On this day, 25 years ago, I went on the air for the first time at a real radio station. I recorded my demo tape for my college station, KCOU, early that morning. Although there may have only been about 10 people listening between 5 and 6 a.m. that day, it was still satisfying to be on the air, setting an agenda and seeing it through. I chose all of the music, sequencing tunes from different genres together in a way I thought made musical sense.
When I returned to my dorm, I realized that I hadn't initialed the new CD and vinyl tracking labels KCOU used to determine which new songs were played each week and how often they were played. I rushed back to the station and noted the track numbers of the new songs I'd played. It amuses me now how seriously I took this responsibility. After all, did I think that my one play of each of those songs would make or break particular bands? Did I think that failing to note one spin of a disc would cause it to miss the cutoff for the airplay charts that KCOU submitted to "College Music Journal," an industry music charts and reviews publication, and result in an indie band's members saying, "That's it. We're not on the charts. It isn't happening for us. Let's throw in the towel and go back to washing dishes and stocking shelves?"
Well...yes--to some extent. In the back of my mind, I probably did think that. I thought then--and still think--that good music deserves its due. Even though I knew it was unlikely, I hoped that my one spin of each new song that day would be enough to boost its airplay tally, causing it to make the CMJ chart and spark the interest of DJs in other cities. I imagined them thinking, "That's a compelling-sounding band name (or song title.) I should seek that out and play it on the air." I envisioned those albums catching on at other radio stations and listeners calling in, saying, "That sounds really good. Who is that?" The listeners would then head to a record store and buy the album or single.
At least, that's what I imagined might happen. I still hope that scenario came true, at least occasionally.
