Random Thoughts 6/6/2020

I’m going to share a few perspectives that I have about working on radio for many years. I have been prerecording my KPFA radio program “Con Sabor” from home since late March when the pandemic hit worldwide. It is quite a process to put all the elements together at home. I listen to music practically all the time as well as do my research for my programs. The creative aspect of a radio program is approached quite differently when one produces a live radio program at the station as opposed to producing a program from your home studio. You can come prepared with your music and script but you can also improvise like a jazz musician when you’re broadcasting live from the station’s studio.

However it’s funny how inspiration comes to me for songs and themes to add to my playlist. I’m like a songwriter when it comes to tapping into your creative muse in the sense that ideas can come from anywhere…you just need to listen, trust yourself and make a note of those thoughts for later. DJ’ing for radio isn’t the same as DJ’ing for a club where the emphasis is to keep the party going with a dance floor packed with happy dancers. Programming for radio allows me the luxury to stretch out, get more esoteric, take more chances and to think outside the box as long as I maintain a flow or thread that allows me to take you on a musical journey through my selections in the set. There are also other considerations such as exposing new music, educating my audience and advocating for certain artists or genres of music. Ultimately, it is a matter of taste. It also depends if you are creating a program for public radio where you call the shots as opposed to the majority of commercial radio (whether it’s terrestrial, satellite or online) where you are following a set format.

Well, that’s my 2 cents on this subject for today. My message is whatever your passion is, keep creating….especially during this time of the pandemic. What’s important is to do positive things that will keep you sane and healthy.