Wednesday, January 29, 2020

'A Love Letter to Radio: An Audio Essay'

Last week, one of my closest friends and radio mentors called and asked if I would provide him with two minutes audio, which he will then play in the room where Guglielmo Marconi invented the wireless telegraph and radio!!!

Rob, is an amazing individual, and he was offered the opportunity to do a live simulcast from the Marconi museum in Italy. Always being the one to share the wealth, he called and asked if I would be interested in providing him two minutes of audio, and then he would play it on the simulcast, and in the literal room where it was invented. For me, this is beyond cool! My voice will echo in the very room where one of the single greatest inventions ever was created!!!

I feel like I'm being repetitive, but I feel that it is warranted. I want to be able to properly convey how excited I am about this opportunity. Now coming up with an idea was truly daunting. I wanted to properly articulate my passion, while at the same time sharing the wealth with others, just as Rob did with me.

So I wrote this audio essay. I'm working on getting as many different voices on it as possible. Majority of the voices are current students of mine or co-workers. I wish I had more time to get friends and family involved. I am slightly nervous, I really want this to turn out well. I think it will. The sound designing element has been a challenge, but I think it is coming around nicely. I won't know until its done. Fingers crossed. (Below is a draft. I'm still fine tuning it as I record.)

'A Love Letter to Radio: An Audio Essay'

What does radio mean to me?
Music. News. Sports. Connection. Personality. Community. World Radio Day. Theater of the Mind. College. Old Fashioned. Everywhere.

Without the birth of radio, we wouldn't be able to enjoy:
Podcasts. Cellphones. Wireless Internet. Satellite Radio. Seamless Communication across the world. 

Superman wouldn't have flight
And the Maritans wouldn't have invaded New Jersey
We would have never known how comforting a fireside chat could be
Or hear the utter devastation of a World War

Because of radio, we know the difference between AM and FM
Why transistors are so important
And just how rebellious Rock N' Roll is

This is all due to the Guglielmo Marconi's great invention
Though some may view radio as old fashioned
We view it as revolutionary. 
And so, let's celebrate Marconi and the wonderful invention he gave to the world. 
Happy World Radio Day. 

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Missed Favorite Album of 2019

I am highly disappointed in myself. Upon reviewing my favorite albums of 2019 post, I discovered that I forgot to include one of my favorite albums of 2019. In fact, this album was my number favorite album of the year for a good portion of the year, making this oversight slightly embarrassing for me.




1-A. Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi: There Is No Other
There Is No Other is one of the most unique sounding albums I've heard in 2019. Giddens, along with Turrisi, craft an album that features the sounds of Middle Eastern, Eastern European, and American roots/folks music. What should be a clash of styles blends into this other worldly sound that sounds ancient yet modern at the same time. Giddens is the star of this record. From her lyrics to her banjo playing, she takes the listener on a spiritual journey on this album. This was my first complete album of hers that I've listened too, and I can't wait to dive deeper into her discography.

Friday, January 10, 2020

My First Post of 2020: My Audio Essay on College Radio


For my first post of 2020, I would like to share my latest audio essay. This is a personal one for me, as it focuses on how college radio changed my life.