Back On Air

DJ John Bommarito overcomes challenges to do what he loves

By Kevin Brown

Pop mega star Ed Sheeran appreciates Plymouth DJ John Bommarito. Before world fame dropped on the four-time Grammy-winner, Sheeran did a radio interview with Bommarito, who, for 15 years, was a fixture on station WQKL, known as “Ann Arbor’s 107one.” It was home to his popular show “The Sunday Brunch” focused on acoustic music performers.

In 2012 Sheeran had released his debut album. He was touring the U.S., opening for the group Snow Patrol. But Bommarito had a hunch the warmup act could be a good interview. Settled behind the studio microphone, he told Sheeran that "Lego House" was his favorite song from Sheeran’s record. The lyrics, Bommarito said, seemed to be about a relationship that you can tear down and build up again.

Sheeran was surprised and delighted.

"That's exactly what it is. You're actually the first person to actually know that, so yeah," he said.

Other artists have also noted Bommarito’s perceptive interviewing skills.

Brian Vander Ark of the Verve Pipe – the Michigan band had a U.S. top ten hit – was effusive about his respect for the veteran DJ. "One of the best interviewers out there," he wrote in a June 15 email to his Patreon subscribers. “The thing about his shows is that he gets the best out of the musicians that come through.”

But those shows at WQKL ended in 2020, due to pandemic cutbacks. So Vander Ark’s vote of confidence was overwhelming. "I sat on the floor and wept for five minutes," Bommarito said.

After his layoff, the DJ found part-time work with the U.S. Post Office and Comerica Bank, among others. Bommarito also continued to interview and present musicians through his Acoustic Alternatives video podcasts and YouTube playlists. And now, rallied by Vander Ark’s endorsement of his radio talents, Bommarito has returned to radio, his true love. In July, he began work as operations manager at Henry Ford Community College's student radio station WHFR in Dearborn.

LOVE OF MUSIC

As a boy riding in the backseat of his mom's white Chrysler LeBaron, Bommarito recalls her playing tapes of the hits of Simon and Garfunkel, Neil Diamond and John Denver. Simon and Garfunkel particularly stood out. “I loved the harmonies and the lyrics,” Bommarito said.

His three siblings took up musical instruments. Bommarito did try the drums. “But I couldn't keep up with drummer Stewart Copland of The Police,” he said. Similarly, he determined he wasn't a singer. "I could play the radio," Bommarito explained. “I loved music and I wanted to share it with people.”

As a student in Warren, he talked to an educator who ran a high school radio station – but Bommarito couldn’t participate as his school was out of district. Just before graduation, he began working at the Record Time chain. He learned about more artists, including the Indigo Girls with their Simon and Garfunkel-like harmonies. “My coworkers turned me on to everything from Louis Jordan to The Clash to the Cocteau Twins to Nick Lowe to The Style Council to third wave ska bands,” Bommarito said. He also worked as a record buyer.

ON THE RADIO

Upon entering Oakland University, Bommarito got a chance to work at its student radio station. He got more involved with radio when he moved to HFCC’s WHFR. It was next door to the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where he was continuing studies toward a Bachelor of Business Administration-Marketing degree. At WHFR, Bommarito was an on-air personality and folk music director. For two years, he overlapped as assistant manager at award-winning student station 88.1 The Park (WSDP) at the Plymouth- Canton Community Schools Education Park. “I learned what it was like to be in a teaching role, imparting knowledge of commercial radio to these students and stepping up their game a little bit,” he said. Also at WSDP, he learned the value of connecting the local community to the radio station, by presenting and engaging in local events.

As Bommarito settles into his new duties at WHFR, he’s also creating with sponsor help new content under this Acoustic Alternative brand. “The concept of Acoustic Alternative is somewhat of a modern take more inspired by the MTV Unplugged concept,” he said, with singersongwriters discussing their craft and the occasional acoustic covers of pop hits.

Over Bommarito’s career, interview subjects have ranged from Colbie Caillat and Suzanne Vega to Men at Work front man and songwriter Colin Hay. Bommarito said working with Hay was a career moment, right there with interviewing Sheeran, and Vander Ark’s endorsement.

GOOD TO BE BACK

Bommarito recently welcomed touring singer-songwriter Seth Glier to Grove Studios in Ypsilanti for an Acoustic Alternatives video podcast taping. “Seth Glier is here, and he's got a brand-new album called “Coronation.” It's good to see you my friend.”

Glier smiles broadly: "It’s good to be back. It’s good to be seen by you after all this," he said, laughing.

Glier performs two songs live on guitar and vocals. In the conversation that follows, Glier acknowledges he’s more accomplished on piano, which he’s played on others’ records. “I play guitar (on tour) because of something (songwriter) Ellis Paul said to me.”

"Pianos are heavy?" Bommarito jokes.

Glier laughs. “What Ellis said to me one night was that the piano playing is blinding some of the songwriting. You are a good songwriter but perhaps people might not hear that through the initial impact of ‘Wow, he's a good piano player’…It changed the lane a little bit.”

Just another example of Bommarito’s ability to bring out insightful tidbits from the artists he interviews.

Now settled in Plymouth, Bommarito has been married 23 years to wife Peggy, a 1987 Plymouth-Canton High School graduate. She teaches science at North Farmington High School. “We do enjoy Plymouth. It’s hard not to,” he said.

Bommarito also performs DJ services for weddings and other events.

To subscribe to Acoustic Alternatives or access interview clips and full interviews, go to https://medium.com/@ johnmbommarito or https:// johnmbommarito.wixsite. com/johnbommarito/acousticalternatives.

One of the best interviewers out there. The thing about his shows is that he gets the best out of the musicians that come through.

–Brian Vander Ark of the Verve Pipe, describing Plymouth DJ John Bommarito