Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Krave.
Chris, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When I was a 13 years old I bought an AM Radio Transmitter from a magazine. The directions stated “due to FCC Rules” the antennae could be no more than three feet long. There was always plenty of wire around my house so I climbed the tree in front of my bedroom window as high as I possibly could with about 30 feet of wire or more. I heard myself on the radio for the first time that day. I wanted to see if others could hear so I offered a giveaway; I told listeners I was giving away a free car to the 10th caller. No one called, had they of called they would have won a Hot Wheels, but I was hooked. While in college (for the wrong degree) I often applied at a radio station in Waco for any position available but was never called for an interview. I had pretty much given up on being on radio.
During the summer of 2011 Krave Radio began as a hobby in a single car duplex garage. We barely had a website, our music was all over the place, and we likely had one or two listeners at any given month. We did; however, hold the very first Kravefest within a month of our launch in Ft. Worth.
During a trip for a relaxing weekend with close friends in east Texas the idea of what Krave Rock was to be came down like a ton of bricks. My best friend was a rock musician and by chance one of his songs played on the station followed by a nationally known artist. He expressed to me how that made him feel, that HIS music was playing alongside artists which inspired him.
I went home later that weekend and removed all “non-rock” from our playlists and began reaching out to independent artists. We also began broadcasting live music from venues in Ft. Worth. Ft. Worth remained the home of Krave Radio until 2014. Realizing the amazing talent and venues in Dallas the move was made to Deep Ellum as we began broadcasting live music from The Curtain Club and Trees.
The station began to gain national attention due to my relationships with management companies and bands around the country. Late summer through fall of 2016, Krave Radio traveled as far north as Michigan and as far west as LA. While we had begun venturing out of the Dallas area, we wanted to make sure we took care of our local scene and held the first ever KMA’s (Krave Music Awards) in the summer of 2016, making us the largest supporter of local music in the area.
2017 would be another year of change and growth. Kravefest 2017 was our first two day festival and the first to be sponsored by a national company. The early fall of 2017 saw yet another change, Krave Radio would change its name to Krave Rock, all shows would but one would be dropped and a new show was added to help us gain an east coast audience. We also added a sister station, Krave Country, with the same model as the rock station.
On a few occasions Krave Rock has been named “Best Rock Station” and “Best Metal Station” by our licensing company. Krave Rock now boasts one of the largest libraries of independent and signed Rock, Alternative, and Metal artists from all over the English speaking world.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has definitely not been easy. Internet radio is still fairly new and misunderstood. Just as this began as a hobby for me there are others that have done the same so at times it is difficult for companies and some artists to decipher who is toying and who is trying.
One of my greatest struggles is turning down music. I would love to play everyone’s music but unfortunately there are some, although I know they put their heart and soul into their art, cannot be played. It’s a situation I try to handle with delicacy and tact.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Krave Rock specializes in today’s best rock. Whether it is independent artists or signed. 24/7 and currently commercial free. We have three shows on the station. These shows showcase and interview bands from all over the world. They’re quality, entertaining, and professional.
We’re often called on by Dallas musicians for assistance in booking shows outside of DFW, and vice versa. We’ve often assisted and/or hosted touring bands while in Dallas. I’ve been able to interview some of the bands I’ve listened to and admired for many years. I’ve met some really great people, I’ve been able to go to places in the country I never thought I’d travel to.
I have been invited to attend the Rock Radio Convention and Awards next month in Last Vegas and very much look forward to representing Krave Rock, the city of Dallas, and independent artists all over. We are very involved in our community. We’ve donated to various charities throughout or existence.
We’ve also held toy drives for children in Dallas/Ft. Worth hospitals during the Christmas holiday. Currently we are working with Humane Societies and ASPCA’s across the country to provide homes for pets. It is a program we call KravePaws.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up in a very large family I was exposed to all types of music, big band, country, rock, and of course the eighties. Although I never played an instrument I did get involved in choir and men’s glee club. I was constantly in trouble in school. I was the silly kid, the loud one. I was the type to always want to entertain or show off. This lead to many scrapes and bruises, maybe a few scars as well, but to me it was always worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kraverock.com
- Email: info@kraverock.com
- Instagram: @kraverock
- Facebook: @kraverock
- Twitter: @krave_rock
Image Credit:
Credit to Brittany Williams for picture with me looking like I’m talking about a spicy meatball on stage and a guy in the background photobombing with rocker hand “devil horns” while holding his guitar (Terry Kimmel – Awake In Theory)
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
