After KCRW, Travis Holcombe Is Still Championing Music Discovery Beyond the Algorithm
The former KCRW DJ has brought his beloved "Freaks Only" show to an internet radio format dedicated to the belief that music sounds better when a human is choosing what you hear.
Travis Holcombe has been a significant figure in music discovery in Los Angeles for five years, curating exceptional playlists for solo living room dance parties, pre-night out moments, and cross-town drives. As the host of Freaks Only, a popular 8-10 p.m. weeknight radio show on KCRW, Holcombe became the city's unofficial nighttime listening companion.
However, he was among those who left the station in October 2025 due to layoffs, with KCRW citing federal budget cuts as the reason for terminating 10% of its staff, including several longtime DJs. Holcombe initially passed on an offer to stay on for one night a week, but eventually secured the rights to his well-established "Freaks Only" name.
By launching Freaks Only FM, an online radio station that has expanded the show into a 24-hour format, Holcombe has carved his own lane and continues to champion music discovery beyond the algorithm. He spends at least two hours daily listening to new music, pre-recording shows, and carefully programming content to maintain a human touch in an increasingly algorithm-driven listening experience.
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