WKNC receives Indies Arts Award

Steve Salevan, local music director for WKNC 88.1 FM, was honored as one of six recipients of The Independent Weekly’s annual Indies Arts Award. According to the July 16 edition of The Independent Weekly, “All of our honorees devote a significant portion of their energies—and their mission—to bringing the arts to our community.”

On the air as “DJ Stevo,” Salevan has served as WKNC’s local music director since 2005.

WKNC Local Music Director Steve Salevan works with J.C. Molet and musician Dan Bryk during a Sessions @KNC recording in February.

Steve Salevan, local music director for WKNC 88.1 FM, was honored as one of six recipients of The Independent Weekly’s annual Indies Arts Award. According to the July 16 edition of The Independent Weekly, “All of our honorees devote a significant portion of their energies—and their mission—to bringing the arts to our community.”

On the air as “DJ Stevo,” Salevan has served as WKNC’s local music director since 2005. After earning his degree in computer engineering in May, Salevan was accepted into graduate school at N.C. State.

“It’s my firm belief that we reside in one of the finest music scenes in the world here in the Triangle, and, as such, it is a tremendous honor to win this award,” said Salevan. “I’m grateful to all of the artists who have treated me so kindly over the last three years and to all of the people who have helped me to learn more about the music and culture of our local area.”

“There is something truly amazing happening right here in your backyard, something that everyone should be paying attention to, and it can ultimately change your life for the better. Take my advice: get out of your house and see some live music on a Friday night. I guarantee that you’ll never turn back,” he said.

“It’s great to see Steve get recognition for all the hard work he does to promote local music,” said Kyle Robb, WKNC general manager. Besides interviewing local bands nearly ever week on his Friday evening program, “The Local Beat,” Salevan helped the station launch the live music recording project Sessions @KNC.

Anyone who spends more than 10 minutes with Steve knows he is passionate about local music and wants as many people as possible to hear it,” said Jamie Lynn Gilbert, adviser for the student-run radio station. “It’s hard to get a bunch of radio DJs speechless, but no one can come up with the right words to express how proud we are of Steve.”

The Independent Weekly voted WKNC Best Radio Station in 2006, 2007 and 2008. The station was named Best College Radio in 2004 and 2005, as well as Best Radio for Music in 2005. WKNC also earned top awards from Spectator in 2001 and 2002.