I’m the Live to Air Co-ordinator at Triple R, my role is managing the station’s outside broadcast events and also producing all the activity in our live Performance Space. The work is broad ranging to say the least, and the last 15 months in the position have been a really great experience. It allows me to be creative and work alongside our fabulous broadcasters to produce content that reflects and celebrates our diverse music and arts communities. I also present Triple R’s Thursday drive program Breaking and Entering with my Co-Host Simon Winkler which focuses on new releases.

During the week, I actually get up super early (around 6am) and try to start my day with some yoga, pilates or go for a run. I like to make the most of out my mornings and also use the time to set my intentions for the day. Then my working day can really vary depending on what we have going on live to air wise. Some days will involve fun little adventures and site visits and planning for outside broadcasts.

Working with our broadcasters to curate and program live sets from bands they are excited about and working with their wish lists of dream bands they would like to see featured in the Performance Space and trying to make it happen for them! Triple R is a really fun place to work, there’s always interesting people dropping by the station to be interviewed (I’m normally the one stalking them in the green room for photos to post on my Instagram page). Presenting a new releases program, you can normally find me at my desk sporting a pair of headphones and listening to new music as I work. I try to get out and see live music on the weekends, I DJ regularly around town at various venues. However, during the week after work I’m normally watching something on TV, trying to clock another series.

I feel like it chose me. I was studying to be a graphic designer, when I just fell into presenting a pop culture radio show with my sister at SYN when I was at Uni. I’d always been really into music, but never actively pursued a career in the industry. I’ve never studied music business, journalism or production or anything, so I’m totally not “technically” qualified to be doing what I do! I’ve just always followed my heart and whatever I’m curious and passionate about. I got my start at Triple R by becoming a volunteer, doing a few graveyards and fills and also becoming involved with the Live to Air team. I feel like if you’ve got something to offer, it doesn’t matter so much about qualifications, it’s about getting involved, getting experience and just doing it.

A good question with so many potential answers. For artists and labels, finding ways to connect with audiences and build relationships in a diverse digital era is an ongoing issue: the questions around streaming services, revenue models, and social media interactions are more complex than ever. For fans, knowing what to listen to can also seem like an overwhelming challenge. This is where passionate broadcasters and media makers can step in, leading the way through seas of new releases and oceans of existing records.

The need to address issues of gender and representation in the music industry is also critical. Over the last year alone it’s been brilliant to see groups like LISTEN and oneofone creating space for these conversations, and I’m looking forward to hearing these vital discussions continue, leading to a more inclusive industry for everyone.

With change in the industry there’s also resistance to change, and I’ve definitely encountered both throughout my career. It’s a challenge to stay true to your principles in the face of those attitudes – to follow your moral compass to a place of both integrity and calm. Speaking of keeping cool, there have been times in the Live to Air role at Triple R where limits have been tested, guiding band members to the stage with only seconds to spare and finding power adapters and replacement amps for touring artists at the last minute! It’s been educational, learning new worst case scenarios each time.

I recently finished reading Amy Poehler’s memoir ‘Yes Please’. It’s an excellent read and she unleashes some great life lessons and truth bombs that really resonated with me. Some lines I’d definitely bookmark for my 18 year old self include the following:

– Remember that actions speak louder than words
– Get to the point, please
– Ignore what other people think, most people aren’t even paying attention to you
– Talk to yourself like you’re ninety
– Nobody looks stupid when they are having fun

Amy’s musings on nurturing your creativity is something that also struck a chord. Working hard but also having a healthy detachment to the outcome is another idea that I’d love to share; being willing to experiment and occasionally fail. I’m also proud of never compromising my ideals in the face of criticism from others, which is something I know my 18 year old self would appreciate.

(photo by: Brittany Lucas)

Definitely getting into a lot of yoga, and also listening to music and going for a walk is a good way to unwind. A bit of silence after a long day of listening can offer a bit of peace and can also help to reset. I’ve actually also just signed up to start a weekly pottery class, so looking forward to getting behind the wheel. It’s supposed to be a powerful tool for relaxation, but I’m secretly worried it may cause more stress as things can quickly spin out of control!

There’s so many ways to become a volunteer and get involved with community radio. As well as opportunities for new broadcasters through various training courses, there’s plenty of roles behind the scenes in production, sponsorship, administration and elsewhere. If other commitments prevent you from participating that way, then becoming a subscriber can be an excellent way to show your support.

I love the medium of radio because it’s intimate, informative, inspiring, and it’s a very immediate connection between people. Even though technologies change, the relationship with broadcasters and listeners remain the same. It will be exciting to see how radio continues to evolve in response to new platforms, social media channels, and distribution models. As long as there are conversations to be had, music to be enjoyed and ideas to be explored, radio will play a vital role in sharing them.

Sampa the Great

Ara Koufax

Totally Mild

So many to choose from. I have a full data base of lyrics memorised from a catalogue of TV HITS magazines growing up. I can pretty much recite any 90s chart track on request and could give a convincing performance without any prompting from the bouncing ball on the karaoke screen. When I was in Tokyo though, I did receive a standing ovation in the karaoke booth for my rendition of No Doubt’s Just a Girl. A humble tribute to Gwen Stefani who remains a style icon.