Do502's 10 Questions with... John Timmons

If you look up "music" in the dictionary, you probably would not be surprised if you found a photo of John Timmons there. After all, John IS music. From working at numerous local record stores to starting what was (and still is) arguably Louisville's most iconic record shop, ear X-tacy, to sharing his musical taste and knowledge with you on radio station WFPK, John Timmons has spent his life in Louisville doing what he loves - providing music to the masses.

Photo: Ron Fisher

In addition to all that "records & radio" stuff, Timmons is also the founder of the "Keep Louisville Weird" campaign, co-founder of the Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA), and on the board of directors for several music associations.

John Timmons retired from his daily midday radio show on WFPK earlier this year. But he's back on the air at WFPK beginning this weekend with a new weekly show titled, wait for it: "ear X-tacy". 

With his extensive local background, we thought John Timmons would be a perfect candidate for this feature!

Do502's “10 Questions with… John Timmons”

Before opening my store in 1985, I was selling records out of my apartment and around the Midwest at record shows. I also had a mail order catalog. It operated under the name of John’s Records. Not the best name for a store, so I somehow came up with ear X-tacy instead. First of all, I’m a huge fan of the band XTC. I was afraid they might sue if I called it EARXTC. So I opted for ear X-tacy instead. Besides the band’s influence on the name, it also means the sensation you get when a song might give you goose bumps. Or chills. Music that strongly connects with your head and heart, touching your soul. IYKYK.

3) What’s your greatest memory from your ear X-tacy days?

There are so many great memories from the store days. It would be hard to name just one, so I’d have to go with in-store performances from Foo Fighters, My Morning Jacket, and John Mayer fixing the men’s toilet before his performance. True story.

4) What are your musical influences?

My musical influences originated with my brother Mark who is 4 years older than myself. Growing up in the ‘60s I was privy to his record collection….. British invasion as well as music from the States. AM radio had a lot of influence as well. My 9-volt transistor radio was with me constantly.

5) Favorite concert(s) you’ve ever seen?

It would be hard to narrow it down, but one that really sticks in my mind would be seeing Queen with Thin Lizzy opening at Louisville Gardens. Ticket price? $6.50… I complained. Seeing Tom Petty at his first Louisville performance at Memorial Auditorium for $1.02 was amazing. Seeing My Moring Jacket in NYC at the Bowery Ballroom would have to be included. They were so good they brought tears to my eyes. Seeing the hometown band just kill it in the big city was over the top for me.

6) What would have been your “ultimate fantasy” dream tour that you’d like to have seen?

Without a doubt, seeing The Who at their University of Leeds show in the UK Valentine’s day, 1970. Although I’ve see the Who in concert before, never with the original lineup. Their album, "Live At Leeds" is hands-down my favorite live album. If only I could have been there.

7) What is a song you wish you had written?

Tom Petty’s “Wildflowers”

8) What is your favorite and/or least favorite part of being on the radio?

The best thing about being on the radio is the ability to share music with listeners. It’s similar to sharing music at the record store. Playing my favorites is priceless.

9) What do you like to do with your downtime?

In my downtime I delete hundreds of emails at a time.

10) What’s something we haven’t asked you that you wish we would?

“Are you going to open another store?” Actually, thanks for not asking. The answer is NO. It could never be as good as you remember it. Instead, go support any one of many indie record shops in town.

You can contact John at Louisville Public Media. Email him at [email protected]