Local musician takes to air

Valley Life editor

One local musician is getting plenty of air time on radio stations around Alaska, and he hopes that means success for others.

Josh Fryfogle released his first CD, "No Previous Record" earlier this year. He's been busy promoting the release, and one song, "Better State of Mind" is starting to capture the attention of listeners around the state.

"It's on Q99.7 and has gotten up to number seven," Fryfogle said. "Valdez just put into their rotation, and KRUA in Anchorage is getting it on the air, too."

Fryfogle said he's hoping the success of the song translates into opportunities for other local musicians.

"Some of these radio stations never play local music, and they've put it in their rotation. I'm hoping that it's opened a door that will stay open and help promote the idea that it is OK to be a local musician," Fryfogle said. "There seems to be this idea that you can't be good if you are a local musician. I don't know why people think that."

Fryfogle said while living in Mississippi, he played a couple of shows with a bunch of guys who were struggling to get played on local radio. Eventually, they got on the air and started getting into rotation.

Today, 3 Doors Down is one of the top pop bands in the country.

"It took a lot of work, but they did it," Fryfogle said. "There's no reason it can't happen to bands up here, either."

Fryfogle is hitting the pavement this summer, playing gigs at festivals and shows around the state. He said he's been amazed at the reception he's received everywhere he goes.

"It's been pretty phenomenal, to tell you the truth," Fryfogle said. "We've been working really hard the last couple of months."

Fryfogle's is playing July 7 from noon to 1 p.m. as part of the Music In The Park in downtown Anchorage. On July 9, he's playing downtown Palmer as part of Friday Flings, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

The next day, July 10, he's playing at the Talkeetna Moose Dropping Festival from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. A trip to Kodiak is next, and on July 16, he'll be appearing at El Chicano in Kodiak and at the Kodiak Bear Country Festival.

For more information, interested people can stay up to date about Fryfogle's shows dates by visiting his Web site, www.joshfryfogle.com.