Why beloved 'scene mom' DJ Dani Cutler is saying goodbye to KWSS — and Phoenix
Dani Cutler is leaving KWSS-FM, the independent nonprofit radio station that's carved out a niche for itself to the left of the dial at 93.9 and more recently a second channel at 99.5 FM.
For the past 16 years, Cutler has served as a voice for the arts, entertainment and small business community in metro Phoenix as an on-air personality at the station.
Her last days on the air will be broadcast live from Phoenix Fan Fusion June 2-4.
There's a farewell event planned for May 27 at Last Exit Live.
Cutler broke the news on Instagram, writing that she and her husband, Bret, "have made a life changing decision" to move to Massachusetts to be closer to family on the east coast.
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Why Dani Cutler is leaving KWSS-FM
"We had been playing with the idea of moving for quite a few years," Cutler wrote. "In 2020, we spent several months on the east coast. We absolutely love it there. 2020 wasn’t a good time to make such a big decision, but COVID did accelerate our desire to move. This year we realized it was possible to make the move."
Cutler plans to take a sabbatical from her marketing business and radio from June 1 through the end of the year to find a new home and settle.
She also addressed what this will mean for KWSS.
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What her departure means for the radio station
"Nothing," she wrote. "It’s business as usual, bringing you the most diverse mix of music the Valley has to offer and we will always support local music. Licia, Jay and Brian are still here and love this community and will continue to support it. I hope that you as listeners and musicians continue to support the station as well."
She also wrote about how much she'll miss the local music scene in Phoenix.
"As much as I have supported it, the music scene has been equally supportive of me over the past 16 years," she wrote. "I have made lifelong friends through this community. Even some listeners have become friends over the years. It’s a family, and being dubbed 'Scene Mom' has always been an important honor to have."
'It feels right in my heart'
Cutler has lived in metro Phoenix for 46 years. She and her husband got married and raised a family here.
"I helped build a strong local music community and have tried my best to make sure every independent musician had their music heard," Cutler wrote. "This decision was definitely not easy to make. But it feels right in my heart and soul. My husband and I both are excited for the future, and the next stage in our lives."
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Reach the reporter at ed.masley@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-4495. Follow him on Twitter @EdMasley.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: KWSS DJ Dani Cutler is leaving the Phoenix radio station. Here's why
