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."