My Moment at the Mike (or How I Stopped Worrying and Learned to Like the Sound of My Voice)
Some little girls dream of being a princess. Others may dream of fame, riches, and true love. Me? Well, I always wanted to be (okay, I still do!) a princess complete with a magnificent castle and a prince on a white horse. Of course, my twist on this dream would be for the princess to moonlight as a radio disc jockey. After all, underneath the frills, jewels, and crown would lie a "rock gurl" in an AC/DC shirt flashing the heavy metal hand sign...
Although I never became a royal subject, I actually had the opportunity a few months ago to host a music podcast on one my local radio stations. I know that I sound like a geek, but it truly was one of the biggest thrills of my life. As a child of the '70s equipped with a turntable and an eclectic collection of 45s, I was enamored when "WKRP in Cincinnati" debuted on television. Hey, if a burnout like Dr. Johnny Fever could be on the radio, then so could I. Of course, he is a fictional character and I am just your mature (I'm no spring chicken after all) garden-variety gal from the 'burbs with visions of microphones dancing in my head. Nonetheless, I stepped out of my comfort zone into the studios of WRVA 100.7, The River in Raleigh, North Carolina on a bright warm day in March.
Once at the station, my husband and I met with radio jock Sybil McGuire, who puts together the "Perfect Album Side" on-air feature. Listeners of the station are invited to submit a list of about a dozen of their favorite tunes that would make up their "Perfect Album Side". If chosen, you get to host an hour-long show that is recorded for a podcast posted on The River's website as well as for a one-time radio broadcast on the station. Once there, I felt instantly comfortable with Sybil, who made me feel as if we were long lost friends. She gave us a tour of the station and introduced us to everyone we saw. Sybil was equally gracious in the broadcast booth; she explained all of the technical procedures and was quite patient when she discovered that I make a "tsk" sound with my tongue as well as do some percussive-thing with my "p"s. As much as I was a bit nervous during the taping, I felt giddy and grew to be more confident. In fact, in between recording the broadcast elements, I would glance at my husband across the room and mouth "this is so cool!" complete with two thumbs-up (remember that I am an absolute nerd) and a wide toothy grin.
Since I love things with themes, I decided to pick for my playlist my favorite songs released in 1969, in honor of my 40th birthday in April. Of course, in all of my initial anxiety when we began the taping, I forgot to mention this theme. Oh well, now you know. The following are the songs I chose for my radio debut:
Although I never became a royal subject, I actually had the opportunity a few months ago to host a music podcast on one my local radio stations. I know that I sound like a geek, but it truly was one of the biggest thrills of my life. As a child of the '70s equipped with a turntable and an eclectic collection of 45s, I was enamored when "WKRP in Cincinnati" debuted on television. Hey, if a burnout like Dr. Johnny Fever could be on the radio, then so could I. Of course, he is a fictional character and I am just your mature (I'm no spring chicken after all) garden-variety gal from the 'burbs with visions of microphones dancing in my head. Nonetheless, I stepped out of my comfort zone into the studios of WRVA 100.7, The River in Raleigh, North Carolina on a bright warm day in March.
Once at the station, my husband and I met with radio jock Sybil McGuire, who puts together the "Perfect Album Side" on-air feature. Listeners of the station are invited to submit a list of about a dozen of their favorite tunes that would make up their "Perfect Album Side". If chosen, you get to host an hour-long show that is recorded for a podcast posted on The River's website as well as for a one-time radio broadcast on the station. Once there, I felt instantly comfortable with Sybil, who made me feel as if we were long lost friends. She gave us a tour of the station and introduced us to everyone we saw. Sybil was equally gracious in the broadcast booth; she explained all of the technical procedures and was quite patient when she discovered that I make a "tsk" sound with my tongue as well as do some percussive-thing with my "p"s. As much as I was a bit nervous during the taping, I felt giddy and grew to be more confident. In fact, in between recording the broadcast elements, I would glance at my husband across the room and mouth "this is so cool!" complete with two thumbs-up (remember that I am an absolute nerd) and a wide toothy grin.
Since I love things with themes, I decided to pick for my playlist my favorite songs released in 1969, in honor of my 40th birthday in April. Of course, in all of my initial anxiety when we began the taping, I forgot to mention this theme. Oh well, now you know. The following are the songs I chose for my radio debut:
- St. Stephen--The Grateful Dead
- Whipping Post--The Allman Brothers Band
- Gimme Shelter--The Rolling Stones
- Good Times, Bad Times--Led Zeppelin
- Suite: Judy Blue Eyes--Crosby, Stills, and Nash
- Touch Me--The Doors
- Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)--Janis Joplin
- Something--The Beatles
- Fortunate Son--Creedence Clearwater Revival
- Spinning Wheel--Blood, Sweat, and Tears
- Evil Ways--Santana
- With a Little Help From My Friends--Joe Cocker
If you'd like listen to these great songs complete with my personal comments about each, I invite you to visit http://www.river1007.com/cc-common/podcast/single_podcast.html?podcast=AlbumSide.xml Once on this page, just scroll until you find my (Michele Fountain) podcast link. Enjoy y'all!
Until next time, keep it on "11"...
It was a great album-side. Interesting enough, I too always wanted to be a DJ; however, my career path leaves me to do it just in my car. Anyhow, I don't know if you know how much I hate listening to recordings of my voice.
ReplyDeleteThanks Brother Joe; I'm thrilled you enjoyed listening to it.
ReplyDeleteYou know, we should host some podcasts together as aspiring DJs...of course I don't have the foggiest idea how to do it...at least not yet.
P.S. WJMJ Rocks!
I'd lve to do that sometime! We should do one if you come this summer. Anyhow, remember it's KDKJ staring Joey Fanjones.
ReplyDelete