When I was little, I often entertained the idea of being a radio host. I was drawn to the idea of being able to share my music taste with the world, and talking with other people about a topic that is so prominent in my life.
However, my music taste at the time was a mixture of My Chemical Romance, The Jonas Brothers and Maroon 5’s “Songs About Jane.†Flash forward to 10 years later, and here I am- a radio host for “Alternative Afternoons†on the University of Rhode Island’s own radio station, WRIU 90.3 FM.
Hosting a radio show is a unique and rewarding experience, giving students a chance to express themselves through personality and music. I personally have a great love and appreciation for music, so upon finding out about the radio station, I was eager to have a show where I could open up my music library to anyone who tuned in.
Starting out on RIU2, WRIU’s online sister station, I was able to gain a timeslot on the FM airwaves last semester. Now, every Tuesday I go into the studio and prepare, creating a playlist and updating my social media accounts to inform listeners of my upcoming show. Throughout my two hours on air, I tend to focus mainly on songs within the punk, indie and alternative genres.
Being able to play songs from my favorite bands gives me a sense of satisfaction, knowing that out there someone is listening to (and hopefully enjoying) a band they may not have heard of in the past. In between songs, I often bring on friends and guests, and we discuss topics relating to music, URI and just general conversation.
Oftentimes I include facts relating to the music, giving listeners some background to the band or song they are about to hear. Sometimes listeners even call in with song requests or to discuss music with me. I love being able to talk and connect with people from all over, both of us sharing a passion for the same thing. I find it incredible the effect music has on people in this way, and I love that I am able to bond with people over it.
In addition to my radio show, I also hold a position on WRIU’s executive board as the music librarian. This position has exposed to an immense amount of music that I never would have discovered otherwise. My job is to listen to new CDs submitted to the station from record labels and aspiring artists, and then determine which of those albums are suitable for airplay based on our demographics. I get to listen to all different genres and discover interesting, underground sounds. Usually, I later play the submissions on my show as a way to help these talented bands get public exposure over the radio airwaves.
To me, that is the most amazing part of being a DJ: getting to play unknown artists on air. I am in control of the music, and during my show, I am able to let listeners experience new artists that could turn out to be their next favorite band. Artists receiving airplay is a big deal, and can have a major effect on their success.
As both a DJ and an employee, WRIU has opened up so many doors for me. It has helped me meet so many amazing people who share common interests with me. Often discussing music tastes and introducing one another to new artists, I have found that music is a way to bond with and relate to one another. It is fascinating to see the amount of music that is out there just waiting to be explored, and being on air has helped me to hear the world.