Jason Bentley

Host

“Metropolis”

Jason Bentley is the director of artists and repetoire at Maverick Records, but his real claim to fame is as the host of “Metropolis” on public radio station KCRW-FM 89.9.

Four nights a week, the 28-year-old Bentley takes his listeners through the esoteric world of electronic dance music including such genres as trip hop, ambient dub, and drum & bass. He is also a fixture on the local club scene, where he spins records once a week at The Pink in Santa Monica and frequently opens for acts, such as Tricky at the Mayan Theater.

“It’s not often that you find a club DJ with a regular radio show,” said Nick Harcourt, creative music director and host of KCRW’s “Morning Becomes Eclectic.” “Jason is very plugged in to the street, and he brings to the airwaves an understanding of what’s happening now, from his experience in the club world.”

Through his radio show and his DJ work, Bentley has become a trend-setter. Getting a record played on his show can boost sales and bring previously unknown artists out of obscurity.

That ability makes him a valuable commodity at Madonna’s Maverick Records, which pays him a far bigger salary as an A & R; man than what he earns as a disc jockey on a public radio station.

Still, Bentley says he isn’t about to forsake the DJ’s booth for the corner office. “Playing music live for people is ultimately my reason for being in this business,” said Bentley.

Edvard Pettersson