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The legendary Kat Corbett is currently an on-air Host on SiriusXM’s Lithium Channel and Pop Rocks. In addition to that, she is currently producing a documentary on a Country legend, with more to come soon. She’s a Voiceover Talent and a writer, which, according to her, is the most frustrating thing in the world. “The amount of time it takes to get something ready to go is exhausting, but I love it,” she says.
Corbett’s first on-air gig was at WFNX in Boston in the 90s. “It was a profound life-changing experience as I got to see behind the curtain and become part of the magic of radio,” she says. “In ‘98, I made the jump to Los Angeles and landed on a morning show at Y107 with Chris Hardwick and Courtland Cox—so much fun. I miss doing those types of shows.”
“In 2000, I got lucky again and landed at KROQ for 20+ years. What an incredible ride! The outstanding on-air talent and behind-the-scenes people I got to work with and learn from on a daily basis still blows my mind. While on KROQ I also hosted a show in the UK on XFM from 2010-2014 with Ian Camfield. In 2022, I joined SiriusXM full-time on Pop Rocks and Lithium.”
“I got into the business because I wanted to be closer to the music and the people who made it,” explains Corbett. “Growing up, I was one hundred percent sucked into the songs I heard on the radio and the videos I saw on MTV. I got my start in college radio. Lots of college radio—even colleges I didn’t attend. I would fill in everywhere just to get the practice. Eventually, I was hired out of an internship at WFNX for my first professional on-air gig. I was in heaven. Simultaneously I was working under legendary concert promoter Don Law and learning a whole different side of the business.”
“For me, it’s music discovery that makes me passionate about the Rock and Alternative formats. Hearing a band for the first time or a new song from a band that’s been around for a while. It’s such a rush. I’ll never get tired of that magic moment when I press PLAY, and a song hits me in the guts,” says Corbett. “There’s plenty of new music to keep the formats vibrant and growing, and it’s always up to presentation to keep people listening. Yes, the listening world has changed, but listeners can handle a new song every once in a while.”
“I’m in an interesting situation now where I play 90s, 2000s, and new music on Pop Rocks at SiriusXM. Our ‘Fresh Popped Friday’ feeds my ‘new music’ hunger. After helping bands get their careers off the ground at KROQ, it’s hard to switch gears and not want to find the next greats, so I’m still here listening and sharing when I can. Some of the new stuff I’m into right now: Ocean Alley – ‘Tangerine,’ The Criticals – ‘Adoringly Drunk,’ Cleopatrick – ‘Hammer,’ Royal Otis – ‘If Our Love is Dead,’ Head and the Heart – ‘Arrow,’ Mr. Joy – ‘She Wants to Go Dancing,’ and Mara Connor – ‘American Dream.’”
“There are some pretty big differences between traditional radio and satellite radio,” admits Corbett. “Since we’re not beholden to the ratings game, it allows us more freedom to have fun and champion artists who might not move the needle on their one spin on terrestrial radio. We can help build their story.”
“With SiriusXM, I also have time to get in deep with guests instead of chasing a thirteen-second soundbite. Smashing Pumpkins were in our LA studios recently and were on air for many minutes, and somewhere in there, Billy and Jimmy felt comfortable enough to talk about their incredible relationship with the late Steve Albini.”
“Stuff they had never talked about before. We wouldn’t have gotten that deep on terrestrial radio. We would have never been given the time to get there. And yes, there’s a fine balance between talking too much and playing music. I get it, and I’m always aware of when to cut in and out. With the success of podcasts, I think we’ve realized a lot of people love conversations. It creates a connection.”
“For me personally, SiriusXM has offered me some pretty unique experiences. Broadcasting live from Vegas to celebrate the first night of U2 at the Sphere is something I will never forget. The band, the show, and U2 fans—it was incredible. I’d also like to thank the higher-ups at SiriusXM for putting up with my crazy ideas.”
“My ‘House Party Live’ for Lithium is one of my favorites. Lithium focuses on 90s Alternative, so we invite guests to my house for a live broadcast while an actual party is going on. Fans get to call in live on air and speak to their favorite artists, and of course, we play music.”
Artists such as Joey Santiago from the Pixies, Nick Hexum from 311, Noodles from The Offspring, Max Collins from Eve 6, Kay Hanley from Letters to Cleo, Gavin Rossdale of Bush, and more have all come over. Cocktails, food, live phones, dogs everywhere. It’s so loose, fun, and chaotic. I love it.”
Corbett’s thoughts on the new direction for Linkin Park: “It’s a difficult situation, but imagine what it’s like for that band,” she says. “They have spent decades writing and touring and making Linkin Park a successful band, and we must appreciate their desire to move forward. Not that you can ever replace someone like Chester Bennington because you can’t, but finding a way through has to be on the table. Amy was such a smart choice as a singer. Her powerhouse vocals are insanely good. It’s a perfect fit. There is a way to honor the past and push forward into the future, and I wish them all the best.”
Her thoughts on artists like Dolly Parton making a ‘Rock’ album and recent crossovers and collabs? “I say bring it, and don’t you dare say a bad word about that angel Dolly Parton,” demands Corbett. “She can make a rap album if she likes. I don’t care. I love her! My latest fav collab has been Orville Peck with Beck doing ‘Death Valley High.’ What a fantastic pairing, and the track sounds like a party coming out of your speakers.”
“And I love this new Cure album so much. In the past, Robert Smith has done incredible collaborations with Blink 182, CHVRCHES, and I was obsessed with that Crystal Castles song for a good long time. I’d love to see him doing more. Maybe venturing into other genres than Alternative. Pop? Country? Can you imagine Robert Smith on a Country song? I realize I’m getting carried away, but how fun would that be? I say bring it, Robert.”
As for what’s ahead for Corbett, “Short term is to keep enjoying the job I’ve loved dearly all these years, to support artists, make connections with listeners, and to have meaningful conversations with guests on-air. My long-term goal: I’d love to pair up again. Be part of a team on a show or podcast.”
Follow Kat Corbett on Instagram @Kat_Corbett and on Bluesky @KatCorbett.
