KRTU News in San Antonio
KRTU Host Profile: Chip Ruedebusch of The Fusion Factor
Chip Ruedebusch hosted his first edition of The Fusion Factor just this past summer on July 1st - you can hear it every Saturday at 6 p.m. CST.

 

Listeners have the opportunity to explore 35 unique programs during the jazz hours on KRTU, and 15 on Indie Overnight. These originally produced, locally curated radio programs are presented by more than 40 volunteers who are passionate about music and sharing it with others. 

How and when were you first introduced to KRTU?

I was first turned on to KRTU back in the early 80’s. I had a friend, Matt Weaver, who was attending Trinity University and he told me that he had a gig on the station playing jazz. I tuned in a few times and that was it; I was hooked.

headshot of Chip Ruedebusch

What is your music background? Do you have previous experience as a radio host, musician or DJ?

Well, my father was a professional trumpet player and, even though he died when I was young, I guess I inherited some kind of musical awareness and maybe a small amount of ability. I did all the high school and college music stuff as a trumpet player and also was a member of a few bands in my later years, most recently being a three-piece jazz group that played around San Antonio a little bit.

I have no experience as a DJ or radio host at all so to have this job is really amazing. I can’t thank KRTU, and especially Kory Cook [KRTU Music Director], enough for the chance.

What do you enjoy most about being a host on KRTU?

The freedom to pick and share music that I like and that I think others would like too. 

What has been the most surprising or unexpected thing that you've experienced being a new host on KRTU?

I’d have to say that it was learning that the occasional white flashing strobe light on the desk with the mixer and the computer monitors wasn’t  a fire alarm but rather it was the phone “ringing”. Oh, and that the person on the line wanted to tell you that they were digging the tunes you were playing. That makes it even more worthwhile. 

You are also a KRTU Member, would you mind sharing why you support the station? (Or, "what makes you an independent listener”?)

I support the station because I believe in the message... delivering a wealth of great music and what I believe is a personal listening experience unlike anything else in this city.

How did you decide on the focus of your show The Fusion Factor?

When I was 12 or 13 (many, many years ago) a friend turned me on to a record by Tom Scott and the LA Express called “Tom Cat". I’d never heard anything like it and we listened to that album countless times and that's kind of where it started for me. I've been an avid listener of Fusion ever since. It was a no-brainer for me. [Click here to view the entire KRTU Program Schedule.]

What would be just three songs or albums that you would recommend to listeners as a way to get to know The Fusion Factor?

Just three? That’s the toughest question of all. Miles Davis “Paraphernalia” from Miles in the Sky. That's the first tune I played as a KRTU host. Pat Metheny, “Third Wind” from his Still Life (Talking) record and Tribal Tech, “The Big Wave” from the Illicit album. I think that these tunes would give the listener an idea of what The Fusion Factor is all about.

How do you describe fusion?  

Well, to me, it’s elements of jazz (instruments, harmonies, improvisation) mixed (fused) with rock, funk, soul, blues or ALMOST any other genre you can think of played by masters of their instruments. 

Jeanette Reynolds helped tell Trinity's story as a contributor for the University communications team.

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