Name: Andrew Bartlett
As Heard On: Breakfast will Tear Us Apart
On Air Since: Originally 1982, until about 1991. Reappeared on air July 2008.
What originally attracted you to volunteering at 4ZZZ?
The chance to be more exposed to alternative music and the local music scene.
Why is independent radio important in 2012?
Diversity in the mainstream media is minimal and the use of media to push a commercial agenda continues to grow. Independent radio provides an opportunity for alternative, independent, non-commercial and local views, culture and music to be heard and engaged with which would not otherwise exist.
Has the independent radio sector changed since you first joined 4ZZZ?
There has been enormous change in this sector, as well as in the wider media and the music and other cultural sectors, over the last 30 years - which makes ZzZ's ability to adapt and not just survive but continue to be relevant an even more admirable achievement. There are so many more ways for people to access information, music and arts more broadly, as well as to produce and disseminate views and music. There has been change from the vinyl era to CDs to downloads (with a bit of a vinyl revival along the way). When ZzZ started there was no such thing as email or the internet, let alone digital recording. It is so much easier to musicians to record material and to distribute it, and there are so much easier for people to access it - but it's still a hard road making much money being a musician or artists.
How would you describe your time on radio in one word...?
Special.
Can you share one memory that stands out from your time at 4ZZZ?
Being a lifelong Joy Division fan, getting to interview two members of Joy Division when they toured as New Order back in 1984 is one of many great memories.
What does this year's radiothon theme 'Pump Up The Volume' mean to you?
That we as a community should be really proud of something as unique and vibrant as ZzZ - and let everybody know it.
One thing that concerns you about the future of music in Brisbane?
The viability of live music venues and the need to ensure the music scene isn't just something that happens in a few suburbs in inner Brisbane
One thing that encourages you about the future of music in Brisbane?
The enormous range of musical talent across so many styles.
Some words of advice for anyone considering volunteering in their community?
Don't feel your skills or views are any less valuable just because you're 'only' a volunteer, but don't volunteer to do something and then not do what you said you would.
Name: DJ Ally Cakes
As Heard On: The Carmen SanDiego Show
On Air Since: 2007
What originally attracted you to volunteering at 4ZZZ?
I've been listening to 4ZzZ since about 1988 and the music we play has been part of my soundtrack. Volunteering at 4ZzZ has made it possible for me to be involved in something that's always been a part of my city.
Why is independent radio important in 2012?
There is always a need to hear independent voices and I think this is more important in 2012 than ever, with our current political climate, and with the dollar bill being such a driver for music and culture.
Has the independent radio sector changed since you first joined 4ZZZ?
4ZzZ is the strongest we've ever been. The quality of the broadcast has improved. I also think that some of the ideas we agitate about have become more accepted as relevant to more people, meaning the community that we represent has broadened.
How would you describe your time on radio in one word...?
Fulfilling.
Can you share one memory that stands out from your time at 4ZZZ?
The Flaming Lips experiment in 2011 was fun and exciting. The Carmen SanDiego Show is all about music from around the world so I have done live on-air crosses from FujiRock in Japan and from a road trip across the south of the US last year. I visited all the music hotspots like Nashville, Memphis and Austin and recorded 4ZzZ station callouts from the bartender at the Troubadour in LA and the studio manager of Sun Studio in Memphis.
What does this year's Radiothon theme 'Pump Up The Volume' mean to you?
4ZZZ has made valuable improvements for our listeners in recent years and the time is right for us to take it to the next level together. Let's crank it up!
One thing that concerns you about the future of music in Brisbane?
There are less live venues for bands to play and Brisbane's independent music scene has been built on the combination of a range of quality venues, and support from 4ZZZ.
One thing that encourages you about the future of music Brisbane?
The bands never stop coming. We are spoilt for choice in Brisbane and there's something for everyone. And we have 4ZZZ :)
Some words of advice for anyone considering volunteering in their community?
Volunteering for a community organisation gives me a sense of involvement and inclusion. But it pays me back more than I can give. Work out what you can offer, and give it a go. You might just have a stack of fun.
Name: Garry Williams
Heard on: Film Club, sometimes World Beat & Breakfast
On-air since: 1988
What originally attracted you to volunteering at 4ZZZ?
I had been listening for 2 or 3 years. It was the '80s, the Joh-era, the time of pasty, formulaic synth-pop. 4ZZZ was the antithesis of that. It played the music that excited me at the time, the announcers sounded like ordinary folk not radio professionals, and the place was so accessible that you could ring up and make a request, or drop in for a tour of the studios.
Why is independent radio important in 2012?
The media has never been owned and controlled by so few people, all with a similar corporate and conservative agenda. And while the internet allows an infinite number of voices to be heard, it's so vast and diffuse that those voices can be difficult to find. What's needed is a focal point for audiences to come to, a way of filtering the clutter and putting the news, music and information in front of people that they might be looking for.
Has the independent radio sector changed since you first joined 4ZZZ?
Triple J going national was the biggest change (for an old-Zedder like me). All the alternative music stations felt an encroachment on their turf by a (comparatively) well-funded, youth-orientated, yet still non-commercial ogre. Independent radio has survived by sticking to its radical guns culturally, and reaching out to a broader, and older audience.
How would you describe your time on radio in one word...?
Rewarding.
Can you share one memory that stands out from your time at 4ZZZ?
Possibly the Market Days, especially in the early '90s before they began to attract police and council attention. Free (in all senses of the word) and casual, they brought together the whole Zed community and solidified the links between the radio station and its audience.
What does this year's Radiothon theme 'Pump Up The Volume' mean to you?
That we want people to pay more attention to what's coming out of their speakers by turning it up, and discovering more of what 4ZZZ can offer. The louder the radio, the more people it can reach. Sod the neighbours.
One thing that concerns you about the future of music in Brisbane?
The fleeting, impermanent nature of the live venues where local musicians can play to an audience. Demolition, change of ownership or management, economic or noise factors all work to thwart the crying need for reliable 'home' for Brisbane music. Other cities have venues that support the local scene for years, decades even. By comparison Brisbane feels like it's caravanning.
One thing that encourages you about the future of music in Brisbane?
The continual emergence of young talent, first-timers, wanting to do their own thing for the fun and the love of it.
Some words of advice for anyone considering volunteering in their community?
It will be more fun than anything you'll ever be paid to do. Do it.
The 4ZZZ Radiothon runs from August 18-26. For more info, head here.
