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Expressions of Radio - Warren - 24-05-2016
Recently I've come onto the #Radio, to find it offline, and went to fill in the
air time with some of my classical music selections.
Often times, you know me for playing lots of 70s music, and although i used
to be more rigid in taking requests, i have incorporated that into my repertoire,
if i think it will integrate well with the era of what is currently playing.
Sometimes, though I just want to play something entirely different, as we
can't always be expected to have the happy-go-lucky attitude. So I like to
add a little variety by playing some of my classical music.
I can honestly understand, that not everybody will like this genre of music,
i mean.. get me in the room with some country music, or blast some dubstep
in my ears, and i'm sure i'd shy away from the radio as well.
Each radio DJ has their own unique music selection, and their own style, and
their own way of playing. Milk loves to talk during her programs, and thats
perfect for her program, I enjoy listening to Milk.
If you know me in my personal life though, you'd know I am a selectively vocal
person, and thats kind of evident in the way I play the radio program as well.
I was recently told though, that I can only play 2 or 3 classical songs in a row,
but anyone who appreciates classical music, knows that you can't just play a
couple, and then switch to the backstreet boys, or shakira, or even anything
from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s... its like a mixed drink, there are certain things that
just don't mix well together. as I think any DJ should be able to appreciate the
concept that.... the previous song, sets the tone for the next song. one song
often complements the other. Just like when I play my 70s mix, I hand-pick
each song, for what I think will mix well with the previous.
I was also told that I am required to take every single request, which I completely
disagree with. We were told, we should take as many requests as possible, but...
I think ultimately, the DJ playing has the final say, as it should be left to their
discretion, on what they think will sound good on the radio.
Otherwise, you will end up with people throwing in fruity picks, not because they
want to listen to a song, but because they know others might not like it.
That's why when I play the radio, I never select anything that I don't want to listen
to myself. Because if I don't want to listen to a song, how can I expect my listeners
to enjoy it either?
I have been told that very few people like my classical selections, but I have
remembered several times, where I have people complement me on even the classical
music, and welcome the change of pace. I also observe that often times, the number
of listeners is consistent, with 17-20+ listeners. In fact, I've gotten more of a positive
response from the classical program, than when i played a random mix of music.
that's neither here nor there though, as the listener rate is not a good judge of
actual listeners, but is just something I've observed.
I am usually confronted though about the classical music, when I have a listener join
radio, and say they don't like the music.... well thats going to be true of any music you
play. theres always going to be at least 1 person who doesnt like what is being played.
some like it hot.... some like it cold.... you can't please everybody, and thats just the way
it is. but we shouldn't be expected to change who we are, or the things we like to play
just because one or two people aren't satisfied.
its like going into a restaurant, and saying you hate the food, and expecting them to change
the whole menu based on your preferences. its unrealistic.
I've had a lot of difficulty in the past, because I've always tried to change my own
behavior to match what others around me liked. That wasn't being true to myself
though, pleasing others is great... but changing yourself to be more like what others
want, well its a good way to end up in a mental hospital. lol
I don't want to insult the other DJ players, but I actually find it difficult myself, to listen
to most of their programs, as the modern music just doesn't sit well with me... but just
because I don't like it, doesn't mean they shouldn't keep playing it. I embrace their
differences, because I'm sure a lot of the younger generations love that kind of music,
as listening to music is an extremely subjective experience... because we often
associate certain memories and experiences with the music we listened to in the past.
With that being said, just about any kind of music played will trigger something different
in each person... and its because of these vast differences, we should allow each DJ to
play whatever strikes them.
Worst case scenario, when that persons 2 hours is up, another DJ can intervene and say
hey Warren, step aside, its time to play some good music. lol
I dont think Im asking for much, just for the right for the DJ to play the music the way they
want to play it. In the chat, we have the freedom to say what we like, as long as it doesnt
harm or offend anybody. Why I also feel we shouldn't be denied a culture of classical music.
If we don't like it, just like in chat... we always have an option to ignore something we
dont want to hear, and we'll just come back when the music we like to hear is playing.
I realize that this might seem like an internal matter, and maybe I should have posted on
a DJ board instead, but I also did not forget, that the broad range of our listeners are out
here in the public, and I also want to hear their take on the matter.
Classical music for hundreds of years has inspired creativity and inspiration in billions of
people... most of our greatest artists, poets, and story writers, have all been inspired by
this layer of music, and putting limits on what we are allowed to showcase, is in my mind
tying the hands of ones expression.
I feel pretty strongly about this, and I want every DJ to feel comfortable to play whatever
they feel, even if others can't always appreciate it.
Let me know what you think, or feel about this matter.
Re: Expressions of Radio - Jadok - 25-05-2016
I don't often respond to posts on the forums, but I do find many of the posts to be helpful and thought provoking. Some, like, Warren's above post, demonstrate passion that cannot be overlooked.
My first exposure to classical music was in cartoons, so it brings me much pleasure when I choose to listen to it. I have lived through MANY changes in musical styles, and I have come to appreciate music from the 60s and beyond and from many genres. (Yes, even country music! And rap just doesn't move me like so many other styles.) Having said that, I love to hear variety in radio. The way to do this is to choose DJs who can bring that variety to those who listen.
I would love to see a schedule of DJs with their musical styles linked closely to their passions. If Warren has a passion for classical or has found a way to weave together a thematic show that integrates classical music, I am all for it. Others might enjoy doing a hodge-podge of music with no apparent theme. Great. There might even be a DJ who chooses to do "All ABBA All the Time". That could be fun too. Perhaps some shows are "limited request" while others are as many requests as can be fit in.
There is a wealth of music to be shared. I say let the specialists enrich all of our experience, and if we do not care for the music being played, there is always youtube.
Thanks for listening
Re: Expressions of Radio - Warren - 25-05-2016
Thanks for your input Jadok
on that note, i also wanted to add... the other day, I did a program where I played
nothing but 'TV show theme songs', and I had a few people in #Radio chiming in and
offering their requests of favorite theme songs. Milk and I, and perhaps others,
were having a blast listening to them together.
It wasn't your ordinary listening program, but everyone seemed to be having a lot of
fun with it.
The next day, I tried to explain to someone about the tv theme song program, and they
said that probably wouldn't be for them. I said, well you just really had to of been there,
and they agreed.
i think its another example, where what one person might not enjoy, others really do, and
vice versa.
If I had just mixed these theme songs in with other songs, the whole theme
wouldn't have really translated, and it'd just been an odd mix.
i think we all had a lot of fun with that, and although classical music might not always be
considered a 'fun' type of music, we shouldn't expect that everyone will be in the same
mindset and always wanting a fun-time on demand. Some people like the slow methodical
melody of classical music. Sometimes the songs can stir up some feelings we don't always
want to feel, but it can also help bring contrast for when we are ready for an upbeat time.
At the same time, the same music can also offer insights of intrinsic beauty, that are not
easily expressed with other forms of music.
part of this is just philosophy, which is subjective as well, but perhaps it will help in
understanding, that its our freedom of expressing our different styles that should be
nurtured, and not curbed.
I've also had a couple times where, I've played classical or champagne music, and myself
and others just weren't feeling it, and I switched to another genre. Sometimes you just
have to test the waters, and see how it feels, before you decide something else might
be more comfortable.
Making those decisions to change on your own, is very important though, and nobody
should be coerced, forced, or hassled to try to make you change in a way they want you
to change.
Playing music for others, is a lot like steering a ship . . .
Its all about the motion of the ocean and the feel of the wheel.