Nic Harcourt Steps Down As KCRW’s Music Director

Nic Harcourt, KCRW’s host of Morning Becomes Eclectic and Music Director will be stepping down on Nov. 30 after a successful 10 year stint to focus on several independent projects.

He will stay with KCRW, hosting a 3-hour show on Sundays from 6 to 9 p.m.

“I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to come to work every day and be surrounded by creative and passionate people and I want to keep the connection alive on my Sunday show,” said Harcourt in a KCRW press release.

“Since I arrived here, I’ve fulfilled many of my dreams as a music lover, meeting and interviewing legends like Neil Young, Paul McCartney, Willie Nelson and Cat Stevens (Yusuf). I’ve also been able to set the stage for future stars, introducing artists like Coldplay, Damien Rice, Dido and Norah Jones on KCRW’s airwaves. I’m equally proud to have played many unsigned and independent artists and to be a champion for Latin Alternative music.”

KCRW’s General Manager Ruth Seymour said Harcourt has introduced artists to listeners beyond Southern California through the radio and internet.

“His singular gifts as a radio deejay and his ability to spot new talent attracted major media attention from both national and international press.”

Harcourt, who was born in Birmingham, England, and worked at WDST in Woodstock, New York, first as News Director and then as Music Director said he would like to explore new career opportunities in television, movies, voice over work and advertising.

Although KCRW has not chosen a new Music Director, Seymour acknowledged it was a difficult process.

“Nic is a hard act to follow”, said Seymour. “We are now in the process of choosing a new Music Director. We have been looking at potential candidates with an eye toward announcing a choice in the new few weeks.”

Harcout expressed his gratitude to KCRW as well as the listeners who tuned in every morning from 9 to 12 p.m.

“My heartfelt thanks and gratitude go to KCRW, the staff and volunteers who have supported my work through the years, but most of all to the listeners. I’ve always said that I couldn’t do what I do without them and I hope they will join me on Sunday nights,” said Harcourt.

Harcourt recently published “Music Lust,” a book of music recommendations for a plethora of moods, moments and reasons. He has also worked as a music consultant/supervisor for movies such as “Gone Baby Gone,” “Love Monkey, “The Dukes of Hazzard” and “Igby Goes Down.”