Aaron Axelsen

Audacy is proud to announce “Soundcheck,” one of the longest-running new music specialty shows in alternative rock radio history, will return to the Bay Area airwaves on the newly relaunched Live 105 (KITS-FM). Original show host and creator Aaron Axelsen will host the show every Sunday from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. PT beginning July 9.

From 1999 through 2020, “Soundcheck” was the go-to resource for new music discovery, bringing the Bay Area its weekly new music fix, including buzzworthy new bands, UK imports, indie rock, next big thing caliber artists, unsigned and independent artists and, of course, a healthy dose of local, homegrown music.

“Over the years, ‘Soundcheck’ has been instrumental in launching the careers of numerous notable artists who have achieved international acclaim. Bands like The Killers, Gorillaz, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Coldplay all received their North American commercial radio debuts on ‘Soundcheck,’” said Stacey Kauffman, Regional Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy San Francisco and Sacramento. “With Aaron Axelsen back at the helm, Sunday nights will once again become a beacon for music enthusiasts, a place to discover the sounds that will shape the future.”

“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to bring back ‘Soundcheck’ and to once again provide an important audio platform and voice for the incredible Bay Area music scene,” said Axelsen. “I’m excited to work with John Allers, Stacey Kauffman, Michael Martin, Jayn, Kevin Weatherly, Miles Anzaldo and the entire Audacy alternative team, and to resume championing new music and emerging artists to a large and passionate Northern California audience.”

Axelsen returned to Audacy concurrent with the relaunch of Live 105 in June 2023. He previously served as Music Director and afternoon drive host of the station from 1998 to 2020 when he hosted “Soundcheck” and “Subsonic,” one of the longest-running weekly electronic/EDM commercial radio shows in the country. He also currently serves as Program Director of Flood FM, a 24/7 indie/electronic digital radio station – which he created, built and launched – Head of Programming, Director of Podcasting, Artist/Label Relations for Flood Media and Anthemic Agency, and a DJ at renowned venues, concerts, music festivals and events.