Beta Mum's Blog Beta Mum on 26 Jun 2007 07:26 pm
freesound fm
I presented a radio programme today, for the first time in .. oo.. probably ten years, and it was fun. It reminded me of how exciting radio was before I got sucked into managing lots of other people doing it.
I was on freesound fm for an hour, interviewing a few people about what they’re up to in Plymouth.
I haven’t set foot inside a studio for nearly three years, and this was a thrown-together kind of affair featuring faders that don’t start things automatically, no soundproofing and a squeaky door straight out of the ScoobyDoo sound effects department.
There were no news bulletins, jingles, idents or time checks to keep me on track.
There wasn’t even a clock. I had to squint at the computer screen to see how long I had left.
But as it’s all a bit of a casual affair, I didn’t have to hit the top of the hour (as they say in the Smashy and Nicey world) and I didn’t have junctions or whatsons or weather to worry about.
It was like my training days, back in the distant mists of time at RTM Radio.
Just me and a few people and a desk with knobs and faders, and some music to play when I ran out of things to ask.
Not many people were likely to be listening and one of the interviewees was a voluble friend I’d dragged in to chat about her latest theatrical project and to make sure I had at least one decent guest.
I’ve been listening to freesound fm on and off all day. It’s weird to venture away from the safe, sometimes irritating but familiar tones of Eddie Mair, Jenni Murray et al, and it’s struck me how much raw talent there is out there.
I’ve heard some bloody weird music, some extremely knowledgeable enthusiasts taking about music I’ve never heard of, and in Cha with Chas I’ve caught up on all the years of Bollywood tunes that I’ve missed.
You London layabouts have such diverse choices all the time, but down these parts it’s all a bit monocultural.
I’m doing it again next Tuesday from 1-2pm, and you can listen on line, should you fancy a larf.
I’ll try to make it sound a bit more professional next time - I may even chuck in a few time checks and idents and trail ahead to the next programme - like you’re supposed to do.
On the other hand, maybe I’ll just chat on to a few interesting people in any way I see fit…
on 26 Jun 2007 at 8:07 pm 1.Drunk Mummy said …
How cool are you! I for one am really impressed - I am picturing you in a Frasier-like radio station studio, with earphones like Alan Partridge - no? It must be brilliant fun! If you need any backing singers for a catchy jingle, then I’m your woman!
on 27 Jun 2007 at 3:33 pm 2.Mother at Large said …
Bet you were great! I can imagine from reading your blog you’d be really good at that effortless-sounding interviewing - the kind that actually takes a lot of skill and practise to do well. I used to do hospital radio as a school kid - and loved the buzz you get even in such a humble enterprise.
on 27 Jun 2007 at 5:58 pm 3.Beta Mum said …
DM - Not so much cool as filling in where needed.
Radio studio was more of a small room with a mixing desk in it, and much nicer “cans” than Mr Partridge had! Catchy jingles would be great, please email me your audition piece post haste. It’s an event licence so you’ve got just 3 weeks!
MatL - I was shaky with the intro, but fine once it got to the interviews. Yes there is a buzz, which I’d forgotten about. May now have to crawl my way back…
on 27 Jun 2007 at 8:58 pm 4.Stay at home dad said …
Is the slot called Keir Royale? Now that would be a show.
on 27 Jun 2007 at 8:58 pm 5.Mutterings & Meanderings said …
Oh lovely, I didn’t know you were an ex-radio bod. Me too - except I did news and read bulletins, rather than presented.
on 28 Jun 2007 at 9:59 am 6.Beta Mum said …
SAHD - slot is called Plymouth Voices (not my choice!)
M&M - I was mostly newsroom too, but I did present some breakfast and drivetime programmes, to cover holidays etc.