Creative energy can change direction and morph into something new, but it is never lost. Re-directed creativity drives our newest music show on KZSM 104.1 FM/KZSM.org, “The Eternal Beat” (Fridays 10:30 p.m. to midnight). Host Thomas Jaramillo channels a fascination with beats dating from his days as a boy breakdancer in the 1980s into a revival of his Christian roots to create a blend of high energy music inspired by the Clear Sight.
As he described it, “I play a blend of all genres of Christian music, layered with breakbeats. I add cuts, scratches, and beat juggling on the turntables, combining everything into a seamless mix. I blend rap, hip-hop, and more into a mix of new and old sounds — Christian music of every kind combined with freestyle beats, breakbeats and instrumentals.”
In addition to rap and hip-hop, Thomas plays reformed artists, lyrical theology music, and artists like Andy Mineo and Lecrae from Reach Records and Shai Linne from Lamp Mode Recordings.
Beginning as a teenage breakdancer, Thomas became part of a hardcore gangsta rap group and spent years as a secular DJ. But around 2000 he experienced a vision and a calling to listen to faithbased music, without the cursing and blasphemy that was so much a part of the music he was playing.
“It was hard for me to digest it at first,” he admitted. “But, you know, as I kept on going, it just kept talking to my heart. And, you know, it changed me.”
The title of his show “The Eternal Beat,” reflects this change.
“’Eternal Beat’, was inspired by the very essence of the gospel — it's eternal, just like the promise of heaven,” he explained.
Though it has taken a new direction, his dedication to the art of mixing sounds has not changed. Thomas describes his process: “I use my samplers, turntables and DJ mixer to build each track from scratch with creativity and dedication. I’m committed to crafting my set and mix, not aiming for perfection, but always striving to make it as clean and impactful as possible for the audience.”
A relatively new San Martian with radio experience, Thomas appreciates the opportunity to share his vision and his expertise with you, our listeners. Through KZSM 104.1 FM/KZSM.org, he can create sound and potentially change lives with the positive message of his music.
