“Faders Up: The John Aielli Experience,” a documentary about the legendary KUTX 98.9 Austin morning show host, releases digitally on Tuesday, September 30, across major digital platforms.
“During his tenure with KUT and KUTX — more than half a century — the classically trained baritone and his ‘Eklektikos’ show eased the city into a new day, with everything from classical to classic rock,” said the Austin American-Statesman about Aielli. “A beloved Austin character, he was a top fundraiser for the public radio station, as well as a connective force between listeners and community arts organizations.”
Much like my 101 KLOL documentary "Runaway Radio," which has a screening on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at River Oaks Theatre, this doc is keeping Texas broadcasting history alive!
Directed and produced by Sam Wainwright Douglas and David Hartstein, the 24 Beats Per Second Audience Award Winner at SXSW 2024, the film features exclusive archival footage, stylized recreations, and heartfelt accolades to a beautifully eccentric and often surreal radio legend who passed away in 2022.
With a career spanning over 50 years on air, the documentary shares the life of the “Eklektikos” host both in and out of the studio, using a collage format that reflects Aielli’s eclectic style.
“Faders Up: The John Aielli Experience” serves as a poignant tribute to a true radio legend, honoring his lasting impact on both Austin and the medium of radio. Some listeners loved Aielli’s show, some hated it, but all were captivated by his programming. Spending up to six hours a day on air, Aielli would keep audiences on their toes with interviews, music he was interested in that day, live performances, offbeat observations and sometimes dead air. His soothing, calm voice was almost melodic at times, and was one of his most recognizable traits.
In praise of the film, Academy Award-nominated director Richard Linklater wrote, "One of the great Austin films...a really wonderful, fun, intimate piece about a pretty mysterious guy. Anyone hoping to understand Austin of the last 60 years should just start with FADERS UP."
“We loved his unique stream of conscious approach to radio, and John was such a window into the local culture,” said co-director Sam Wainwright Douglas. “Not being Austin natives, John was very much an entry point to life here. The people here are curious, and that makes the culture vibrant and fosters creativity and collaboration. With a combination like that, I hope we’re always weird here in Austin.”
“We've been in love and obsessed with John since first hearing his unique voice almost 25 years ago. By that point, he'd already played such an important role in the artistic landscape of this city,” said co-director David Hartstein. “To be able to bring that to light in the movie and demonstrate John's contribution to the open, tolerant Austin of today feels like a fitting tribute.”
“John Aielli was such a part of the fabric of Austin that we felt like his story needed to be told,” said KUT/KUTX Programming Director Matt Reilly. “Over his 50-year career, John did his part to shape Austin’s personality without intentionally doing so. It’s such an amazing story. I’ve known Sam and David for several years and always been a big fan of their work. Not only are they great storytellers but have a great visual sensibility. It seemed natural that they should tell John’s story. I know we’re all in for a treat.”
The official release platforms are Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Google Play, YouTube and Fandango At Home.
