VENOM combines the personal interaction and shared musical community of traditional radio with the customization and efficiency of streaming services to provide a unique platform for listeners, broadcasters, and artists to connect. We host a variety of live streams showcasing genres from mainstream hits to film scores, and the content is controlled by our listeners. When listeners haven’t selected any music, our innovative algorithms design playlists from our hand-cultivated library for each stream. In addition, several members of our team host podcasts and write blogs. We thrive on interaction!
Our Team
We have combined some of the most talented, innovative, and entertaining people to form VENOM. Each member brings a unique skill set to the table and is an integral part of our family.
Shane Lowe: Founder
Louisville, Kentucky.
I am the Swiss army knife of VENOM. I’ve served in various technical and administrative roles since I was 13 years old, but it’s been my dream to run a network like VENOM since I was certified to broadcast on terrestrial radio at age 10. I got my start reviewing underground gangsta rap at a small station run by one of our local schools, but after I let 10 or 15 curse words slide, they fired me to avoid repercussions from the FCC.
With my radio career in Jeopardy, I started podcasting at age 11. My first ever episode was an interactive review of a game that had come out seven years prior, and during the show I admitted that I couldn’t actually play the game without cheat codes. I’d like to think I’ve come a long way since then, with nearly ten years of radio experience under my belt and more than half that in radio management. I’ve co-directed stations based out of New York City and the United Kingdom, and worked on numerous audio engineering projects outside of those.
Beyond your speakers, I’ve served as a delegate on the International Congress of Youth Voices, co-authored the anthologies We Can Hear You Just Fine, and What We Seek and represented the young people of my state as an advisor to Kentucky’s Commissioner of Education. VENOM is the culmination of all of this. It is my opportunity to work with the most ideal team imaginable to present a product we all believe in.
When I’m not driving myself into the ground, I play with my six-year-old son, the most charismatic person I know. You’ll probably hear him around several of our streams. I also enjoy reading, attending concerts, and playing percussion.
Tyler Littlefield: Systems Administrator
Boston, Massachusetts
Precious Perez: Marketing Director
Boston, Massachusetts.
I am a classically trained pop R&B vocalist/songwriter currently pursuing a double major in music education and vocal performance at the Berklee College of Music. I am the founder and front woman for my band called Precious Moments, and I have an album titled Hummingbird out on all streaming services. My goal as an artist is to make a difference through doing what I love and showing the world that blind people are as capable as everyone else. I want to inspire future generations to pursue their dreams and be successful in the same way that I have, and to embrace diversity along with the intersection of their various identities that makes them who they are. As a proud Puerto Rican, I want to spread love, passion, and music across cultures. I am honored and proud to serve as VENOM’s Marketing Director, because this network combines everything I dream of: passion, teamwork, originality, and musical diversity.
Emily Pennington: Treasurer
Cincinnati, Ohio.
I’m basically a grandmother trapped in the body of a millennial. I like staying home, going to bed early, and I have a huge vinyl collection. That being said, I love music from all over the spectrum, even if I gravitate toward older stuff. I’m always interested in broadening my horizons because I can find something I enjoy within any genre. I am excited to be such an integral part of VENOM and have my own show because I’ve spent years making my own playlists from scratch, helping my DJ friends with their own shows, and spouting random music trivia that 90% of people probably don’t want to hear.
When I’m not working on VENOM stuff or decompressing, I’m an aspiring lawyer. At the time of writing, I recently graduated from law school and am juggling bar exam prep with applying for jobs. That being said, if Hollywood ever decides to make a Joni Mitchell biopic or Pentatonix has an opening for a female singer, I have no qualms about quitting my day job!
Brian Ford: Programming Specialist
Edinburgh, Scotland
I love music thanks in part to my late granddad (affectionately called “Papa”) who introduced me to rock and roll stars from the 50’s and 60’s such as Little Richard, Fats Domino, Elvis, and the Rolling Stones, just to name a few. My Grandmother listened to music from the same era such as Frankie Vaughan, Pat Boon, Adam Faith and a lot of the Scottish music scene such as Andy Stuart and Jimmy Shand who performed traditional Scottish dance music with accordions, snare drums, piano, bass, fiddle and the occasional bagpipe appearance.
My mum listened to all the big ballad stars like Celine Dion, Lena Martell and more. It’s painful for me to think of because I hated them. My father was a part-time DJ where he worked at local clubs, and I think that’s why I took up radio broadcasting.
In school, I studied music technology as one of my exam subjects and managed to complete a 2 year course in 1 year. I then went to residential college in Hereford where I continued my studies for another 2 years.
I took my first steps into radio broadcasting at the conclusion of my college course in 2006. I worked for a community FM station part-time and ended up broadcasting and producing my own show where I interviewed local figures who were publicizing events around the city. This led to interviewing unsigned bands and unveiling new tracks for the people in the city of Edinburgh. This continued for 18 months until I decided to look into how I could get involved in internet radio broadcasting. A few months later, I found a station willing to give me my first big break on the net. My debut show aired later on that year and I don’t mind saying it was terrible.
These days, country is my passion but I still love and listen to rock, metal, and the occasional pop stuff from today. If I don’t like it, I’ll let you know I don’t like it.
Away from music and Broadcasting, my interests include: reading, sports, watching TV, meeting people, and cats.
Some of the things I’m proud of in my life are:
- Meeting Princess Anne when I was a child and having my photograph in the national newspaper.
- Working with a Thai student from Edinburgh University and helping her to write a traditional piece of music which we performed with authentic instruments at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh.
- Managing to stay on air for 24 hours straight as part of a 48 hour radiothon for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. I was pleased to do it and put myself through the ringer, but what spurred me on was knowing that I was doing my bit to help to give less fortunate children a smile.
I love what I love musically and can’t wait to show you what I’m in to. If I can introduce someone to any musical style in the hopes that they might discover a new passion, then I’ve done my job.
Dan Romero: Contributor
Indianapolis, Indiana
Venom family! I’m Danny, 1/2 of the host on the popular “It Goes Down in the DM” podcast/radio show, a dude who loves all things tacos, music production, singing/rapping and radio. I have been dreaming since i was 6, sitting in a studio alongside my radio heroes and knew I wanted to do what I get to do now. I was born and raised in Paterson New Jersey. Definitely not an easy spot for those who know about it, but I was literally, (no other word), more than blessed to have a mother that I have who I am very close to till this day. My brother is a brilliant young 27 year old, was a funeral director with over 4 years in the field and has gone back to school to be in the medical field.
I call myself a pizza purest, who’s just riding life out doing what I love, talking to the people I love to talk to, partying with the people I trust, listening to the wise, taking on projects that will fulfill my creative hunger, and staying motivated. I am engaged to be married on May 6th to my beautiful and brilliant co-host michele and we live in Indianapolis with our big cuddly teddy bear Rufus; a yellow lab.
I am about peace, having a good time while still throwing the most offensive joke out there to see if anyone can match me.
I look forward to entertaining you with topics surrounding love, sex, relationships, marriage, long-term partnerships, or whatever else comes to our mind on Fridays. Thank you for allowing this Hispanic kid from the hood in New Jersey live out his dream on a network that believes in what they’re building.
Emily Paton: Contributor
Cookeville, Tennessee
Whether I was alone in my bedroom, hanging out with family or in the car listening to the radio, music has always been a huge part of my life. Whenever I hear a new song or artist, it feels like a gift from the person or place who showed it to me. These have included my family, the radio and my streaming service that I use. I would now like to pass this gift of music on to listeners the world over.
Before starting at Venom, I’ve produced content for my college radio station. This is a terrestrial radio station that broadcasts throughout the town I live in. In my spare time, you’ll find me listening to music, occasionally singing songs with my mom and making playlists on Apple Music. I have a public profile on Apple Music; please feel free to follow me there, if you would like. In this profile, you will find playlists that divide songs up based on the key they are written in or distinct elements of the songs. Last summer, I did a Playlist about songs that represent other cultures, even though they are from contemporary artists who mainly play alternative music. The artists in question may speak a different language or have instruments in their songs that originate from different cultures. Also, playlists from previous broadcasts are archived on this profile and available for your addition to the library and perusal. If you would like to follow me on Apple Music, you may do so by searching for @emsplaylists.
I look forward to giving listeners new songs to listen to and make memories with, as well as teaching them an interesting fact or two about the songs and artists they are hearing. I believe that every song and every artist is different in many special ways.
John Dowling: Contributor
Cinnaminson, New Jersey
I’m a semi-professional musician who enjoys the beauty of country music. I started in radio broadcasting when I was 16, with a run-down MacBook Air, and a pretty cheap interface. When I’m not sitting behind the mic humoring y’all, I’m usually in school. I’m currently a Junior in high school, where I enjoy playing in the band and choir. I began my music journey back in 2004, when I received one of my first keyboards, some sort of Yamaha, which I instantly fell in love with. Currently, the instruments in my arsenal are a midi keyboard, a few drums, a guitar, my beloved Mandolin, and a harmonica. The next instruments I would like to check out are a 4-string bass, and a pedal steel, even though my dream isn’t very realistic since those things are pretty expensive.
Joseph King: Contributor
Richland Hills, Texas
Greetings. My name is Joseph. I’m a lover of music, particularly classical and baroque peaces, with some jazz, 80’s/90’s country and some contemporary Christian artists such as Point of Grace and Sandi Paddy. I also enjoy a good bit of comedy, especially Southern comedians like Jeff Foxworthy and Ron White.
I’ve been on the Internet radio scene for about four years now, and so far I have enjoyed every bit of it. I definitely enjoy broadcasting to the masses and love to interact with listeners! I fully intend to keep doing this for as long as I am able, because let’s face it…broadcasting is fun, and fun stuff is good. So therefore, broadcasting must be good.
In my spare time, I enjoy playing piano, drum kit and guitar as well as doing a bit of singing on the side (okay, more than a bit of singing.) Next to piano, my voice is my instrument of choice, with drums and guitar to follow. I also enjoy a good bit of reading, especially fiction and Western novels.
May Anderson: Contributor
Holt, Michigan
My name is May Anderson. I’m known now on the social media platforms as SheDevil, formally Canadianlynx1. I have 4 children ages 23, 18, 6 and 4 and can’t forget my awesome 4 year old black lab Leader Dog! Whew, what a household. Music has been a part of my life since I was really little. Country is my absolute favorite, but I’ll listen to and play almost everything, except Opera! I’m definitely not knowledgeable like the rest of these guys, but I do hope to bring you one heck of a fun show! I started broadcasting early 2016 (not knowing what I was doing) and have enjoyed every moment of the experience. My hobbies are singing, reading, skydiving and being tortured by my youngest boys. I also try to remember what that thing is called sleep. Look forward to having you join me on Thursday nights from 5:30 to 8:30 PM on the Chaos Bus!
Ways to find me:
TwitterMastodonMy BlogYoutube
Rich Yamamoto: Contributor
Andover, Kansas
I am an amateur musician that’s still trying to learn the ins and outs of any instrument that I can find. I enjoy playing piano especially; I feel like I can express what I’m trying to say better through that. Music has always been something that I’m passionate about, even since I was young. I collect CD’s, vinyl, and cassette tapes. I have a massive collection, and I’ve had it fall down on my head once due to poor organization. I can’t wait to show you all what music I’m into, and I hope I can help you discover something great while I’m here.
When I’m not broadcasting, I’m either studying to pursue a secondary education degree in college, playing the role of Parliamentarian on student senate, working part-time at either the college’s accessibility office or RJAK Processing LLC. (My dad’s company), producing my own music, or helping the Kansas State School for the Blind’s student-led podcasting team. I also enjoy exploring the ins and outs of computers, though I’ll kindly ask you not to have me do any coding.
I hope that you enjoy my show, and I’ll see you on the air or on social media if you so wish to connect with me!
Rob Collett: Contributor
sussex, Wisconsinn
My name is Robert, but most people call me rob or bobby.
Introduced to music at a young age, it was something that I always knew that I wanted to get into, whether it be making music or being a DJ.
After hearing Grandmaster Flash do his thing, I knew that the DJ rout was the way to go for me.
I’ve been spinning for 22 years. It all began when I was 7. I started out rocking family party’s and gatherings, along with summer block party’s with a few crates of cassette tapes, a small crate of 12inch vinyl lp’s, a talking public book library tape deck and my father’s home entertainment record player.
That was my setup for a few years, but when I was 11, I finally got my first true turntables and a mixer installation, and I’ve never looked back. Since then and now, I’ve taken the liberty of creating the biggest collection of music that I can. My arsenal has become extremely huge. Crates of vinyl, cds, cassettes, 8tracks, acetate disks, digital files you name it. It’s beyond incredible.
And with this media, I’ve spun at parties and venues of all types, from big nightclubs to small house, block and basement parties. As for my journey in Broadcasting, beginning at age 18, I’ve done a few guest spots on a college station where I reside with a few DJ buddies of mine, and I’ve had several longer-term residencies on internet radio stations, 1 of which I owned by the name of rockmaster jams. Now, you can catch me rite here on Venom. As for my DJ equipment history, I’ve used the best in DJ gear over the years from brands such as Pioneer, Reloop, Denon, Technics and Numark, and I strive for my output quality to always be top notch.
When I’m not bringing the place down when creating a mix or mashup, I’m hanging with my buddy in my local record/media stores. When I’m not doing that, I like to work out, chill out, watch them good old television sitcoms like Seinfeld, The Simpsons and Married with Children, game with either my pc or xbox 1x, and hang out with friends and family.
Catch me on Venom Hits!
Tony Gebhard: Contributor
Anchorage, Alaska
Hey there! My name is Tony Gebhard. I’m a mid-20’s geek with a huge heart for music, people, and love to travel. I am engaged, have 7 albums published, played music all over the country, and love sharing my voice to help and guide others. More than this, I am grateful to be a part of something bigger than me. Playing guitar, bass, keyboards, drums and percussion, singing, and engineering, music has always been a serious staple in my life. I had lost my vision completely by the age of 9, and I went from playing video games to playing video games and music!
I invite you to listen to my show, The Mosh Pit. Every Friday night at 10:00 PM! Metal for the soul from all sub genres.
Let’s hang out and get to know one another.