How long have you been interested in Radio?
Ever since I used to lie in bed listening to my cobbled-together walkman (held together with insulation tape) my love of music and radio has grown and grown. In mid and late teens I followed it more and more and was always a bit of an attention seeker so thought why not have a go!
What radio experience have you had?
Crikey…looking back I suppose I’ve done a fair bit now…started at Uni presenting on RAW (Radio Warwick), then taught Radio Broadcasting to kids at a summer camp in America (as well as fitting in some dubious late night shows with my nefarious co-councillors). After that I got the bug and decided to follow this a little more thoroughly.
I worked as part of the promotions team at Galaxy 101 in Bristol (now Vibe 101), and through that helped as an assistant on the breakfast show, gathered vox-pops and did a bit of editing/research. I also joined the MediaFly radio academy for a 10-week course leading to an NCFE qualification.This was followed by a fair bit in quick succession – I helped out with a few roadshows and a couple of mornings with Sandy & Nyree at BBC Wiltshire Sound (like our own Mr Humpreys). I also joined Bath Hospital Radio’s Thursday Night team (with Sounds Classical’s Dave Harries) and did a weeks work experience at BBC Radio Wiltshire (as it’s now known) with Graham Seaman.
Top guy and lots of fun. After that I saw an article for a new radio station being set up as a trial in Trowbridge (where I lived). I joined Moonraker FM as head of local news (for some reason it was decided I had loads of news experience!) as well as presenting a regular show and filling in here there and everywhere. Through that I worked with several other RSLs and joined Swindon FM, first dealing with the local news, then being lucky enough to get my own sports show.
How did you get involved in Swindon FM?
Alan Dee, who was involved with an RSL I also did, recommended me to Carl. I had a bit of a chat with him, dropped a demo in (including a couple of, ahem, bloopers that had somehow managed to get played on air), and he got me involved. The fool! (cue evil mwahahaha laugh…)
What do you think you bring to the station?
Sex! Drugs! Rock n Roll! These are all things I have completely failed to bring to the station, so you’re stuck with a cheeky persona, a bit of a knowledge about sport (it helps!) and a love of many, many types of music.
What sort of music do you like?
You name it…I pretty much like it! I know a lot of people say ‘all types of music’ but that is the case with me. I can’t see the point of limiting yourself to one type of music just because other stuff lies outside your chosen genre. If pushed, I like Indie, Rock, Breakbeat and Trip/Hip-Hop as nearer the top of the list. Big fan of Blink 182, Oasis, Beastie Boys, UNKLE. I could keep going…told you I liked all sorts!
Why?
There’s just so much good music out there amongst the naff. As well as classic tracks I really like unusual sounding music or tracks that will really put me in a certain mood. Life needs a soundtrack – I want mine to kick ass!
What other interests do you have?
Keeping fit – I try and keep very active as I’m a restless person by nature! Playing/following football - supporting Newcastle United (will we ever win anything?!?!). As well as the obvious love of music, I’m a big movie fan and chuck far too much money at Movies and DVD’s. I also seek whatever occasion I can to abuse my Xbox (in a gaming sense ;-))
What are your aims for the future?
To keep having fun and enjoying life, and one day get paid for playing music and talking rubbish! Oh, and to come up with better answers to questions like this |
