‘Morning Becomes Eclectic’ Names New Hosts
• Santa Monica College’s legendary music discovery station KCRW keeps it in the family, introducing two current staffers as the new hosts of the station’s flagship music program, Morning Becomes Eclectic (MBE), weekday mornings from 9am-noon PT: Novena Carmel and Anthony Valadez are set to take over in January. This marks the first time two hosts will lead MBE.
The announcement was made by KCRW President Jennifer Ferro and Program Director of Music Anne Litt (pictured), who has hosted MBE since last September after Jason Bentley left. “Music is part of the genetic code of KCRW,” said Ferro. “Our approach to this important role of MBE host was to really push the boundaries of what it means to be a DJ in today’s on-demand world. Novena and Anthony, together, make a powerful and joyful duo who will help KCRW be where the people are and share the magic of KCRW music. With these new hosts plus Anne Litt solidly at the helm of our strategy we are ready to define a new era in music.” As Variety notes, the decision to elevate Carmel and Valadez “caps a year-and-a-half-long search. Previous hosts, including originator Tom Schnabel, Chris Dourides, Nick Harcourt and more recently, Jason Bentley, had each spent a decade or more as MBE host since the show debuted in 1979.”
The San Francisco-born Carmel has sung in a number of L.A. bands, and is the daughter of Sly Stone, of Sly & the Family Stone legend. Valadez has worked at KCRW since 2008 following local stints at KCSN, KPFK and KROQ and was voted “Best Club DJ” by L.A. Weekly readers in 2016. He was also host and co-producer for three seasons of Fuse TV’s Crate Diggers. Carmel commented, “I feel ecstatic and a bit like I’m dreaming. I greatly admire Anthony’s work and what I would call his ‘creation ethic;’ he seems to never stop creating and finding inspiration for creativity everywhere. We already have a lot of fun and exciting ideas for the show, and I’m so looking forward to collaborating more with the KCRW team and connecting with the listeners.” Valadez said, “I’m excited to wake up with L.A. and Novena. She’s my best friend, but what I admire the most is her ability to stay positive and always add perspective.”
“I am so excited to pass the torch of MBE to Novena and Anthony,” said Litt (left), who in 2019 was named KCRW’s first female Program Director of Music and host of MBE. “Novena is pure joy and Anthony is the heart and soul of Los Angeles. Together, they will explore fresh, new ways to reach music lovers globally.”
Litt will continue to host MBE until after the New Year, and then remain an on-air presence with her own show; time and day TBD. As she prepares to hand over hosting duties, Litt notes, “It’s been a privilege to have been with you during these challenging times. I leave MBE in the most capable of hands, and am truly excited to see our new co-hosts in action.” [Carmel/Valadez photo by Larry Hirshowitz; Anne Litt photo by Jason Kramer]
