CHESHIRE RADIO STATION IN BARBER SHOP (5/9/15)

    There's music coming from Cheshire Bridge Road's Fade-N-Cuts Barber Shop. That's because there is an international radio station located in the back.

     Highly Unique Radio has been on-air for more than two years and is building a great following across the world.  "We play all kinds of music," laughed HUR Owner Dwight Walker.  "we'll play yours too."

     Walker, also known as DJ Rich Black, has reasons to smile these days.  He's happy because his idea is working.  Ask him about haircuts and he might suggest a 'High and Tight', a 'Bootsie cut' or even musician Usher's hairstyle---the 'South of France'.  These days...ask him about the radio station.

     "Our goal is to 'break' new music," said Walker. "To do this, we ask for submissions.  There are many talented people out there.  Our website is designed so you can submit your music and we will play it on the station. "

     Formats include everything you would expect from a progressive radio station, from R&B, Hip-Hop, and Reggae, to Electronic Dance and World Music.

      This gives needed exposure to some artists who might have been overlooked by mainstream radio stations.  "We give them the platform for their voice.  We make radio an even playing field for the experienced or novice artist."
 

     Originally from Queens, NY, Dwight Walker moved to Atlanta in 2006 for the great weather.  A barber by trade, Walker had listened to hundreds of stations and logged as many hours listening to the same old tunes while cutting hair.

     When he learned his daughter Khalinah Walker and nephew Devonte Whitmore dreamed of having their own radio station, Dwight built them a radio station.

     "If you believe in changing the community, build it and they will come," said Dwight.   "If your product resonates, people will follow-thru and come to you. They will seek you out."

     Highly Unique Radio is currently on a big campaign to increase their audience.  But there's something else going-on behind the scenes, deep within the barber shop: excitement.

     Walker saw a lot of young people who were graduating and needed internships and a media outlet where they could refine their talents.  "There might be 3-4 internships per year at most stations, that wasn't good enough for me," said Walker, who began a radio internship program.  "...I wanted to give opportunity wherever I could create it."

      HUR is now hosted by multiple DJs in Chicago, L.A., Miami, NY and international locales where new music is shared.  "There's no defining us except to say we break new music and we are training the next generation of radio producers, DJs and technical staff."
 

     This is how it works: new artists are flocking to HUR, where they are given airplay every hour.   As audiences request the replay of songs, the artists grab the attention of big music labels.  Walker is in touch with the label owners and sends them songs that would potentially make 'hit singles'. 

     Walker knows this takes a while, and is helpful to anyone looking to find a niche for themselves in the music business.  To explore the station, visit HighlyUniqueRadioOnline.com .
 

     Along the way Walker has learned something himself:  "Today, kids give true value to music," said Walker.  Young people have valid opinions about the world and need a platform.  They are looking for music with substance."

     Highly Unique Radio is available on the TuneIn application on most cell phones. To Tune-in to the station, follow this link: TuneIn/Highly Unique Radio .
 

---Ray Macon