Oh communication--even in a media form based hugely on all aspects of communication, it seems to be lacking between co-workers consistently at the station. Whether it be one of the sales execs (mainly Dorry) "forgetting" to place a production form in a DJ's folder, or 2 co-workers reading a freakin' article from the local newspaper DURING a staff meeting, WHILE our office manager "June" (the mom of the station) is talking. It's as if we've stepped into some episode of "The Twilight Zone" where no one understands that radio and communication have a connection. Even among fellow announcers at the station, it's like they've never heard of proper communication skills.
Yesterday (Friday), I had a remote that I had to run the soundboard for, which was cool with me--extra cash is always a nice thing :-] This remote was one of the weekly High School Football game ones----play-by-play action for those who can't attend the game. I've only run the board for 1 game, and so I was going over some steps with June to refresh myself before I headed home to take a nap, grab dinner, and come back to do the job. Thankfully, June is always on top of things, and asked, "You know it's a phone remote, right?" With bewilderment (and annoyance) I stated, "Uh, nooo! J never informed me that it was going to be a phone remote. What the heck do I do?" As June explained a couple of small things I would have to change, including putting in interviews that were all pre-recorded, I cringed a little from the tiny voice in my head saying, "J never told me this, J needs to remember important things like this, I am going to kick J when I see him next week, etc." Big miscommunication between J and I that could have landed me facing a "what the hell is going on" situation, which was gratefully avoided by June's intuitive senses and knowledge of J's scatter-brained mindset and cluelessness of certain communication properties. Nice guy, but J makes me wonder sometimes why he doesn't carry some form of calendar/planner with him...I think I'll get him one for Christmas.
In other news, I have begun my idea that made me toss and turn, keeping me from my nap a couple of days ago. I decided to go the Myspace route, seeing that it's easier to contact people through it, and they have some pretty cool widgets to help. Now is the tricky part--coming up with a name and trying to display my idea. For the name, I'm thinking "Make It OR Break It"--I even have a poll set-up on the page where people can vote on the song displayed for the week (I want to change it daily, but I have to get enough activity to the page generated first). If you have other name ideas, feedback is always appreciated. :-]
Friday, October 24, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
So, I began to try and take my nap today at around 1:30pm, and for the life of me I just could not get to sleep. Damn TV Show on VH1 gave me ideas, and so my brain would not shut down for a few hours. This is the idea that would not let me get some shut-eye:
I love music, and honestly, if you haven't figured that out by now, then here it is in black and white. :) Right at the top with my faith, family and friends, music is the end-all, be-all of my existence. Because of my passion for music of almost all kinds, I love being able to share new stuff with everyone--my listeners, my friends, my family, etc. Now when I say new, I'm referring to new music from both big/medium size aritists and bands, PLUS new music from indie and brand new musicians. Whether it be a new Rihanna track, Collective Soul, or a track from my friend Matt Toka, if it's worth sharing, I try to share it. With this thought in my mind, I have thought of sharing this with everyone. Now, I know there's Myspace Music and other web sites like that, but I've been thinking about creating a Myspace page or using this blog as a type of middle-man site. I want to share the new music I either dig up or receive from new artists, and even have either a daily or weekly poll on the music that I post. I want to do a written feature on the artists/bands and have the people give their opinion, their vote, their voice, and it be all wrapped up in one little place. Seeing that I have new bands ask to be my friend about once a day on Myspace, I want a chance to give them some help, and even send people to their sites/blogs/pages.
I know it seems maybe stupid or confusing or redundant, but I know that there's a reason why I have this love for music, why I'm in the radio biz, and why I couldn't go to sleep this afternoon. Even though I may not be able to play the music on my station (that whole co-host/program director being a kind-of "music snob" most times), I want to get it out there---From the big artists to the newbies of the group.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Time for the NHAB Banquet
The NHAB—a touring ground of what New Hampshire has to offer in the Broadcasting world. Mainly, all that stroll in and attend are sales execs, program directors, production directors, and the head boss(es). When looking around, all you see are suits, suits, and more business attire…and then you see that one glimpse of shimmer and shine. As Jim pointed out to the co-host and I at our banquet table, “You can usually tell who the On-Air talent are. No offense to you guys, but usually they’re the ones who tend to stick out, and not really in the good way.” While saying this, one guy walked by us that looked like the lead singer of Def Leppard (after 20 minutes, we figured out the singer’s name is Joe Elliott), followed by a woman dressed in an edgy black dress and hard-rock hair cut. Now, don’t know if the woman was an on-air announcer, but we had a gut feeling the guy definitely was stuck in a studio many days and was still spinning 45’s of KISS and REO Speedwagon. Then, there was the man who looked as if his pants and button-down shirt were from the 70’s while he tried to hide his disheveled hair under an “elderly man” hat.
You could pick the radio DJ’s out easier then finding Waldo in one of his books, but not all looked like they dressed in the dark and hadn’t seen the sunlight for days. Mainly the woman DJ’s were the one’s who dressed snazzy and fun, including yours truely, compared to the pant suits that the woman sales execs were adorning. Thankfully, Jim said that both the co-host and I were one of the exemptions to the statement he had made, saying that we were dressed to impress the peeps---and that’s how we roll. What made me chuckle some was that when we arrived with our other DJ, J, all of our people said they didn’t recognize me from a distance (in a good way—they thought I knocked it out of the park on looks), and then proceeded to tease the co-host a little, saying that it was nice to finally see him dressed up (him proceeding with a “Bite Me.”).
Besides the people watching, schmoozing is a high priority of the NHAB conference/banquet. Seeing that NH is such a small state, you have the opportunity to chat with people high in the radio/broadcasting “food-chain,” including this year, being able to talk and meet with the head of the whole NAB*, David Rehr—nice guy, very well spoken, hard at fighting to keep radio and TV alive and booming through defenses of the media in The Capitol, yet seems to have his smile painted on constantly. It was nice to finally meet and talk with the guy who’s face has been plastered in the last 3 brochures at the NAB convention. I also had the chance to meet other morning-show DJ’s, most from different formats then ours (so the feel of competition really isn’t there).
And while I sat at our table, I looked around and realized that we (Mt. Washington Radio Group) were possibly having more fun with our conversations and time together then many of the others at the tables next to us. It was just nice (and a tad bit surprising) to see all of us chatting and laughing together at some of the craziest things, whether they be appropriate or not—as if we really are like a family.
Great food (Filet Minoan), great connections, fun times with co-workers, won a first place award for a spot for our station, and received a pretty sweet flannel blanket---All in All, a great evening I must say.
*NAB=National Assoiciation of Broadcating
You could pick the radio DJ’s out easier then finding Waldo in one of his books, but not all looked like they dressed in the dark and hadn’t seen the sunlight for days. Mainly the woman DJ’s were the one’s who dressed snazzy and fun, including yours truely, compared to the pant suits that the woman sales execs were adorning. Thankfully, Jim said that both the co-host and I were one of the exemptions to the statement he had made, saying that we were dressed to impress the peeps---and that’s how we roll. What made me chuckle some was that when we arrived with our other DJ, J, all of our people said they didn’t recognize me from a distance (in a good way—they thought I knocked it out of the park on looks), and then proceeded to tease the co-host a little, saying that it was nice to finally see him dressed up (him proceeding with a “Bite Me.”).
Besides the people watching, schmoozing is a high priority of the NHAB conference/banquet. Seeing that NH is such a small state, you have the opportunity to chat with people high in the radio/broadcasting “food-chain,” including this year, being able to talk and meet with the head of the whole NAB*, David Rehr—nice guy, very well spoken, hard at fighting to keep radio and TV alive and booming through defenses of the media in The Capitol, yet seems to have his smile painted on constantly. It was nice to finally meet and talk with the guy who’s face has been plastered in the last 3 brochures at the NAB convention. I also had the chance to meet other morning-show DJ’s, most from different formats then ours (so the feel of competition really isn’t there).
And while I sat at our table, I looked around and realized that we (Mt. Washington Radio Group) were possibly having more fun with our conversations and time together then many of the others at the tables next to us. It was just nice (and a tad bit surprising) to see all of us chatting and laughing together at some of the craziest things, whether they be appropriate or not—as if we really are like a family.
Great food (Filet Minoan), great connections, fun times with co-workers, won a first place award for a spot for our station, and received a pretty sweet flannel blanket---All in All, a great evening I must say.
*NAB=National Assoiciation of Broadcating
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Double Check...and Triple Check
Ok, so even though it's a little late, I must tell the story of Sunday's remote. This is a huge reminder to everyone that you should watch what you say, even when you think no one is paying attention.
So, I ran the board for a remote* that we had on Sunday at the Corn Maze at Sherman Farm (check out Shermanfarmnh.com for the maze--it's really kick-arse). As board-op, I have to make sure that songs, commericals (or spots as we call it) and breaks are in order. I also have to be alert because whoever is the announcer for the remote can change songs and breaks around if needed. As board-op, the other big thing is that the announcer gives me the order and/or changes through the mic he/she has, and I can hear it all, but they can't hear me---I have to call them if I have any questions.
Well, this Sunday, the co-host was the announcer, and the sales exec, "Jim", was out there with him, as all of our sales execs are suppose to be when a remote involves their client. Well, during one moment off of the air, I hear the co-host and Jim talking. Now remember, the mic is always on, even if I don't have them turned up on the board and on the air. So even when no one else can hear the people on the radio, I can still hear everything anyone is saying/doing at the remote. So the co-host and Jim started talking about Fergie and how she may/may not look good in certain lighting, and then it went onto Amy Winehouse and how a couple of years ago she was semi-attractive, but now she looks, well, crappy. All of a sudden, Jim decided to make a comparison between Amy Winehouse and Dorry's daughter, and I about lost it. I was shocked and laughing at the same time, b/c 1.) I would never have expected a comment like that coming from Jim (maybe the co-host, but not him), and 2.) As sad as it may be, the statement he made was very close to the truth. Thankfully, I was the one who heard this comment and no one else, but it just goes to show kids that you should ALWAYS remember what you may be saying off the air, because you never know who may be on the other end listening.
*Remote=A live broadcast
So, I ran the board for a remote* that we had on Sunday at the Corn Maze at Sherman Farm (check out Shermanfarmnh.com for the maze--it's really kick-arse). As board-op, I have to make sure that songs, commericals (or spots as we call it) and breaks are in order. I also have to be alert because whoever is the announcer for the remote can change songs and breaks around if needed. As board-op, the other big thing is that the announcer gives me the order and/or changes through the mic he/she has, and I can hear it all, but they can't hear me---I have to call them if I have any questions.
Well, this Sunday, the co-host was the announcer, and the sales exec, "Jim", was out there with him, as all of our sales execs are suppose to be when a remote involves their client. Well, during one moment off of the air, I hear the co-host and Jim talking. Now remember, the mic is always on, even if I don't have them turned up on the board and on the air. So even when no one else can hear the people on the radio, I can still hear everything anyone is saying/doing at the remote. So the co-host and Jim started talking about Fergie and how she may/may not look good in certain lighting, and then it went onto Amy Winehouse and how a couple of years ago she was semi-attractive, but now she looks, well, crappy. All of a sudden, Jim decided to make a comparison between Amy Winehouse and Dorry's daughter, and I about lost it. I was shocked and laughing at the same time, b/c 1.) I would never have expected a comment like that coming from Jim (maybe the co-host, but not him), and 2.) As sad as it may be, the statement he made was very close to the truth. Thankfully, I was the one who heard this comment and no one else, but it just goes to show kids that you should ALWAYS remember what you may be saying off the air, because you never know who may be on the other end listening.
*Remote=A live broadcast
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Naps and Sleep
Why it is essential to take a nap when you have a job that entitles you to be up by 4am:
- By 8pm, you feel like you're about to pass out
- It totally throws off your dinner time
- On top of that, it throws off your whole perspective of time
- You end up watching lame shows on TV that you would never catch any other normal day
- You feel as if you've forgotten something...oh yeah, Your Nap!
- I mentioned the whole wanting to pass out by 8pm, right?
- You don't feel like going out and doing anything because you just want to be lazy
If I think of more...I'll post them later. As of now though, I think I will be making my way to la-la land. I'll discuss my adventure with one of the remotes this past weekend tomorrow, if I remember :)
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Everywhere anyone turns, a new picture or article about some "trendy" star or up-and-coming media mogul is hitting the front page of magazines, newspapers, and refreshed every 10 minutes it seems on the main page of Yahoo. As Americans, we soak this stuff in, even if the person in the light is as stupid as the garbage can you threw your Big Gulp in. If you think radio is separate from this cat-and-mouse spotlight game, you are easily mistaken. Even though radio affects the ears and not the eyes, a simple sentence from some big-shot movie star or rock-band musician that's heard over the airwaves can simply make someone stay glued to that sound box as if their life depended on it.
After watching Simon Pegg's new film, "How to Lose Friends and Alienate People," it made me think over the way I approach this craft, my craft...and yes, radio is a craft (don't think that just because your brother is funny, it would make him the next radio DJ). Simon Pegg's character in the film is an entertainment journalist who, after creating/writing a satiric entertainment magazine in England for years, gets a phone call to move to NYC and write for a world-acclaimed Entertainment Magazine, Sharps. Throughout the film, he continuously struggles with getting anything published because he tries to stay true to his writing style and wants to shine some light on who the new actresses, producers, and directors really are, and possibly kick them off the pedestal they are being lifted onto. Not only does he feel the need to call some people ("twats") out, but he looks for the unique angles and creative stories of those in the industry who really should be supported and encouraged.
While watching his struggles, I could feel this slight connection and pull at the stomach, telling me to, no matter what comes my way, stay true to who I am. It's the reason why when I get a friend request on Myspace from some new musician who is trying to get their stuff out there, I accept the request and really do check out their music. It's why I continue to talk about new artists in my "Nikki's Tune Review" on Saturday mornings...even if the co-host thinks it's a waste of time and should be focused on musicians everyone already freakin' knows. It's why I want to do interviews with any musician that we can grab our hands on--new or old. It's why I enjoy talking about the sweet stories, the crazy competitions, and the small-town or underground events that are happening every day of our lives. I know that one day I may not have this type of freedom, especially if I get a job in a bigger market, but I will continue to write, listen to, and occasionally sneak in stuff that makes me me. If I make it big one day, I will never forget the simple, small stuff that has surrounded and created who I am. I do not want to change my views (yes, I think "The Hills" is ridiculous and Brangelina is getting on my last nerve) and I want to help those who are true and in-synce with the arts of music, film, tv, theater and the written word. I hope to look back on this blog entry one day and say, "I have followed what I wrote, and I've been sure in myself and others."
After watching Simon Pegg's new film, "How to Lose Friends and Alienate People," it made me think over the way I approach this craft, my craft...and yes, radio is a craft (don't think that just because your brother is funny, it would make him the next radio DJ). Simon Pegg's character in the film is an entertainment journalist who, after creating/writing a satiric entertainment magazine in England for years, gets a phone call to move to NYC and write for a world-acclaimed Entertainment Magazine, Sharps. Throughout the film, he continuously struggles with getting anything published because he tries to stay true to his writing style and wants to shine some light on who the new actresses, producers, and directors really are, and possibly kick them off the pedestal they are being lifted onto. Not only does he feel the need to call some people ("twats") out, but he looks for the unique angles and creative stories of those in the industry who really should be supported and encouraged.
While watching his struggles, I could feel this slight connection and pull at the stomach, telling me to, no matter what comes my way, stay true to who I am. It's the reason why when I get a friend request on Myspace from some new musician who is trying to get their stuff out there, I accept the request and really do check out their music. It's why I continue to talk about new artists in my "Nikki's Tune Review" on Saturday mornings...even if the co-host thinks it's a waste of time and should be focused on musicians everyone already freakin' knows. It's why I want to do interviews with any musician that we can grab our hands on--new or old. It's why I enjoy talking about the sweet stories, the crazy competitions, and the small-town or underground events that are happening every day of our lives. I know that one day I may not have this type of freedom, especially if I get a job in a bigger market, but I will continue to write, listen to, and occasionally sneak in stuff that makes me me. If I make it big one day, I will never forget the simple, small stuff that has surrounded and created who I am. I do not want to change my views (yes, I think "The Hills" is ridiculous and Brangelina is getting on my last nerve) and I want to help those who are true and in-synce with the arts of music, film, tv, theater and the written word. I hope to look back on this blog entry one day and say, "I have followed what I wrote, and I've been sure in myself and others."
Monday, October 6, 2008
Last Minute Requests=Food In Payment
By 4:30pm on Friday, I had thought I was done with the day, but things always change at work, especially when you wear 20 different hats--it all comes with a small station. I'm about to head back to my desk, when I turn to realize that "Dorry," one of our sales execs, is on her knees--my immediate response being, "What is it this time?" The only reason a sales exec, especially Dorry, would be begging that way is that she made one more of her scatterbrained mistakes and needed a spot put together. How is it that I'm always the one who gets these requests?! Well, seeing it was waaayyy past my time to be at work, extra payment must come with this favor--food is always an option. She thought her 2 last pieces of cheesecake in the fridge would suffice, HA!! Lunch plus the cheesecake, that would be good enough, and I am planning of ordering dessert with it, even if I have to get it to-go. What the co-host pointed out though was that lunch wasn't going to be only payment, but slight punishment for me, which I didn't think about until he said something. We say punishment b/c Dorry's scatterbrain self carries into any conversation she has, and that means lunch will be very interesting either tomorrow or Wed., maybe even a little aggravating. Note to self: Next time, either ask for a gift certificate, or even make DVDs another form of payment.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Nikki’s Tune Review
“I Don’t Care"--Fall Out Boy
Album: “Folie a Deux”
“I Don’t Care"--Fall Out Boy
Album: “Folie a Deux”
Background:
-The title of the album means "a madness shared by 2"
*It’s a psychiatric condition where a delusion or psychological problem is
transferred from 1 person to another-The title of the album means "a madness shared by 2"
*It’s a psychiatric condition where a delusion or psychological problem is
*I don't really know what Fall Out Boy is trying to say out of this title, but it
makes me a little concerned for them :) J/K
-"I don't Care" is the 1st single off of this 5th studio album (to be available on Nov. 4th)
Vocals:
-Lead singer Patrick Stump still stays true to his crazy-cool vocal range, but I wish they displayed more of the power that it has. It feels as if it's covered up a little bit
Instruments/Feel:
-A great catchy electric-guitar chord repetition that drives the beat throughout the song
-The tune continues to show the big step the band took away from their original punk-rock style. It's still rock, but falls more into the pop-rock genre now
-I enjoy the message in song,“I don’t care what you think, as long as it’s about me,” because it comically covers the thought that lots of people have in this world, especially those in the eye of the media.
Check them out at http://www.falloutboyrock.com/
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
It's My 1 Year!
October 1st, 2007--a slightly timid, but extremely excited college graduate walked into the Magic 104 studio, took a seat behind the mic facing her new co-worker, and began her start as Nikki Martinez. To think that 1 year ago I was starting off at Magic with only a combined year of on-air experience from 3 different radio stations and only known as "Nicole the Intern" or "Intern Nicole." I had the production experience under my belt--a good 2-3 years--but it was the on-air stuff that I was still shaky on, which was the only fault in my resume and the only reason why bigger stations wouldn't hire me. Low and behold, a station in NH decided to take a chance on me, and in a year I believe I have grown soooooo much on the air, not only with a co-host, but also by holding my own. I can carry the conversation if I need to, and I can run the show by myself with really no problems.
Now, hear me out, I will always continue to grow as a radio DJ--if I didn't, let's just say I would become boring and possibly even canned a few years down the road. If a DJ ever tells you they don't have anything else to learn, that is a crap-load of BS. Technology continues to grow, stories continue to become more detailed, music comes by the tons now, and listeners continue to vary. Even though lots of people have Satellite Radio or CDs they listen to all the time, radio will always have a HUGE place in the media, and people will always want to check in.
To celebrate my 1 Year at Magic and up here in the Mt. Washington Valley Area, I decided to chill, take a nap, and order a Stuffed Crust Pizza for dinner (I didn't know you could only order a large, so I have lots of leftovers for the next day or 2)! I know, not a big celebration, but I have my birthday coming up soon, so I think that'll be a little bigger.
I like to believe that after this first year, I have become a bit more wiser, a bit more confident, and definitely more experienced in the ways of the Radio Personality World. Hopefully this next year will be filled with more experiences and maybe, just maybe, the station will finally get out of the stone age and start online streaming.
Goals for this next year:
1. Try to Post on this blog at least 3-4 times a week (I hope all who read will enjoy)
2. Get Magic streaming online (my family could finally hear me live)
3. Interview someone as big or bigger than Justin Guarini (F.Y.I.--nice guy on the phone)
4. Have my Midday shift become a request lunch style show (I want to make a person's day by
playing a song they request)
5. Stay safe during the winter again
6. Possibly learn to ski
7. Have either a family member or friend visit me from the south
8. Put together a kick-butt air-check for future job hunts
9. Edit my paper resume
10. Look into bigger markets (the White Mountains and Magic have treated me so well, but I
need to start looking into my future plans and future savings)
11. Build a snowman (I didn't have the time last winter)
12. Do some hiking with friends
If I think of more, I'll be posting them so I remember. Oh, and as you can tell, I decided to make some adjustments of my own to my blog--I sometimes just feel inspired to do so :)
Now, hear me out, I will always continue to grow as a radio DJ--if I didn't, let's just say I would become boring and possibly even canned a few years down the road. If a DJ ever tells you they don't have anything else to learn, that is a crap-load of BS. Technology continues to grow, stories continue to become more detailed, music comes by the tons now, and listeners continue to vary. Even though lots of people have Satellite Radio or CDs they listen to all the time, radio will always have a HUGE place in the media, and people will always want to check in.
To celebrate my 1 Year at Magic and up here in the Mt. Washington Valley Area, I decided to chill, take a nap, and order a Stuffed Crust Pizza for dinner (I didn't know you could only order a large, so I have lots of leftovers for the next day or 2)! I know, not a big celebration, but I have my birthday coming up soon, so I think that'll be a little bigger.
I like to believe that after this first year, I have become a bit more wiser, a bit more confident, and definitely more experienced in the ways of the Radio Personality World. Hopefully this next year will be filled with more experiences and maybe, just maybe, the station will finally get out of the stone age and start online streaming.
Goals for this next year:
1. Try to Post on this blog at least 3-4 times a week (I hope all who read will enjoy)
2. Get Magic streaming online (my family could finally hear me live)
3. Interview someone as big or bigger than Justin Guarini (F.Y.I.--nice guy on the phone)
4. Have my Midday shift become a request lunch style show (I want to make a person's day by
playing a song they request)
5. Stay safe during the winter again
6. Possibly learn to ski
7. Have either a family member or friend visit me from the south
8. Put together a kick-butt air-check for future job hunts
9. Edit my paper resume
10. Look into bigger markets (the White Mountains and Magic have treated me so well, but I
need to start looking into my future plans and future savings)
11. Build a snowman (I didn't have the time last winter)
12. Do some hiking with friends
If I think of more, I'll be posting them so I remember. Oh, and as you can tell, I decided to make some adjustments of my own to my blog--I sometimes just feel inspired to do so :)
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