Conversations with Michael and Cassandra Peel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael and Cassandra Peel.

Hi Michael and Cassandra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In January 2020, Rarity Rock Radio hosted by Michael and Cassandra Peel evolved from a local radio show to an online station playing 24/7 commercial-free on Live365. The new station features favorite under-the-radar songs and albums of the month, artist spotlights, and themed shows. Regardless of where you live around the world, you can listen to our station. Tune in online at www.rarityrockradio.fm or download the Live365 app and search for Rarity Rock Radio.

Rarity Rock Radio’s mission is showcasing under-the-radar rock gems from known artists and from artists that should be known from the past to the present. Rarity Rock Radio is about the magic of the discovery process – about music that takes you on a journey with both mainstay artists as a foundation along with new sonic landscapes in the mix for many surprises along the way.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Competing with mainstream radio for listeners, and reaching a genuine audience who is interested in finding rare gems and challenging their musical tastes can be quite the task. Also, there have been some challenges around online marketing through social media and understanding the technical algorithms of how the major platforms work.

It seems easy, but it’s actually quite labor-intensive if you want to gain traction on a post, and there is a significant time commitment involved as well. Fortunately, we’ve honed this skill well to be able to provide significant promotion for artists through our social media platforms, which helps the artists become more known with a wider audience.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Rarity Rock Radio is about the songs and artists that conventional radio missed and could connect with a wider audience along with the songs and artists that forge bold new paths for rock music on a broad spectrum. It is about music that can bring us together through both positive, uplifting anthems and introspective, thoughtful lyrics; music with a message that can challenge the audience and question our values as a society with ideas for a better way forward; and music that carries the traditions of rock forward while experimenting with new ways to connect with audiences of all ages.

Rarity Rock Radio is our night job, although it really is 24/7. During the day, Michael is a full-time doctoral student at Arizona State University. His research is focused on increasing equity and engagement as it relates to sustainability practices. Cassandra received her Ph.D. in 2019 from the University of Arizona and is a Professor of Social Work at Pacific Oaks College.

Her research is focused on the intersections of disability, chronic illness, grief, aging, and end-of-life issues. Both Michael and Cassandra have received the prestigious 40 Under 40 Award (2015 and 2020), and are most proud of our community service, progressive volunteer work, and service to others.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
People can connect with us via our email address, rarityrockradio@gmail.com to discuss specialty show opportunities and being a DJ on our station (we have several volunteer DJs on our station!), new song and album promotions for artists/musicians, as well as interviews with artists/musicians as part of their promotions.

Contact Info:

• Email: rarityrockradio@gmail.com
• Website: https://live365.com/station/Rarity-Rock-Radio-a99443
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rarityrockradio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rarityrockradio