It's no secret KROQ runs the show when it comes to alternative radio, as they have for the better part of 30 years now. Commanding the largest audience of any alt station in the U.S. (New York has long struggled to maintain a flagship station inside the format), along with residing in what's arguably the genre's post-grunge Mecca, the station wields an immense power in launching records, spiking sales, and perhaps, most importantly, acting as a strong influence to stations in lesser markets. Meaning if KROQ (shout out to former KROQ PD and REVOLT co-founder, Andy Schuon) adds a song, you bet more than a few will follow.
As such, in the politics of "the biz,” it's in the best interest of just about any artist and label to "kiss the ring" if you will, and this year, the radio kings have really outdone themselves, with some of the biggest names in rock bowing down to gain favor by playing the behemoth's long-running holiday concert, Almost Acoustic Christmas.
