Let’s start from the beginning, do you remember the first time you first heard radio?

I remember hearing radio, probably when I was about 10, I remember knowing the words to the song, Leaving On A Jet Plane and thought how sad it was!!!

When did the musical obsession begin? What did it stem from?

My musical obsession probably started when I was about 13, but my obsession with buying and collecting records started when I was 18 or 19, when the first punk explosion happened, there was so much good music out there to discover then and my obsession really kicked in.

What was your first experience working in radio?

My first experience was been invited on to Phil McDougall’s show, Sunglasses After Dark, and playing and talking about a few tracks.

How did you first get involved with PBS?

After been on Phil’s show a few times, I was asked to fill in on his show, and it just took off from there.

 What do you think the fate of radio is going to be, with people being able to craft their own playlists at will?

I still think there will ALWAYS be a real need for radio, nothing beats a radio presenter presenting their music that they are passionate about and in doing so, broadening the listener’s music knowledge. The broadcasters at PBS present their own music and nothing is playlisted at the station.

What role then, do you think community radio plays?

Community radio plays a huge role in this, at PBS every broadcaster is a fanatic and helps share their knowledge of music, 24 hours a day. Community radio is also passionate about, providing support  and airtime to local musicians, that otherwise would not have the opportunity to be heard.

 Do you feel that community radio plays as big a part in the community as it ever has?

Absolutely, as community radio has the ability to operate independently, and in so doing is able to present the music that it is passionate about, by operating outside of the mainstream, community radio offers a completely better listening experience.

 What do you think separates PBS from other community radio stations?

PBS is all about the music, it operates 24 hours a day, presenting many different genres of music, I believe it’s website is excellent, it gives the listener the ability to listen on line, as well as been able to stream archived shows. It offers REAL radio, as well as the broadest spectrum of music.

What, for you, designates a band or artist as being at a status to warrant a full length feature show?

The band or artist needs to have a recording history (ie. probably at least 4 albums) and also would have to be an artist that I am passionate about (there’s plenty of them!!!!)

In your time researching the artists you’re presenting, have you come across any information which has made you question the artist, or doubt your fondness for them?

No

What do you think the most important role of a radio presenter is?

Having the ability to sound both passionate and knowledgeable about the music that they are presenting.

What’s the best part about being a part of the Melbourne music community?

The best part is been able to meet many other like minded people at the station, that are as passionate and supportive as yourself, of both music and the station. It’s also been fantastic, at having the ability to meet and talk to many fantastic musicians, the whole experience broadens your sense of community and passion for music.

Support the Radio Festival from May 14 – 27th by becoming a member on 84151067  or www.pbsfm.org.au