Q: Were you involved in student radio at Swansea? No, not at all. In fact, I wasn’t interested in radio until much later when I moved to Bristol with my band. Radio presenting ultimately put an end to my music career. Q: You’ve been on the radio for a long time. How has the role of radio changed? The radio industry has changed a lot. There used to be many stations, but now a few big companies own most of them. It’s harder to break into radio now. However, lockdown showed the enduring connection between radio and listeners. People relied on radio for mental health and connection during a difficult time. Playlists are great, but there’s something special about listening to something live and feeling like your part of a community. I’ve always strived to have an ongoing conversation with the audience through social media, reading messages on air, and featuring audience contributions. Our show is built by the audience; they inspire us with their brilliant ideas and stories. Q: How do you see radio navigating the changing music landscape? Radio is about connection, routine, and discovery. We don’t necessarily focus on breaking new music. It’s a mix of familiar favourites and introducing listeners to some recent discoveries. Spotify and radio can complement each other. People might hear a new song on the radio and then go to Spotify to listen to the album. Radio is the shop window, and listeners can explore further based on what they hear.
Q: Absolute Radio fosters a sense of community, doesn’t it? Can you share an example? Yes, radio can be a powerful tool for connection. I’ve done a lot over the years to promote mental health awareness and connection. During lockdown, I hosted meetups for listeners feeling lonely or isolated. I also used to organise “No Office, Office Party” events for self-employed people. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see these connections continue even after the events. Social media also helps us connect with listeners and build a stronger sense of community. Q: You studied American Studies and play Delta blues guitar. Has American culture always fascinated you? Absolutely! My American Studies degree was an amazing experience. It was a broad subject that covered everything from TV and film to slavery and Delta Blues. I still follow American sports and music and feel privileged to have learned about American culture at Swansea. It also taught me valuable skills like adaptation and how to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. My curiosity about people is what drives my radio career.
07
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator