WQXR Rings in a New Year with Calm It Down

On January 9, 2022, WQXR begins a new program of classical music called Calm It Down Radio, hosted by pianist Chad Lawson and based on his podcast of the same name. Like the podcast, WQXR’s Calm It Down is dedicated to the meditative power of music, and seeks to help listeners recharge and find their inner resilience. The program will be an hour long, and air for 6 consecutive Sunday nights at 8 PM ET. WQXR is New York City’s only all-classical music station, immersing listeners in the city’s rich musical life on-air at 105.9FM and online at WQXR.org

The Calm It Down podcast invites listeners to take 15 minutes away from the stresses of modern life with guided meditation and breathing techniques while exploring emotional and mental health topics including anxiety, sadness, and processing our thoughts in a positive, constructive, and encouraging way.

Through meditative music both from established names and up-and-coming artists, Calm it Down Radio is a weekly reprieve to help calm the mind through music and replenish the soul through encouraging words and mindful perspectives.

“Music is the soundtrack to our daily life; be it celebrating or consoling, music helps relax and recharge your body and mind. I’m excited to bring the marriage of music and these feelings every Sunday evening with Calm it Down Radio,” said Lawson.

“The new year is a perfect moment to bring Calm it Down’s blend of music and meditation to WQXR’s audience,” said WQXR Chief Content Officer Ed Yim. “We’re living through a fraught, uncertain moment where there’s no shortage of things that cause anxiety, but few reliable, healthy ways to process it. Music and Chad’s work is a much needed balm.”

The idea for ‘Calm it Down’ came to Lawson when he was overwhelmed by the amount of people getting in touch to tell him just how much his music has helped them through some of the most difficult moments and periods of their lives. Unable to tour during the pandemic, his podcast became the ways he connects with fans to share his experiences and the meditation techniques he uses himself, all soundtracked by his own sublime and relaxing music.

About WQXR

WQXR is New York City’s only all-classical music station, immersing listeners in the city’s rich musical life on-air at 105.9FM, online at WQXR.org, and in person through live events and performances. WQXR presents new and landmark classical recordings, as well as live concerts from New York City’s concert halls and performance venues, and broadcasts essential destination programs including Carnegie Hall Live, Metropolitan Opera Saturday Matinee Broadcasts, New York Philharmonic This Week, New York in Concert, This Week with Yannick, and the Young Artists Showcase. WQXR also produces podcasts that reach new audiences for the artform: The Open Ears Project, Helga: The Armory Conversations in partnership with the Park Avenue Armory, and—in partnership with the Metropolitan Opera—the critically acclaimed opera podcast, Aria Code. As a public radio station, WQXR is supported through the generosity of its members, donors, and sponsors, making classical music relevant, accessible, and inspiring for all.

About Chad Lawson

A former jazz musician who toured stadiums as part of Julio Iglesias’ live band, Chad Lawson began his solo career in 2009 when the stress took a toll on his own health. He wrote his debut solo piano album, Set On A Hill, while suffering from ulcerative colitis, a chronic condition that had left him bedridden. In 2011, his album The Piano attracted mainstream media attention in the US. Two years later, Chad repeated the feat with The Chopin Variations. Today, Lawson’s expressive sound has become a staple of some of the world’s most popular playlists, introducing new generations to classical music with contemporary techniques and modern-day interpretations.