A spark of thought and a computer IEEE port, these two things collided a little over a year ago to create the popular program called UMTV, otherwise known as Underground Music Television. I spoke with Rich, the show’s producer and got the some background.

UMTV aired in December of 2001 on Syracuse Time Warner Cable Access TV. Quite a departure from the usual public access fair the concept took off almost immediately. Already the program has expanded it’s area to Ithaca/Cortland and Rich is pursuing other areas, such as Utica, Binghamton, Rochester, Watertown, and any other upstate markets he can connect with.

Rich came up with his on air talent as spontaneously as he did the concept for the show. The host of UMTV is Wonderbread, a hockey teammate and occasional opponent. Rich was discussing the idea for the show and thought his outgoing associate would work well, another spur of the moment concept that has worked out well. The name? Well, that was another off-the-cuff inspiration. The two hadn’t discussed the host’s on-air name and when the camera started rolling, and out came the moderator’s alter ego. It is based on a song from a friend of "Mr. Bread’s" (or do I say Wonder, I don’t know).

Currently, Rich is using Vegas Video for editing and recently started studying Adobe Premiere. Although still on the learning curve, he hopes to migrate towards the new software in the very near future. He also uses Adobe After Effects for all that great "stuff" you see in the videos.

Along with on-air talent, Rich has a two person crew; jermi and christl (aka the Day Glo Crazies. It is a symbiotic work relationship, they get help with video and audio production and Rich gets in-trade support. But mostly its a way to keep up with the local scene and have some fun too. To date, most of the shoots have been primarily live gigs, recording off the PA board and using the live footage. He has been able to do some more controlled style videos which helps with the planning process.

As with all video production, there have been some technical challenges. The band Peep’s video took almost 23 hours to render. With only a few minutes remaining, the power went out and the process had to start all over again. Since Rich is doing the bulk of the production work the schedule can be tight. He may shoot footage and not use it for up to three weeks or he may use what he has shot for that week, depending on how things go. Basically, he shoots the stuff as he can get it and edits on a schedule that doesn’t compromise the final product. Right now he’s starting to edit footage from Cliff Diver, Born Again Savages, and a shoot he did in a controlled practice set the week before we spoke.

Money is always a concern, public access doesn’t allow obvious advertising. The show requests a very small fee for its services to help with the production costs. Rich is also starting application procedures for grants. The web site has cultivated a couple of sponsors that also help with revenue. All of the previously mentioned methods should eventually lead to better equipment and maybe some genuine income.

Rich would like to get more blues and other genres involved in his video production, but so far it has been tough. The promotion for the show has in and of itself been very well received. DogsOn Mars, Caroline Blue, Flashing Astonishers, and even the Day Glo Crazies (see August 2002) themselves have made short promos for the program.

If you can’t get to Syracuse or Ithaca the UMTV webs site is loaded with great content. You can catch footage from the bands mentioned previously and also from Dustin Dwyer Band, the new band Popstain, Thrown To Tragedy, Utica rockers Redrum and Mark Werchowski (which was a self-submittal), and loads of others.

If you’re interested in submitting a previously produced video or want to have one made go to the site’s contact page for format requirements and to contact the show. Performance clips are a unique and professional addition to any promo package and short footage on a web site is still very hot, even in the year 2002.

Definitely check this one out. The show has all the ingredients for needed – it supports the local scene, introduces and promotes bands, and is also a lot of fun.
--The Dude

Back To Top