Birmingham Music Advocate Jason Hamric Dies at 53

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Jason Hamric, a beloved figure in Birmingham‘s music scene and former guitarist for the indie rock band Three Finger Cowboy, died on Wednesday, May 28, at the age of 53. Hamric’s passing followed an emergency hospitalization on May 24 due to a bacterial infection, according to his wife, Jacklyn Loquidis.

Loquidis shared her husband’s compassionate nature, saying, “He cared about everybody. He loved everybody. He spent his life lifting people up around him and wanting them to be the best version of themselves.” Hamric was well-known not only as a musician but also as a mastering engineer, radio host, and strong advocate for using music to unite communities.

In 2013, Hamric founded Substrate Radio, initially as an internet station, later moving his studio to the front window of Saturn music club on 41st Street South in Avondale. “I really missed the ‘college radio style’ format where you could play whatever you want without being told what to play,” he told This Is Alabama. He was inspired by Birmingham Mountain Radio and felt a strong need to provide a platform for under-the-radar music.

Born on September 17, 1971, Hamric graduated from Jefferson Christian Academy and married Loquidis, host of “The Jackie Lo Show” on Substrate Radio, on August 15, 2001. The couple met while working at De Vinci’s Pizza in Homewood in May 2001.

Hamric left his job in information technology to pursue his passion for music and pizza. “He was an expert in a lot of fields,” Loquidis noted, adding, “He shared his knowledge freely and asked for nothing in return.”

Hamric co-founded Three Finger Cowboy in 1995, which signed with Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls to Daemon Records in 1998. He was involved in recording their debut album “Kissed” and later co-produced their second album, “Hooray for Love.” The band disbanded in 2001.

“Jason brought out the best in people,” said Audrey Atkins, former director of community engagement at WBHM Radio. She described Hamric as selfless, noting the impact he had on those around him. The community has reacted to his passing with heartfelt tributes, revealing the many lives he touched.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin expressed his condolences on Facebook, highlighting Hamric’s contributions to the city’s artistic community. “Birmingham’s music and arts scene won’t be the same without him, but it will always carry his imprint,” he wrote. “My thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved him.”