Byron Smith is one of the youngest presenters of Kiama Community Radio at age 19, and presents the program Sonic Youth from 10am to 12pm on Sundays. His show has been live on KCR since late May 2023. 

Byron’s show focuses on the music of the 90s, however local music artists, such as Sundown, Brittony May, and Meisha and Hayden from local band Denim on Her are often in-studio guests with Byron chatting and hosting their latest music.  

The show goes deep on research and love for music, often with obscure tracks and trivia, so even people who lived through the 90s come away better informed and entertained. There is a sense of joyful discovery in the format, with Byron prepared to share even recently released unusual tracks he has found in the past week.

Byron told The Bugle he played guitar when growing up in the Sutherland Shire, and had access to his father’s large music library, which is where he first found his love for music, especially the 90s. He is starting his first year of a journalism degree at University of Technology Sydney in 2024. 

“My music influences are Talking Heads, Jeff Buckley, Japanese Punk, British Art Rock, and The Beatles,” Byron told The Bugle.

“The current music I like is Black Country, New Road, Geese, Black Midi, and all bands who are in a new generation of post-punk.

“My dream interview is David Byrne, from Talking Heads,” Byron said.