ACRN Radio Residency

For the first release of the 2026-2027 school year, ACRN gives you Quickstep! Quickstep is an Athens-made, three-piece punk band whose message couldn’t be clearer, “f**k fascism!” Emerging from an epic debut at the legendary Prim Fest, the band’s influence has rapidly spread throughout Athens and recently landed them a show in Columbus. Get ready for the fast, biting, gnarly punk riffs and grooves broken up by the funny stories and vulnerable confessions featured on this 12-track Radio Residency!

ACRN’s 10th Radio Residency brings Space Kid into the station for a singular performance and captivating interview. This 3-piece garage-rock band from Columbus has taken over the Athens music scene since arriving at Ohio University as freshman this fall. In this episode, the trio dives deep into their history with different record labels - most recently Brick City Records - and even plays us some unreleased material. You won’t want to miss this one. Tune in!

Tune in to ACRN’s 9th Radio Residency as Voxglove takes over the studio for an intimate session of original tracks and candid conversation. Dreamy and raw, this second collaboration with Brick City Records is sure to catch your ear. We sat down with Voxglove to dig into their creative process, influences, and what's next. Crank it up.

For the eighth installment of the Radio Residency series, ACRN teams up with Brick City Records for our first-ever label collaboration, spotlighting Hxnnah, one of BCR's '25-'26 signees and an artist you need to know. With dreamy harmonies, emotionally direct lyricism, and a sound that blurs genre lines, Hxnnah brings a fresh, captivating voice to the scene - now joined by her newly formed live band for a bold new take on her music. Tune in to hear exclusive performances, learn more about her creative journey, and get a sneak peek at her upcoming EP, slated for release this April.

For the seventh installment of the Radio Residency series, ACRN proudly presents Twerp! This elusive Athens band—long treated as more rumor than reality—finally steps into the spotlight to answer our burning questions. And trust us: you won’t believe what they shared. Between drama-soaked stories from the members themselves, the group dishes out some of the driest, tightest rock ’n’ roll the local scene has heard in years—and even surprises us with an extra track. This final episode of the semester is an absolute must-listen. Tune in!

FUTZ, short for Fuzzy Nuts, has provided the Athens Underground scene with some certified bangers. From performing house shows in the nude to bringing chaos to the Union, FUTZ is an unknown, but highly sought-after, quantity. Tune in to ACRN’s 6th episode of its Radio Residency series for a face-melting mash-up of shoegaze, punk, and emo.

In ACRN’s first Radio Residency of the 2025-26 academic year, the production team brings in Zappers – local 5-piece grunge/prog/punk mashup. This goofy gaggle of musicians got their start just one year ago at ACRN’s Battle of the Bands show – and they have since become a well-known name within the Athens music scene. Their recent popularity has led them to giving out-of-town performances and even a feature on OU’s own Fridays Live. A wide range of influences – from jazz to prog to metal to punk – gives Zappers a unique sound and fills a niche in the local scene. Tune in to this month’s episode for a more-than-healthy share of dirty riffage, heavy-hitting grooves, and face-melting guitar solos.

In this fourth episode of ACRN’s Radio Residency, the crew brings in the inspiring J-Tolb. This Ohio rapper sets himself apart from the rest with his extraordinary authenticity and relatable messaging, while not being held back from delivering hard-hitting bars. His old-school beats, clever rhymes, and light-hearted nature are sure to leave you a fan. It’s no wonder why J-Tolb has found himself a deal with Brick City Records and a dedicated fanbase in Athens, OH. Tune in to this month’s wisdom-packed episode to learn not only more about J-Tolb, but also more about yourself!

ACRN’s third episode of the Radio Residency Series brings Athens musician, Jillian Kay, into the station for an intimate live performance and captivating interview. Earning a deal with Brick City Records and playing dozens of local shows has solidified Jillian as a staple of the Athens music scene. Her powerful lyrics, delicate vocals, and high level of songwriting are sure to leave you stunned. Tune in to this month’s episode to hear one of Athens’ best musicians and learn how she’s become an empowering, female role model within the scene.

ACRN’s second episode of the Radio Residency Series welcomes Athens-born band Plant Clones to the recording studio. Having played shows like the annual festival Lobsterfest and solidifying their presence as a staple of the Athens music scene, Plant Clones are set to deliver a set you won’t soon forget. Dive into an exploration of the group’s music with an accompanying interview delving into their sonic inspirations, background and plans for the future. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear a live set and interview from one of Athens’ biggest bands!