When I am finally able to do my live show, you’ll notice my philosophy on DJing is nothing like DJing you might hear on terrestrial radio. No wackiness, zaniness, or shock jock bullshit. Also, no prescribed format other than music I want to play.

You see this is where I think modern radio has it wrong. Most major markets have stations dedicated to a genre and/or time period; and even certain time slots have a dedicated format. Take for example a lot of morning DJs. A lot of them come off as and are being paid to be obnoxious idiots who appear not to know much about music.

I remember about twenty or so years ago Tom Petty came out with “The Last DJ.” Now it was a fine song, and that was back when Tom Petty would still get some top 40 consideration. A corporate DJ in the market I was in at that time played it, talked over it, and then proceeded to talk about how it reminded him of… you guessed it, him. Like dude, you fucking poser. You’re a corporate DJ who barely plays music let alone plays “what you want to play.” I would gamble that every other major market had some corporate jock playing it that morning too and saying the same shit… Jackasses.

That philosophy is just lost on me. I think most modern radio has it wrong. The best concerts I have ever been to play out like an episode of VH1 Storytellers. I want to hear stories behind the music. I really enjoy it, and in my opinion, it helps develop a bond with the music. I think that should be applicable to radio. A real connection.

With me, I DJ with my head and my heart. You’re either going to learn something (e.g., a back story or facts) about every song I play, or I am going to tell you a personal story. Some stories will probably get emotional. That’s just who I am. It could be what the music means to me, or the first time I heard it, or of who it reminds me. I love having that connection, and I don’t mind sharing it. I think listeners (mostly friends who might be bored at work) will too. We’ll see.

Looking at a weekly Friday after lunch show, hour or two live format. Will post more details to follow.