One of Otago Access Radio’s regular Youth Zone crew is stepping out on his own to host a new programme aimed at promoting Kiwi music.
Taieri College Year 12 student Karl Brinsdon (16) hosts fortnightly show Choice As, a half-hour mix of music and interviews with a local focus.
Karl said the motivation to start his own programme came from his belief that there was little opportunity for New Zealand bands to promote their recordings and gigs in the media.
“I don’t think we, as New Zealanders, value local music as much as we should. I’m a big music fan, so I thought it would be a cool thing to try out.”
While Choice As primarily focused on pop and rock music, Karl was keen to feature artists across a range of genres. The programme would also include interviews with Dunedin musicians and visitors from out of town.
Not content to limit his endeavours to radio promotion, Karl set his sights on improving opportunities for young bands to perform in public. His own rock-and-metal band Saurian was typical of many who struggled to find age-appropriate venues and support, he said. With that in mind, he was in the process of seeking funding from the Mosgiel-Taieri Community Board to put on a concert at the Wingatui Hall later this year.
“I feel that it’s necessary to get out there for my own music, and for the benefit of other musicians and people in the community who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to see live music.
“Hopefully, if it goes well it will become a regular thing.”
Karl’s experience as lead singer and guitarist with Saurian had not made it any easier to front a radio show, he said. Having been “quite scared” of the microphone when starting with Youth Zone a year ago, his confidence was now growing.
“Now, it’s all good and I’m really happy that I’ve been given the opportunity to do it.”
Choice As airs every second Tuesday at 4.30pm on OAR 105.4FM and 1575AM. Podcasts are available from www.oar.org.nz.