The VM Underground
VMU is a nationally syndicated internet radio show hosted by Vic Mendoza. The show provides high-quality entertainment and showcases new music — signed and unsigned. VM talks live with many great entertainment personalities from around the world from actors, models, filmmakers, producers, bands and much more.
The VMU started in early 2004 by Vic Mendoza and webmaster Punksoup as an online e-zine for independent artists. Later with the loss of the webmaster and finances V.2 was never released and VM decided to check out other means of promotions online.
MySpace was creating a huge buzz at that time, so VM decided to do his promotions there. After setting up a simple profile, the VMU was being flooded by many bands from around the world. With the lack of help and limited space on a profile he had to find other sources. So he searched and stumbled on a bulletin from a promoter for an online station, Krush Radio. VM immediately contacted the owner Dan (Doc Nasty) of KR for promotions, but was offered a DJ spot on his station. After seeing the potential of live Internet radio, VM decided to give it a shot. Late 2004 The VM Underground Show was born!
In early 2005, more interviews started pouring in from all over the states. VM connected with many promoters who wanted their bands booked on the show. This also created a relationship with CEO Steve Bartolone of Hollywood Music TV. VM interviewed many talents that year and into 2006 from artists, VJs, authors, models to independent filmmakers. More U.S bands from all genres of music started calling in, then later Canada and Europe. The first known acts he interviewed were Dark New Day, producer Logan Mader ex-guitarist of Machinehead/Soulfly, Celldweller and Collide.
VM took every opportunity to be on the air even when there were no listeners and covered many morning and late-night slots. He also opened his own stream VMU 24/7 on Live 365 that featured The Styles Zone with CJ Styles, Boozer and Reaper’s Syndustry, Random Hour with Lana Reiss and Stoney’s Big Gay Disco. After being on KR for two solid years, VM decided that the format of his show wasn’t doing to well on an all-music station.
In 2006, the show was syndicated, reaching even more listeners and fans. He continued to DJ for KR, then later Doogz.net and HRRL (Hard Rock Radio Live) for the remainder of 2006. During that time, VM interviewed many great guests from Lacuna Coil, God Forbid, Canadian Models The Baker Twins, Dee Snider, Ill Nino, Mistress Juliya and much more.
In late 2006, VM joined forces with WIRN (The World Internet Radio Network) by Brandon S. Hire of Hire Media and, later on, Pam, owner of WFLM (West Florida Metal), by another online DJ. More stations joined later and VM dropped the Live 365 stream to team with WFLM. VM also added Mike of Metal Minds Promotions as Metal Mike News.
MMP booked many guests during the HRRL days and was asked to continuing working with the show. In 2007, more great artists were interviewed, from Jason of God Head to Wayne of Static X, and many more.
VM also in Jan 2007 dropped the online e-zine and continues as The VM Underground Internet radio show. More new promoters add to the show and VMU has gained a street team/e-team.
The show airs live Sunday, Monday and Tuesdays from 11 p.m.-1 a.m. Eastern, 8-11 p.m. Pacific.