Left of the Dial is a weekly radio show (Weds. 5:30-7PM EST on WMPG 90.9FM Southern Maine Community Radio from USM) hosted by DJ Shaxx, celebrating the weird, wonderful, and often overlooked corners of alternative, punk, post-punk, new wave, and college rock of the 70s, 80s and 90s.This podcast goes behind the music with extended conversations featuring in-studio guests.
The legendary garage punk trailblazer, Jon Spencer, joins DJ Shaxx to discuss his 2022 album, Spencer Gets It Lit, and touring with his new band, The Hitmakers. He discusses his various musical incarnations (Blues Explosion and Pussy Galore) and the role college radio played in shaping his perspective and career.
23 Aug 2026
Sebadoh's Lou Barlow on Reason To Live
Lou Barlow (founding member of Dinosaur Jr., Sebadoh, and The Folk Implosion) joins DJ Shaxx for a conversation about his 2021 solo album Reason to Live. The album, one of his most personal, brings together various dimensions: music, marriage, fatherhood, and decades-long experiences as an indie-rocker. Barlow breaks down origins and meaning of several tunes on the record. Originally recorded and aired August 10, 2021.
23 Aug 2026
Robyn Hitchcock's secret to creative resilience during the pandemic
Punk and alternative rock legend, Robyn Hitchcock, makes a stop at the WMPG studios in Portland, ME for an interview with host, DJ Shaxx of Left of the Dial. Hitchcock discusses life during the pandemic, the progression of his expansive musical career, the connection between dreams and his lyrics and utilizing a trans-dimensional shifting gadget to explore the multiverse. Originally aired on October 20, 2021.
23 Aug 2026
Tommy Stinson returns with Cowboys In The Campfire
Punk rock troubador Tommy Stinson joins DJ Shaxx on Left of the Dial to talk about his new band, Cowboys in the Campfire, and their debut album, Wronger. Best known as a founding member of The Replacements and later a member of Guns N’ Roses, Stinson takes a different musical path with Cowboys in the Campfire, joining longtime musical companion, Chip Roberts, and blending country, rock, and the loose, ragged spirit that has defined much of his work. In this conversation, Stinson talks about the new album and what led him to this latest chapter of his musical life. Aired on August 23, 2023.
23 Aug 2026
Lee Ranaldo creates soundtrack for Salt Marsh
Sonic Youth’s Lee Ranaldo joins DJ Shaxx for a conversation about his original soundtrack for Salt Marsh, a new short film from filmmaker Tom Bell, featuring Mitchell Rasor.Ranaldo discusses creating the music for the film and the filmmaker's unique approach to utilized the piece. Originally recorded for Left of the Dial on WMPG (90.9FM in Portland, ME), this podcast features the interview with edited music. Originally aired January 7, 2026.
23 Aug 2026
Son Volt's Jay Farrar discusses Sound Signal Serenades
Jay Farrar, the singer, songwriter, and guitarist behind Son Volt, joins DJ Shaxx for an in-depth conversation about the band’s new album, Sound Signal Serenades (Released August 28, 2026). Born from the ashes of alt-country pioneers Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt has spent nearly three decades creating road-worn, heartfelt music rooted in Americana and rock & roll. In this extended conversation, Farrar discusses the making of the record and recent releases, Day of the Doug and Don't Ya Take It Too Bad. Originally recorded for Left of the Dial on WMPG, this podcast presents an edited interview.
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