Piller and Kane join Q Radio relaunch line-up

by Nikki Sandison, Brand Republic 19-May-08, 11:05

LONDON - Acid Jazz records founder Eddie Piller and stand-up comic Russell Kane have joined the line-up for Bauer's Q Radio, which is set to relaunch on June 2.

Piller will host a weekly Friday night show on Q Radio, while comic, writer and performer Kane will present a Sunday show.

Piller's slot will feature guests and anecdotes drawn from nearly 30 years in the music business, including his days as a label manager at Stiff Records and the launch of his Acid Jazz label.

His radio career started with a show on Jazz FM, before he moved to BBC Radio London and BBC 6Music, where he hosted the BBC Funk & Soul show among others.

He has compiled over 100 albums for a variety of labels including Blue Note, Salsoul, Polydor, Sanctuary and Acid Jazz.

Kane is known for a week-long stint on 'Big Brother's Big Mouth' and was nominated for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival's if.comedy award for his debut solo show in 2006.

Kane said: "It's not so often that music and comedy intersects, I intend to thrust at that crossroad with a look of delight on my face."

Q Radio's flagship show will be the daily evening show, QPM, hosted by former Xfm and BBC Two 'Desi DNA' presenter Samanthi.

She will present live music sessions, small intimate sets and tracks from emerging and established artists.

Ric Blaxill, Q Radio programme director, said: "Signing Russell, Eddie and Samanthi shows just how important personality, passion and talent will be to Q Radio.

"While these will be three very different shows, they will all share a common goal to create 'must listen' radio."

Q Radio will use commercial partnerships rather than traditional spot advertising, similar to the path already traced by its sister station Heat radio.

Q Radio currently exists as a jukebox-style digital radio station with 282,000 listeners a week distributed on Freeview, cable, satellite and online. At the time of the relaunch it will become available to listen to on DAB radio in London.