UPDATE: KCRW's Nic Harcourt steps down

Nic Harcourt, the music director of Santa Monica-based public radio station KCRW-FM (89.9), tells The Times he will step down Nov. 30. Harcourt has presided over KCRW's nationally known "Morning Becomes Eclectic" music program for 10 years.

Harcourt won't be completely splitting from the station -- he will continue to host a three-hour music program on Sunday evenings. "As a parent of two young children, I believe it’s time for me to explore new career opportunities and expand upon my other activities in movie, television, voiceover work, advertising and the Internet," Harcourt is quoted as saying in a statement released today.

Reached by phone in the midst of Monday's "Morning Becomes Eclectic," Harcourt says he will host the show through Thanksgiving. After that, he will concentrate on building his own business, Samluna Media. 

"It’s not the politician’s thing, like, ‘Oh, I’m spending more time with my kids'," Harcourt says. "The bottom line is I’ve been in public radio for 10 years, and regardless of how great my job is, I make public radio money, and I have two 5-year-olds. I have to think about their future ... I’m going to be busy. I’m looking forward to building some equity for myself."

Outside of KCRW, Harcourt has been active in music supervision roles in film and television. He was behind the music on the short-lived CBS series "Love Monkey" and has worked on such films as "Ice Age," "Igby Goes Down" and "Anchorman." Currently, Harcourt is serving as a music supervisor on The CW's "90210."

"It’s expanded my musical palate, to be honest with you," Harcourt says. "You can sort of get known as the cool guy at KCRW, but at '90210,' you have to find songs that will turn on an 18-year-old girl. So what we’re doing with that show is featuring artists like Rihanna, Pink, Lady Gaga and people like that. At the same time, we’re putting cool stuff in where we can. We had Stereolab in last week’s show."

With Harcourt at the helm, "Morning Becomes Eclectic," which first aired in 1977, became a nationally known brand, one that's attached to concerts, compilation CDs and music events around the country. KCRW, for instance, is one of the most prominent brands featured at the annual South by Southwest Music Conference in Austin, Texas.

"Morning Becomes Eclectic" has been instrumental in supporting the careers of a number of developing and independent artists. In this morning's statement, Harcourt himself takes credit for "introducing artists" such as Coldplay, Damien Rice, Dido and Norah Jones to a wider audience. Even before Harcourt took over "Eclectic" hosting duties from Chris Douridas in 1998, the morning show was known for helping launch the career of Beck.

Harcourt does not have a debut date for his Sunday program, which will be a three-hour show beginning at 6 p.m. It will replace the syndicated "Sounds Eclectic," which currently airs Sunday evenings as a two-hour mix of the best of the past week's "Morning Becomes Eclectic." Harcourt says there are no plans to syndicate his new Sunday show.

"It’s been a labor of love," Harcourt says of the syndicated "Sounds Eclectic." "It never really picked up that much traction."

Harcourt and "Morning Becomes Eclectic" have won praise from music industry executives. "It gives a stamp of approval that is unimpeachable,"  Jason Flom, former chairman/CEO of Capitol Music Group, told The Times last year. "People know that you can't do anything to influence Nic, other than have great music that he responds to. It's watched by lots of people throughout the industry."

In the same story, Jeff Antebi, founder and CEO of the Waxploitation label and management firm, credited the station for giving crucial exposure to his client Gnarls Barkley, whose "Crazy" became the biggest hit of 2006. "Very few programs have as big an impact as 'Morning Becomes Eclectic' on the film and TV industry, which is one of the few growth areas for music," he says.

KCRW General Manager Ruth Seymour says the non-profit is "in the process of choosing a new music director." An announcement, according to the station, can be expected in the coming weeks.

-- Todd Martens

Photo: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Wilmera72]

So excited that Nic is stepping down! Perhaps now we'll make it through a Morning Becomes Eclectic broadcast without having to hear a cover song! Also looking forward to hearing Mexican bands that are not named Kinky or Cafe Tacuba. I mean, anyone over at KCRW ever heard of Molotov?

[former KCRW angel]

"build equity for myself?"

Please.

Nic has helped himself greatly at KCRW's expense. Clearly, he's instituted a playlist that seems hard to crack, and some programs have wilted from their previous selves and some great shows got scaled back or went away altogether (chocolate city, brave new world).

Under his watch, former angels such as myself walked away. I say sayonara to Nic and his overindulgence for Shelby Lynne, Liz Phair and of course, Spaaaaaaaaaaahklehorse.

It's time for Chris Douridas, part deux. C'mon, Ruth, sack up and do the right thing!

[media person]

Before propogating inaccuracies "former KCRW angel", "Chocolate City" is still on the air (though like all shows outside of MBE...names have been dropped in favor of propogating the station as a brand) Garth Trinidad still hosts it...and if you ever hear him during a pledge drive or other times...he chose to back off from his very popular weekly schedule to devote more time to being a father.

Though many people were fans of "Brave New World" and some of the other midnight shows that were changed out for new hosts and styles, I doubt all of that decision was Nic. In the end the Prgramming Director has the final decision over the Music Director. Yes, the programming has been more "streamlined" over the years. Shows of distinct taste and genre over the years have been clearly adjusted to sound more in sync with the styles of MBE, I imagine, in conjunction with eliminating show names, to create more of a "brand" sound for the station. In part, that has proven a dissapointment to me over the decade, especially considering their hefty on-line offering, they should be able to offer more of those alternative types of programming. But I am sure, given its status as a Public Station, "branding" KCRW and making it more "commercial" has afforded it the means to have a significant outreach and offer up many formats of media and podcasts, etc. Trust me...NO ONE is getting rich over there. Every DJ is there for love of music and the medium...there is a certain opportunity for career advancement by nature of its built in audience, but not enough to use as a base for a career.

Nic also helped KCRW...they never saw as strong numbers and notoriety nationally as under Nic. Yes KCRW helped Nic, but I'm not sure how naieve many of you are...none of the DJ's there subsist (or probably could in Los Angeles) on their remuneration for working at a Public Radio station...a non-profit. Trust me, ALL public radio, no matter how popular cannot touch the financial returns of commercial work. That was part of why Chris Douridas moved on...he had an opportunity at a record label and realised it could be considered a conflict of interest.

Feel free to express your personal likes and dislikes of KCRW's programming but research the real answers rather than creating cynical fabricated "truths." I enjoy all three former Music Director's, but it cannot be denied Nic brought in a wider and younger audience than Chris ("younger" i.e. new listeners likely to become long term listeners). I am sure this consideration is a factor in Ruth Seymour and company's decision on a new Music Director and MBE host.

Glad you'll still be hosting a program Nic. I'm grateful for what music you helped expose your audience to.

[Unsubstantiated rumors]

Remember that time he tried to roofie a young girl at a bar on Main St in Santa Monica?? Scandalous! JK man, jk!

[Sean Drury]

We will miss Nic. He has energized our office throughout the years hosting MBE. Nic is also a superb interviewer with in-studio guests.

[Jonathan]

Nic Harcourt and the rest of the Yuppy drivel that KCRW represents has helped KXLU, KCSN and KPCC get my pledge money. Bring back KBLT, the best station EVER, (for those who remember, damn FCC)!! Give KCRW to the students and tell the Range Rover yups to go join a failing record company! Even better idea, bring WWOZ New Orleans to the LA airwaves..

[angry hippie]

I only listen to KCRW during the fund drive. That's when the raw
sound of money takes over completely. It's exhilarating.

[Mil Mascaras]

Now maybe "The Open Road" will get back it's opening theme song, the one that Nic shamelessly stole. (sure Nic 'asked' to use it, but what are you going to say when your Boss asks to use what you did?)

[mimi]

Congrats Nic! It's been an amazing run and I'm excited about Jason taking over. For Jason's slot, bring back Trish and Brave New World.

[Dusty]

Thanks goodness Nic is moving on. I've been listening to KCRW since the Adams Jr High basement days. Maybe now they can get back to some good diverse music in the mornings. No more pedants need apply please.

[Roger Philby]

take a look for an article about him on:

broowaha

(not sure If allowed to paste the completee URL)
says he makes $118,000 per year and he's walking away from it?
is that what "public radio wages" are?
Hey Ruth you pay real well, need a janitor or an office boy?
Roger

[louie Lopez]

Nick had a great run at KCRW. Lots of luck! Very happy to see Jason moving up. Love his show! I Listen in Jacksonville Fl.

The Sirius- XM merger has been a disaster!
Would be great if satellite radio could do a KCRW feed, Then maybe I might continue my subscription.

Satellite radio sounds like regular FM. Why pay for it?

[Lori]

Thanks, Nic, for turning me on to so much new music that I would never had heard otherwise. It's been a pleasure listening to you every morning.

[mfassett]

Great. All the "hipper then thous" are out in full force.

Look, reality is with music you'll never please everyone. Some obviously think MBE should have played more obscure artists. On the other hand, KCRW played an important role in introducing many people to music they wouldn't have heard otherwise. There is a place for a format like KCRW that is somewhere between commercial radio and traditional college radio. You don't have to like it.

I personally listen to college radio, I listen to KCRW, and I listen to other internet radio stations, depending on my mood. They all have a time. If KCRW were not around, I'd have to find another station that does something similar.

Oh, and I miss Joe Frank.

[Timber]

Good riddance to car salesman Harcourt. Sparklehorse, Star Sailor and all the rest of the My Little Pony bands were just plain despicable and embarrassing. I don't know anyone who listens to KCRW anymore; he drove everyone away. Remember how excellent their compendium CD's used to be? Way back when? I'm quite sure he was given the heave-ho, that even Ruthless Seymour had enough.

I'll give Jason Bentley a chance, but frankly, I hated Metropolis, too. But I'm sure he's smart enough to do a very different daytime show. I don't know any truth of Douridas' arrest, only that the main charge was dropped. Lonely people in the throes of divorce sometimes do stupid things.

But personal stuff aside, he was a much better music director. In his and Schnabel's heyday, the frequency on my radio never changed. Now, I listen to KPCC in the car and on my iPhone with Pandora, which is absolutely the best thing since sliced bread. I keep it pretty much on my Emmylou Harris channel.

[athena]

good luck to nic, and i'm glad he'lll still be doing a show. i read some bitter comments here, but i guess some people are spoiled. nic harcourt is and has been a breath of fresh air amidst some stale radio down here in san diego, and i'm grateful for the expansion of my music collection from listening to his and jason's shows. our local station dropped sounds eclectic several years ago due to lack of funding...what a drag. i don't blame nic for seeking more $$. btw, is 100k alot of money in southern CA for a family? not really...

[LA-Architect]

I LOVED Nic Harcourt's "Morning becomes Eclectic". I only just realized that he had left and can't say that I have been a fan of Jason Bentley, however I love KCRW and will give him a chance.

[Base In Gently]

Oh no . Nic Harcourt was a huge disappointment from day one . Horrible interviews . No clue.
But to replace him with the awful Jason Bently is a very bad idea. Listening to his drivel is even more boring than the music he thinks is good . RIP KCRW .

[carter]

Garth Trinidad remains my favorite DJ, but I've always enjoyed Nic Hartcourt's show. As before posted, San Diego radio blows... Thank god I have an analog radio that receives KCRW!

[Jay]

I am also glad he'll be leaving. I stopped listening a couple years ago because of the ego associated with that man. I pledged to the smaller stations. Him and ruth seymour have BUGGED me for sometime.