Music

Beyond the Voice

Volunteers provide almost seventy hours of programming a week on KAXE! Our community members who are passionate about music and love sharing it with us. Join us as we celebrate the people behind the mics in Beyond the Voice.

Beyond the Voice: Grace Wilder

KAXE | By Dan Gannon

Published June 2, 2026 at 9:21 AM CDT

Woman sitting on chair — On the River host and volunteer, DJ Wilder.

Get to know the volunteers behind the mic on KAXE. This week we find out more from On The River host, Grace Wilder.

Which shows do you DJ?

On the River

When did you start volunteering at the station?

Summer 2024

How did you first hear about KAXE?

When I was in high school, nearly 20 years ago. A friend was a big Green Cheese fan, and got me hooked.

Your favorite recent album or artist?

I love Automatic and the album they released in September 2025 (“Is It Now?”). It’s my go-to robo-babe driving music.

Who got you into music?

My parents and my older brother. I was stoked to receive my first CD (B.B. King’s Greatest Hits) for Christmas when I was 8. I destroyed that CD from playing it so much; one of the best gifts I’ve ever received.

Most memorable concert or festival?

I miss Winnipeg Folk Fest. I haven’t been able to go for a while, but that may change this year. I saw Feist and Tegan and Sara there around 2006, and that changed my whole approach toward finding music—namely, I started supporting women musicians in a way I hadn’t before.

Tell us about your favorite KAXE memory.

I would have to say my favorite memory was my first solo DJ'ing shift. I was so nervous, sweating bullets, hadn’t put together enough songs for my playlist, called DJ Dang at least a few times for help. It was total chaos, but I got through it, and it was much easier the next time.

Favorite fellow on-air DJ at KAXE?

DJ Ironsides. He trained me in, is super kind and has great taste in music.

What hobbies do you have outside of DJing?

I make perfume, I read, I hike when it’s above 50 degrees.

What's a musical ick for you?

Lyrics are very important to me; if something’s not written well or cleverly, it doesn’t matter how catchy the beat is, I’m gonna have a hard time getting into it.

Prince or Dylan?

Dylan. (I know this is going to be a controversial take, but I really do not care for Prince’s music and never have; you will never hear a Prince song on one of my playlists.)

KAXE is turning 50 in 2026! Why should KAXE exist for another 50 years?

Public media is more important than ever, and media that serves rural areas even more so. Yes, you can go on the internet to find national news, but rarely will you hear the voices or perspectives of your neighbors via national channels. Our stories, our culture, our lives are important, too, and deserve representation and respect.

DJ Wilder's 50 Songs

In honor of KAXE turning 50, we grabbed 50 songs from past On the River's hosted by DJ Wilder. Check out music from Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Juan Wauters, Big Thief, Patsy Cline, Neil Young and Malombo Jazz Makers.

Thanks DJ Wilder!