In 2011, then-local radio DJ Andrew Rowley had just left his post as host of Loudspeaker on 91X and began working in music video production, but he still felt “there was a local music void [he] wanted to fill.” So, Rowley and business partner Rob Knauf began laying tracks on tracks – recruiting musicians to play and record live on the MTS Trolley system. Soon after, A Red Trolley Show was born.
In the four years MTS and Red Trolley Show have partnered, more than 120 films have been shot, with bands as well known as Switchfoot and Iration, and as niche as Dan Croll and ManMan. No matter the footprint of the artist, Rowley is selective in his choices, and often has band management and promoters hitting him up to record a session. “I want to make sure these bands have good songs, strong performances and decent followings,” said Rowley.
There’s no rhyme or reason to when the shows occur. It often depends on if it’s a local group or a tour coming through San Diego. Once a performance has been scheduled, A Red Trolley Show will alert and clear the performance with the MTS team about when and where they will record, but the performance is often left as a surprise to riders. Each show takes about an hour to film.
At the end of the day, Rowley says he hopes the show is “something to brighten up [a rider’s] day or give them something good to Instagram!” If you’re lucky enough to jam out with the show on the Trolley, snap a photo or video and tag @sdmts and #aredtrolleyshow.
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