Simply Have Enjoyable With It

“I’ve wanted to be a radio DJ for as long as I can remember. How do I get my own show on WCBN?” 

I could have actually gasped when this query landed on the WSS desk. I TOO have had the identical dream, so kindly pardon the clear self-interest in my reply.

If you’re something like me, 88.3 FM is preset, the website is tabbed, and the app is downloaded. You might have additionally stalked the location’s mellow CTA: “Interested in becoming a DJ? Training will take place at the station (basement of the SAB) on Sundays 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m.! Contact [email protected] with questions.” So easy. So fully terrifying in its brevity.

Can this actually be all it takes?? Of course I wished extra, so I reached out to WCBN coaching director Quinne Dowe and outreach director Mia Lambert. If these girls hadn’t been so welcoming, I may need flubbed my well past the data we want—they’re simply that cool.

Training does certainly begin on Sunday nights, for college students and non-students alike, within the basement of U-M’s Student Activities Building. Quinne leads the primary of 4 phases, an orientation with as much as seven folks crammed into Production Room C. (Pro tip: in the event you get misplaced, name the station line—you gained’t be the primary.)

Phase two is the hurdle that makes most trainees sweat and sometimes stop: recording a 30-minute demo. The guidelines are easy—embrace one vinyl and one CD, and don’t commit any FCC violations (that’s zero profanity, spoken or lyrical).

A present DJ evaluations your demo throughout their required “service hours.” A minimal of six per semester, the extra hours you clock, the higher your likelihood at touchdown your most popular time slot. Quinne says most demos are accepted; simply maintain it clear and also you’ll probably make the reduce.

Phase three is shadowing three completely different DJs of your selection throughout their exhibits, together with a spin or two within the DJ chair. Quinne describes part 4 as the simplest: station insurance policies, scheduling, and at last… when YOUR present may debut. At the beginning of the semester, these open slots are sometimes at 2 a.m., however in the event you maintain out, much less bleary hours inevitably come round.

When I ask Mia what makes an excellent DJ, she doesn’t miss a beat. “If you’re bringing your authentic self and your authentic passions and desires and loves for the world… that’s such a real part, and an important part of being a DJ, especially at WCBN.”

Quinne wholeheartedly agrees. “I think some people get really stressed out by the idea of ‘…I’m doing this on my own, or someone’s listening to me and will judge my music taste…’ But I think my biggest piece of advice would be just have fun with it and be your authentic self, because that’s what we love to see.”

That’s sound recommendation, not only for DJing, however for all times!

Next week’s reader query: Please assist! I moved to Ann Arbor final spring from California, so this might be my first Michigan winter. Seems everybody’s already panicking in regards to the climate. Is there something I can look ahead to?

Need recommendation about one thing Ann Arbor-ish? Email [email protected].