"Searchlight" is a short form radio piece on PRX (Public Radio Exchange) as a special bonus feature of the "In Search of a Song" radio series with host Jason Wilber. Jason Wilber is a journeyman guitarist, singer, and songwriter, travelling the world accompanying John Prine as his longtime lead guitarist. He has also played extensivley with Greg Brown, Iris DeMent, Todd Snider, and Hal Ketchum, as well as his own concerts. From Carnegie Hall to Red Rocks to Massey Hall and David Letterman to th...
"Searchlight" is a short form radio piece on PRX (Public Radio Exchange) as a special bonus feature of the "In Search of a Song" radio series with host Jason Wilber. Jason Wilber is a journeyman guitarist, singer, and songwriter, travelling the world accompanying John Prine as his longtime lead guitarist. He has also played extensivley with Greg Brown, Iris DeMent, Todd Snider, and Hal Ketchum, as well as his own concerts. From Carnegie Hall to Red Rocks to Massey Hall and David Letterman to the London Palladium, Jason’s performed in all 50 States, and globally all over Canada, Europe, and the UK.
"Searchlight" highlights a song by, and an interview with an up and coming artist. In Search of a Song is a nationally syndicated radio series that interviews artists about their lives and songwriting. Examples: Todd Rundgren, Steve Earle, Arlo Guthrie, Sam Bush, Peter Rowan, Del McCoury, John Prine, and many more.
In Search of a Song: Todd Rundgren
Searchlight: The Weed Garden
This version of the artist's "Searchlight" interview and a full song by the artist will also be added to "Search Party" VIP bonus section of the In Search of a Song website and promoted in their email newsletter and blog. "Searchlight" is distributed by PRX (Public Radio Exchange) and is available to listeners and affiliate stations worldwide.
Since beginning the “Searchlight” contest, In Search of a Song has had over 2 million hits on their website and nearly 40,000 visits to their radio series (of the same name) on PRX. Radio stations have picked up the Searchlight feature as a stand alone program.
The producers guarantee to select at least three Sonicbids artists per quarter (one per month) to be featured on the monthly special "Searchlight" feature on PRX, and on their website. Artists in the Acoustic, Americana, Bluegrass, Folk, Pop, Rock, and Singer/Songwriter genres are encouraged to submit.
Each "Searchlight" interview is punctuated by the monthly chosen musical selection from their guest's recording catalog. Artists who are affiliated with a performing rights society like BMI, ASCAP, or SEASAC may receive royalties if their episodes are broadcast by radio stations. Artists must agree to a standard release allowing their interview to be used on the show, and must provide the featured song to be available as a free download to In Search of a Song website VIP members. Chosen artists must provide an updated bio, and be available short for a telephone interview in a timely fashion. The producers also reserve the right to include, or not to include, certain of these chosen artists as a special feature of a regular "In Search of a Song" episode for broadcast, and also featured on PRX.
2012 winners include:
January 2012: Becky Warren 'The Great Unknowns'
February 2012: Paul Barsom 'The Weed Garden'
April 2012: Ryan Tennis
June 2012: Dan Stevens
Here's a link to our first year featured full length show about our Sonic Bids / Searchlight monthly winners.
In Search of a Song is broadcast weekly on terrestrial radio at 91.3FM WFHB in Bloomington, Indiana, WNKU in Cincinnati, Ohio - Northern Kentucky, WHEE in Martinsville, Virginia, KGLT Boseman, Montana, WGDR Central Vermont, KMXT Kodiak, Alaska, KZYX Mendicino County, California, KHNS Alaska, WCAI 90.1 and WNAN 91.1, Northeast Indiana Public Radio Fort Wayne, IN, the Cape and Islands serving Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and the south coast, KVM.