The light above the studio door shines "On Air" in a bright green as curious onlookers press their faces against the glass walls.
This makes me feel like an animal on exhibit, or a shy bug in a cage. I put my hand to my tummy in order to calm the butterflies.
Although talking on the radio isn't as scary anymore, the first time I was a DJ on KWCR 88.1 Weber FM, I was the most anxious I've ever been.
On Tuesday nights, KWCR hosts a radio show called "New Kids On The Block," which features all-local music, mostly from the Ogden and Salt Lake City area. DJ Chris Gillis conducts interviews and new up-and-coming bands play an acoustic set in-studio at Weber State University, and play songs from CDs and demos.
Since late January, Jason Allen, owner of The Basement, and I have been guest DJs on KWCR. We share a passion for local music, and that's why we are an important advantage to the weekly radio show. Although Jason doesn't accompany me at the radio show anymore, I stay for the full two hours and discuss shows at The Basement and other local venues. I also take turns asking featured bands our serious and silly questions, and joke with them and have a great time.
Every week I slowly get more and more self-assured, as I find my radio personality.
"To be a good DJ you have to put yourself in a frame of mind where you just don't care what other people think," Gillis says.
Watch your words
When he first went on air in 2007, Gillis was probably more terrified than I was. You have no idea who is listening, especially since KWCR streams live online at www.weberfm.org.
"I think I made about 100 mistakes in the first hour," Gillis said.
And I'm certain I made countless errors my first time too.
I've been most afraid of saying something dumb or controversial. And because the station is funded and provided for by Weber State, there are many rules to what can and can't be said on air, including advertising prices and profanity. Once, while reading a public service announcement for Future Method, I mentioned "sex" and got in a big mess. I've learned my lesson to never say racy words on air because now I always get made fun of.
Making connections
When I put on my large headphones, I sometimes close my eyes and let the love of my life -- local music -- enfold me. Michael Gross and the Statuettes were one of the best bands playing live in the studio. The entire band managed to play, including electric drums and two guitars.
I love having fresh talent on the show, or even musician friends of mine. Soon-to-be featured bands will include The House Cats, Sleep Radio, Ask for The Future and Art In Thesis. Maybe someday my band, Trickle Down Theory, will make the cut and be featured on the show.
Meeting local bands and talking music with them is my favorite pastime. Even before I started working the front door at The Basement, I have had an obsession with local music. When listening to mainstream artists like Metro Station or Taylor Swift, I don't obtain a connection. Lady Gaga doesn't care if I went to her show, bought her CD, or told a friend about her music.
But local artists care, they need our support and passion. I'm so into local music that I don't feel so bad for not being involved with school activities; in fact, I've just about severed all my ties to high school except the actual classes themselves.
Being involved with something so great and community-oriented like local music makes me feel quite significant. I can't wait for the fall semester at Weber State, so I can take the Communications 2730 class and become a legit DJ. I'm the only non-Weber State student cohost on the air, and that's why I'm excited to learn the skills and take my place amongst the official radio DJs. The class is open to all, and there is no need for a pre-requisite.
Having local music on the air wasn't a new idea. After a similar radio show known as "Local Landing" was canceled, Gillis started up "New Kids" in the early summer of 2009. Before a band can be featured on "New Kids," Gillis and I try to see them live or at least hear a few recordings. We do our homework, and it always pays off, because the bands featured on the show keep getting better and better. The demand for new and fresh local music is always prevalent.
If you want to get your band's music heard on "Ogden's Radio Station," you can drop it off at the station located in the university's Shepherd Union building, or you can e-mail it to simplygillis@gmail.com.
And on Tuesday nights, sing, dance and laugh along as Raychel-with-a-Y and Gillis explore the best local music this side of the Great Salt Lake has to offer.
Raychel Johnson is a senior at Roy High School. She enjoys playing bass, antique shopping and listening to local music. E-mail her at rayjay92@hotmail.com.
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