Meet the Woman Behind San Diego’s Actual Listen Local!
So, funny story: I have been using “Listen Local” as a little tagline for our local music guides, thinking I was simply being cute and supportive of San Diego artists.
Then Cathryn Beeks dropped into my inbox with the kindest possible version of: “Hello. Hi. That is actually my thing.”
And she was right. Listen Local is her brand, her radio show, her longtime community project, and yes, trademarked. So naturally, I had to plead the fifth on accidentally borrowing the name and immediately apologize like the accidental imposter I was.
But in the process, I learned more about what Cathryn has been building for San Diego’s music community for decades, and knew she was perfect for this series! So instead of a branding beef, we went enemies-to-lovers on y'all and teamed up to do the thing we both really care about: amplifying San Diego’s local music scene.
So here we are. A full-circle Local’s List, starring the actual Listen Local.
Cathryn Beeks, founder of LISTEN LOCAL, has been serving San Diego’s local music community since 2003 — producing podcasts, web shows, music festivals, songwriter showcases, kids’ shows, cookbooks, calendars, music compilations, camping events, and a monthly blog to help share the music being made right here in San Diego. What an icon!
Besides being a local music advocate and singer/songwriter, Cathryn also peddles in vintage and secondhand clothing, photography, mixed media art, filmmaking, and voice-over services. You can contact her at [email protected].
Point being: if anyone gets to make a list about where San Diego musicians should submit their music, it is absolutely Cathryn.
THE LOCAL'S LIST is our weekly series where we tap locals to share their favorite spots, personal recs, and the kind of tips you usually only get from a friend.
Every Friday, new person, new subject, and sometimes a public apology disguised as a feature.
A note from Cathryn:
Hi, Cathryn Beeks from Listen Local here. Thanks to Faye from DoSD for inviting me to share my Local’s List. The topic I’ve selected is San Diego radio shows and podcasts that feature local music and I’ve compiled a list of most of them — if I missed you, let me know! — and included info on how you can submit YOUR music to each host.
I know these hosts personally and can attest that they LOVE our local music scene, and they each go above and beyond to help shine a spotlight on their favorite music makers. Each show has its own vibe, so just click and listen to discover the type of music they feature. From streaming shows to interview formats and even terrestrial radio, San Diego has got you covered, whether you’re a local musician endeavoring to get your music out there or a music lover trying to discover new music. Go forth and explore!
Here are Cathryn’s picks for San Diego radio shows and podcasts featuring local music:
Host/Curator: Cathryn Beeks
Produced: Monthly
Contact: [email protected]
Submit Music: Submit songs here
The original. The Listen Local Show has been sharing local original music in San Diego since 2004, with each song introduced by the music maker via an audio intro message. Deadline to submit is the 25th of each month.
Host/Curator: Producer Chris
Produced: Weekly
Contact: [email protected]
Submit Music: Email Producer Chris for submission instructions. Please do not send links to streaming sites; the radio station needs authorized releases.
Since 2013, Chris Carmichael has produced a weekly three-hour San Diego artist show every Sunday from 4–7 PM. The show focuses on San Diego County artists across all aspects of music, balanced with Americana. Listen on KPRI 91.3 FM in North County or stream worldwide. Weekly submission deadline is Tuesday at noon Pacific.
Host/Curator: Tim Pyles
Produced: Weekly
Contact: [email protected]
Submit Music: Send WAV files to Tim by email.
Listen: Thursday 11 PM–12 AM on KXFM 104.7 FM in Laguna Beach and Monday 9–10 PM on KNSJ 89.1 FM in Descanso.
Stomping Grounds features local music from Southern California, San Diego, Tijuana, and Orange County — in that order. A great one for discovering what is moving through the region’s independent music scenes.
Host/Curator: Gary Lee
Produced: Weekly
Contact: [email protected]
Submit Music: Contact Gary on Instagram or via email.
Music Makers San Diego is a weekly interview and performance podcast featuring San Diego-area songwriters and their music. Each guest performs three original songs during the conversation, making it a great listen for people who like hearing both the songs and the stories behind them.
Host/Curator: Ramona Radio
Produced: Live on iOS and RamonaRadio.com
Contact: [email protected]
Submit Music: Submit here
Ramona Radio is an Americana radio station featuring 75%+ San Diego music. It is free to advertise, free to submit, and free to listen — which feels like exactly the kind of local music math we love to see.
Are you a San Diego musician?
Bookmark this one. Send your music. Follow the submission instructions. Do not make the hosts chase down your streaming links. We are all being professional and charming now.
Got another local music show we should know about?
If Cathryn missed one, let her know — and let us know too.
Email us at [email protected] (subject: LOCAL MUSIC SHOWS) and put us on.
More Local Picks
This guide is part of The Local's List — a series where we ask people who actually live here to share their favorite spots, routines, resources, and opinions about the city.
Know someone who should be featured?
Nominate someone (or yourself) to share their favorite spots around town.
