“My first shows were produced in early 2020, the beginning of the Covid 19 chaos. I was listening to 102.5 and I heard an ad saying you can make your own music show and they would offer training.”
This was the beginning of Rock Stew with Billy Barule. Since those first episodes, Bill Thompson has produced over 80 episodes of his music program and featured everything from Sinatra to Goose.
In his own words,
“Rock Stew – each show is a mix (batch) of rock songs; old and new, classic and deep cuts, acoustic to hard rock. Billy Barule comes from a line in my favorite movie Caddyshack.”
He looks back fondly on his first episodes that started him off. “My first four episodes were songs I had always really wanted to feature. My voice sounds a little different back then, but the songs are my favorites of all time.” If you venture that far back in his catalog, you will find treasures from Queen, Bowie, No Doubt, John Denver, and so many more hits.
The show was created out of Bill’s lifelong love of rock music. He played in a rock band when he was younger and continues to play in church (though he clarified that he keeps it acoustic).
“Rock music has always been a big part of my life. I feel I’m sharing music with others who might enjoy my theme shows that often include some background (story behind the song, who played and sang backup, etc.). I also think people will appreciate a little humor mixed in.”
Above: Justin and Billy live on the air from Bismarket earlier this summer
Collaborating seems to be the name of Billy’s game. Over the years, Billy has brought on many guests for interviews and special episodes.
“Recently, I have collaborated with a High School/College friend to produce nearly 20 alternative rock episodes called “Alt Vault – Papa’s Picks”. He goes by Papa Stevio, and he is an incredible source for all the awesome alternative rock music out there, stuff you don’t hear much on the radio. He sends me new songs nearly every week and once we have enough to fill an episode, he sends me the audio intros and outros for each song. I mix the songs with his sound bites and produce the show. Classic rock can get overplayed – Stevio has exposed me to a wealth of great new bands and music.”
Left: Bill running sound board for the 2023 Dakota Film Festival
Right: Live on the air during a Radio Access producer party in 2024
But the collaborations don’t stop off-the-air! Billy has been a frequent and familiar face to DMA in the past 5 years. Volunteering for the Dakota Film Festival, recording special concerts, and being a go-to for whenever we need an extra hand.
When he isn’t recording the latest episode of Rock Stew, Billy enjoys playing golf, gardening or sharing his latest finds from the sub-woofers in his car.
You can listen to Rock Stew with Billy Barule on Radio Access on Thursdays at 9pm, Saturdays at 3pm, Sundays at 10am, or Tuesdays at 11am. You can listen to the latest (and all 80+) episodes on Radio Access.