Tag Archives: John Reis

Swami Sound System Finds a New Home

Less than two months after ending his tenure at FM 94/9, local DJ John Reis (aka Swami) has found a new home on Slacker Radio.

Reis spent seven years hosting FM 94/9’s weekly Swami Sound System show, which showcased his encyclopedic knowledge of underground punk, reggae, psychedelic, blues, and soul. He decided to hang up his turban back in January, citing fatigue and time constraints. But those who were dismayed by his sudden departure now have cause to rejoice.

San Diego-based Slacker Radio today announced its new, all-caps SWAMI SOUND SYSTEM station, which will be programmed and hosted by Reis. The resurrected SSS promises the same musical obscurities and “zany monologues” that fans have come to expect, but will usher the show into the 21st century, thanks to the online station’s newfangled ability to stream to any computer, smartphone, or other internet-connected device. Continue reading…

Mrs. Magician Announce Release of Debut Album

San Diego’s Mrs. Magician have announced the release of their full-length debut, Strange Heaven, on John Reis’ Swami Records label. The 13-track album — which was produced by Reis — will drop on April 17, but if you can’t wait until then, a digital download will be available beginning on March 6.

In support of Strange Heaven, Mrs. Magician will be embarking on a cross-country tour with Cults, whom you might remember from our fancy Best Albums of 2011 list or the writings of lesser-known publications like Spin, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, etc.

The tour will begin on the East Coast and move west, but Mrs. Magician will actually play two San Diego dates: the first with Cults at the Belly Up on March 21, and the second with Reis’ band Hot Snakes at the Casbah on March 27. If you like good music, you’ll probably want to catch both shows.

You can view the tracklist for Strange Heaven below, along with Mrs. Magician’s complete list of tour dates. Continue reading…