Looprevil is Liverpool spelt backwards and David Monks is younger than I thought

So yesterday, I conducted my forth show at 99.8fm KCC Live and it went really well. I think I am getting the hang of this presenting thing. It seemed under control (to me), no real headaches to report, which is a good thing because now I can begin figuring out how to improve the show rather than solely concentrate on making one happen.

Incidentally, I had a meeting today with Simone and Alex in their office and gleaned some really useful feedback. I need to look at the production of the idents as some of them are a little tricky to hear what I'm saying (especially the scouse one) where they are overproduced. Also, it might be time for me to start thinking about renewing them relatively soon. Alex suggested that I don't produce all of them too much so that it keeps some of my own identity. Good advice and will start making new ones tonight I think.

This morning, I was invited to guest on my contemporary's show at Looprevil and have some fun with the games he conducts during it. What a great idea - one I have thought about before but avoided for lack of listeners and people in the studio. Another aspect of his show worth noting was his lack of fear and slick production of the show. Cameron Snook (my contemporary) has had a radio slot before on a local (to him) internet radio station and this seems clear when working with him. He had no fear conducting the show, himself and me for that matter. A real inspiration.

KCC training has been pushed back a week so I will begin that next Tuesday, which should be exciting. Also at this stage, I have confirmed with my course leader for the work-placement module that my time at KCC (learning valuable skills in radio presentation) will be my project for the module.

Tonight, I am field-interviewing a local singer/songwriter known as Richard Francis and am currently conducting all the necessary research to compile a list of questions. Looking forward to the gig. This stuff is great - having to see live music to conduct a show that you love doing!

As for David Monks, nice guy. I gate crashed one of his radio classes today and he welcomed me to join for the half hour or so that I could stay. Will drop him an email to say thanks.

Over and out.

KCC FM said yes!

I had a meeting on Tuesday this week at KCC FM with a view to getting involved in the said community radio station based in Huyton, Liverpool. 

Christine (boss lady) said at one point during our conversation that had she not listened to my recorded work on Looprevil, I wouldn't be sitting in front of her right now. A nice thing to say and more importantly, quite encouraging.

I was offered training in any area of radio production/presentation that I wish to explore with KCC and naturally, I excepted and will embark on presenter training on Tuesday next week.

I'm thrilled and the bonus is that I can use the station as my work-based skills learning placement for university. I did ask Christine if she would be happy to fill in the paperwork for this university project of mine and she was quite happy to oblige.

While I was at the college (where the station is based), I met some of the team who are all a ball. KCC FM opened in 2003 as an Internet based radio station, much like Looprevil. In 2009, they applied to offcom for a license to become an FM station supplying to local community with their radio product. There are now over 60 volunteers that run the station with programming from morning until night every day of the week. Last year, they counted around 50,000 listeners in the year. 

If everything goes to plan, something tells me that KCC may be a big step up towards my career goals whether in radio/music or television presentation/production. Watch this space.

Over and out.

Three shows down… Lots more to go!

Well, I have now completed three shows on Looprevil radio...

The first, I was on my own, felt a little out of my depth had a great time and kept it as smooth as I could. The second show, I got to the studio a bit late with the guest, had some technical problems and felt like it was a bit of a shambles. But, upon listening back, it seems it wasn't all that bad and I had some good feedback from those that got round to listening to it.

My third and most recent show I Inc a pre-recorded article on a local band; to members of whom are in my classes at University. The article sound is great (I thought) especially seeing as I had never spliced something like this up before. Unfortunately, it seems my technical abilities were bettered by my clumsiness upon delivery of the said article… Two. Starts and lots of apologising on there, which I have since learnt is not the right thing to do!

Listening back, in sections it's quite easy to analyse and learn from the mistakes. I have made some written and some mental notes for my up-and-coming show on Monday.

I'm having a great time creating and delivering the shows, working on my presentation skills (basically trying to get good at having a conversation with myself!), Production and delivery while on the air and all while enjoying the experience. I'm pretty confident that presenting is where I want to go.

KCC and tomorrow morning's show

So I just emailed KCC FM:

Hi there,

I am new to Liverpool and one of my friends that lives in Huyton and listens to you all the time suggested I check your station out. After listening to some of Dan's show and grooving along while checking out the website, I thought it best I get in touch.

My name is Chris Behan and I am a Popular Music Studies student at JMU. I have a show on the student station Looprevil where I produce and present 'The Monday Morning Hangover' show from 10-12 each week. (www.mixcloud.com/chrisbehanradio)

I am very keen to get involved with an FM station in any way that might be appropriate. If you are interested in talking to me with a view to organising some involvement in KCC, hit me back using the contact details below.

Look forward to hearing from you;

Regards;

Chris Behan

Student

07826******

chrisja****@***.com

Now that would be super cool. An FM station! It's funny, isn't it; with all the advancements in technology, an 'old-fashioned' FM station seems more impressive to be a part of than an internet-based station - only because the advancements in this kind of technology make it more accessible. That will make an interesting point to write about later on.

As for my internet-based show tomorrow morning, I have a confirmed guest 'Dave Hill' who composes and produces Electronic Dance Music (EDM). Though it might not be hugely appropriate music for someone's hangover, I do equally need to get the hang of interviews and the music will be of interest to some students - helping Dave get his material out there.

Dave's soundcloud page is 'www.soundcloud.com/trancelmania'. Here one will find 2/3 minute examples of his work. I think what I plan to do is get the show going and select some music that might lead up to and compliment what trancelmania's music is all about and then introduce a well-established track before bringing Dave himself into the show. I will interview him, play his latest track and then get him to select some music of his choice before continuing the show as per usual…

Sounds very organised, doesn't it…. Watch this space!

Welcome to the Monday Morning Hangover

Well that was an experience!

Running the show, queueing the music on more than one device... Researching in between songs; answering Tweets and Facebook messages. It's mad, but strangely natural.

It was a bit tricky getting started; a few technicals and odd having a conversation with oneself, but I soon got used to the button pressing and talking to myself.. As I often do :)

I had some great feedback from peers regarding my conduct and music choices, which was encouraging. We are our worst critics but I found so much I could improve upon while listening back to the recording (which incidentally, was levelled incorrectly - and I now know how o rectify that - I jus need to make sure it's set correctly BEFORE recording!).

The night before, I spent setting up my Twitter, an email address to reflect the title of the show and a bunch of idents (jingles).

The recording can be found at:

www.mixcloud.com/chrisbehanradio

Having spoken to various people that listened and those that I have made conversation with regarding the project, I have had many recommendations regarding, music, games and people to interview. One friend (Andy Morrison) told me that he was put into a good mood and was dancing around the living room! I must be doing something right. :)