The 1990s was one of the most productive eras for local music. Many acts were riding the wave of
Nirvana, which helped popularize the alternative radio format. KWOD 106.5 was the independently-owned
alternative station for the region in the 90s and became a launching ground for several local artists'
first radio airplay. KWOD featured local acts on its Sunday night show, The Sound of Sacramento.
KRXQ also aired local bands on their Sunday night show Local Licks.
1990s Sacramento Alternative Scene
This short SacTV documentary captures key figures who helped elevate the local music scene: KWOD 106.5 Program Director Alex Cosper,
KWOD personalities such as Giles Hendriksen, Ron Givens and Peter Davis. Local music promoters Jerry Perry and Brian McKenna
as well as Deftones and LGS manager Dave Park appear at the end of the video.
Cake performs "The Distance" on Conan O'Brien, 1996
Cake began selling in the millions thank to the popularity of its 1996 modern rock single "The Distance." It was played
frequently on alternative station KWOD. It became one of the top modern rock hits of the year and propelled the band's
career. The band relocated to Berkeley and enjoyed continued success.
Oleander - Why I'm Here
Oleander started out as Jack before they were signed to Universal Music Group circa 1996. "Why I'm Here" was a national
top ten hit on Billboard's Modern Rock chart in 1999.
Cause and Effect - It's Over Now
This electronic pop group made a splash in the early 90s after getting signed to major label BMG's subsidiary label
Zoo Entertainment. Their single "You Think You Know Her" made the national top 40. After the
death of keyboardist Sean Rowley, singer Rob Rowe continued with another BMG album called Trip in 1994 featuring
"It's Over Now." Several of the group's songs were played regularly on alternative station KWOD.
Tattooed Love Dogs and Ninety Nine Tales (Live 1999)
Tattooed Love Dogs and Ninety Tales were two of the Sacramento's leading bands at the turn of the 21st century. This SacTV.com video presents both bands from an April 3, 1999 show
at Old Ironsides in Sacramento. Ninety Nine Tales, introduced by Michael Blanchard, perform "Diamond' and then Tattoed Love Dogs perform "Play To Run."
Read more.
Sacramento Music Scene 1998, Crest Theatre with Jerry Perry
Many Sacramento local bands of the late nineties are mentioned in this SacTV video in which Jerry Perry announces a long lineup of great local talent
for a show at the Crest in November 1998.
Read more here.
Deftones perform "Be Quiet and Drive" on Conan O'Brien, 1998
Deftones began getting airplay on KWOD in 1995 with early singles "7 Words" and "Bored." By the end of the decade
they were playing for large audiences around the nation. In this clip they performed their 1998 single "Be Quiet and Drive"
on Conan O'Brien's show 4/20/98.
Cinema - "Never Be the Same," 1994
Cinema's singer is Brad Adams, who was well known to the KWOD 106.5 audience when this video was made in 1994. Uploaded by
musicsmartstudio on YouTube.
Dutch Falconi - "Dinner Show" @ Crest Theater, 1993
Dutch Falconi & His Orchestra brought back swing to Sacramento in the 90s. Here they perform "Dinner Show" at the sold out Crest Theater.
Uploaded by goldendawne on YouTube.
Billy Raniey - Laura Ingle interview - KZAP solo guitar contest, 1991
Laura Ingle interviews Billy Raniey about a 1991 KZAP guitar solo contest. Uploaded by Mvptv4u on YouTube.
Greg Williams is also shown as a contestant.
