John Steinhardt, an Ohio-based musician who goes by the stage name ‘Schizoid Johnny,’ is not pleased with Laramie’s National Public Radio.
His latest CD single, “Smoke a Pack a Day” has been rejected for airplay on the entire station.
“I received a cold, blunt no on it. I don’t know why. He said he didn’t think the listeners would like the song,” John Steinhardt said.
On Oct. 5, Steinhardt addressed a letter to Dave Bostrum, the President of the Board of Directors, concerning the matter. Steinhardt’s main concern is that the station is basing their decision for airplay on one personal opinion. Since it is a national public station, the musician believes it should speak for all.
“It’s my belief that the National Public Radio of Wyoming has taken a stance that they do not endorse wolf hunting. They don’t want to promote anything of that idea. National Public Radio is not showing both sides of any story,” Steinhardt said.
Steinhardt has a strong background in music, receiving his degree at the University of Wisconsin, where he has been honored by the alumni for his work as a musician and a teacher. Currently, Steinhardt teaches music at Medicine Bow Elementary School, 60 miles north of Laramie.
Over the past 30 years, Steinhardt has worked full-time musically, traveling around the world performing 5300 shows and recording over 30 albums. In the past, some of his songs have received airtime.
Since National Public Radio bases much of its songs on audience requests, Steinhardt is puzzled in understanding why his song has yet to be played. Many of his fans have called in and requested the song and he senses some sort of corruption within the system.
“Smoke a Pack a Day” is a satirical song about the importance of wolf hunting. The song title itself is a play on words meaning to smoke a pack of wolves. The song focuses on the controversial topic of whether or not wolf hunting should be allowed.
Steinhardt believes that wolf hunting is a natural and productive way of balancing out nature and the environment. He says that, through regulations, it is absolutely justified.
Montana public radio in Billings and Great Falls have both approved the single, and have played the song since its release.
“Wolves are not animals that can be wiped from extinction. In the 21st Century, hunting is the only way to balance nature,” Steinhardt said. “I would love to take the head of the Humane Society up to Big Fork, Montana in Echo Lake. Echo Lake used to be a haven of white tailed deer. Since the wolves came in, they’re absolutely gone. I would love to take him camping, with no guns. Just see what he thinks when they start circling. You won’t be able to fight them.”
