This Week, Next Week

Running a radio show is A LOT harder than it sounds on your FM dial. I found that out last night when I produced my first live show on my internet station, DancePhoenix. It was overall a decent first show - I had done a couple before with my brother, but it was never advertised or anything so I don't count them. This one last night was the first ever live real show on the air, guests and all.

The show didn't even start out correctly. I got in about a half hour before it started, and I realized that I had no promo rolls for the station. So in 20 minutes I had to record a quick promo roll, edit it - and burn it to CD. About 10 minutes prior to going live, there was a problem.

Upon going live I realized that no one will be able to play the station because of code violations. I played a couple rolls right off the bat and they revoked my listing. This means, no one will be able to access my station. I had to reset to playlist, play my own station, then reset back to live mode. At that point I was listed, and people could access the station - 5 minutes late.

Then we kinda got off to a slow start, after welcoming everyone I went straight to music, playing some hot tracks to get people in the mood. My guest Jamie, was getting a little nervous so I let her have a few more minutes to relax some, the last thing I wanted was a guest freezing up on air.

Jamie was fun, it took her a little bit to open up to the audience, which it normally does, so that was no big deal - but because of that I had to play some more music after about 5 minutes of talking. After some more music, we got to talking. She had been in several relationships the past year, none of them working out. She was engaged to be married last Valentine's day, oddly enough the date they set was for today, February 15th 2006. So, a couple months later that ended - and only went down hill from there. Next was a guy she met at a bridal show, who was working there and they hit it off right away. That's about as far as we got. There is more - but we're gonna save it for another broadcast, maybe we can get her in the studio again.

Back to playing music, I got some love from the listeners, then it was time to start my mix. "Love for House" will actually be released some time by the end of the month, after I re-record it in better format and I edit/master it. I'm thinking the date set is February 26th. The mix I did on air was acceptable - by far not my best work - running 5 things at once kind of breaks my concentration.

I also think I'm getting cocky. I'm pretty good at this now, so I take less care when it comes to basic things like beat matching. My mixes fell apart a couple times during the mix on air - I was getting a little frustrated. So later on in the mix I felt it would be best to just move on with more show.

I made some announcements: First, more shows are coming. Since I am spending a lot per month on this radio station, I need to start taking advantage of it. I will also have a slight format change. I will be adding Trance to the mix, which is quite late, but with that the mix of music will be House, Techno, and Trance. For those of you who don't know the difference - it's OK - I didn't either before I got into this.

After that the show was over. A two hour show - the feedback on it was very nice. I'm my biggest critic, so when I think I suck, it's just that I'm a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to these things. Work, life, school, money - NOT a perfectionist. Deejaying? I better be perfect.

This week is flying by, already Wednesday and the weekend is approaching quickly. Tonight, I went out with my brother for a little while. It was a good time. We started at Sandbar - one of my new favorite spots. I've been going there a little more often these days. After that my bro and I got some nice cigars and we headed over to my old favorite spots, Jamaican Blue. I didn't have my laptop with me, which just goes to show you, I should bring that thing everywhere with me! I never know when I could be around a place where I can stop and set up shop. Instead we played some golden tee. We have a knack for being loud and rediculous during the golden tee game. He usually beats me, and last night was no exception. So after our cigars, coffee, and games, we took off to another one of my favorite places: Cook and Jack's.

There was no one there. It's a karaoke place by night, which is why we enjoy it so much. A lot of talented singers go there and sing and have a good time. But there was no one there. But, since we know the co-owner, all that meant is that we got a chance to do some live practice on the system! I sang about 7 songs last night, some new ones I wouldn't do in front of people cuz I'm not good at them yet. Wonderful Tonight, Ants Marching, This is how we do it, Too little Too late, Just the Way you Are, Human Nature, and Regulate. The last three I sang in front of people, I knew I wouldn't embarrass myself with those. Quickly after that I left, about an hour ago... now I'm here typing away.

I'm getting really excited. First of all I should win an award for the longest posts, but that's not what I'm excited about. I'm excited because this weekend I go to VEGAS!! Las Vegas, the sin city, everything that happens there - stays there. And it's gonna happen... oh yes, it will happen. Next week I will be in Vegas for a mobile DJ confrence/convention. But, my buddies and I decided to head up a little early to do some partying. After all - what's Vegas if you can't experience it full-on?

I'm going to be officially behind on all my bills again after this trip unless I strike it big on the slots or something - but that's doubtful. I can't even win at those games at the carnival! But regardless, I can't wait to go, when I come home I will tell you all about it, probably on one of my next live shows on DancePhoenix! That is, if I don't sell my computer for replacement money for my bills haha!!

I wanted to say thanks once more for those of you that tuned in, not that many people did, but thank you regardless. Check my website for more information on future shows, as well as the final release of my new demo!

Thank you thank you thank you thank you!