to PLAY the music!
Use one word to describe Jay Hunter Who?
