Hudson Valley radio station 98.1 WKZE is embracing AI-powered camera technology to capture, preserve, and share the region’s thriving music scene.
98.1 WKZE-FM is joining forces with OBSBOT to bring AI-powered cameras to SignalRiot, the station’s mobile live music broadcast and production platform.
Announced November 4, 2026, the initiative incorporates OBSBOT Tail 2, Tail Air, and other cameras to make professional concert filming more affordable and accessible for independent musicians, venues, and broadcasters.
Bringing the Catskill Sound Beyond the Hudson Valley
Independently owned 98.1 and 105.9 WKZE serves New York’s Hudson Valley, northwestern Connecticut, and the Berkshires with an Adult Album Alternative (AAA) format emphasizing music discovery.
Developed by broadcast engineer and WKZE co-owner Dr. Andy Gladding, SignalRiot extends the station’s reach beyond traditional radio through live concert broadcasts, multicamera video production, streaming, and digital content distribution.
Its mobile production vehicle, the KZE Kamper, brings broadcast capabilities directly to concerts and festivals. WKZE has already captured performances by lespecial at Club Getaway, KALE The Band in New Paltz, and Dirtwire at the Moon Bloom Festival.
Central to SignalRiot’s mission is preserving and amplifying the Catskill Sound, the Hudson Valley’s evolving musical identity shaped by its artists, venues, and creative collaborations.
OBSBOT Makes Professional Concert Production More Accessible
Founded in 2016, OBSBOT specializes in intelligent camera systems built around AI algorithms, motion control, and advanced optics. Its autonomous imaging technology combines automated subject tracking, remote camera operation, and network-based video capabilities. The company holds more than 140 patents, with products used by creators in over 150 countries and regions.
For SignalRiot, these capabilities mean smaller production crews can capture professional multicamera performances without the staffing and infrastructure traditionally required.
“OBSBOT technology allows us to produce multicamera concert programming with a fraction of the personnel and infrastructure traditionally required,” said Dr. Andy Gladding. “That changes the economics of local content production.”
OBSBOT CEO Liu Bo welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the company’s goal of helping creators overcome technical and financial barriers.
Capturing, Preserving and Sharing a Musical Legacy
Beyond concert filming, SignalRiot aims to build a living archive of the Catskill Sound through recordings, video, and audio storytelling. The initiative will also share behind-the-scenes footage, technical demonstrations, and production experiences, offering insight into how emerging technology can support independent music.
“This collaboration is about much more than demonstrating camera technology,” said Kathleen Gladding, WKZE co-owner and President of AK22 Digital Media.
“It’s about making professional content creation accessible to independent musicians, producers, and small media organizations that may not have the resources for conventional production.”
By combining WKZE’s regional music connections, SignalRiot’s mobile broadcast platform, and OBSBOT’s technology, the project offers a new way to document local performances and introduce the Catskill Sound to audiences worldwide. The Catskill Sound has always been bigger than any one stage. Now, the tools to share it with the world are becoming more accessible.
Learn more at WKZE.com and SignalRiot.fm.
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