Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey)

Clubs, bands and fans come and go - but there has been one mainstay in the Brisbane music scene for nearly 35 years now; community radio station 4ZzZfm. From The Saints to Regurgitator, Resin Dogs and The Grates to the Hungry Kids of Hungary, chances are you heard them on the Zeds first. And now it's time to put your money where your dial is and support this year's 4ZzZ Radiothon, which takes place August 15-21.

“We have a whole bunch of events coming up for Radiothon,” begins acting Station Manager and all-round nice gal Michelle Brown. “On the Saturday we have a car pack gig with an all-day breakfast with Seaplane, Turnpike and Undead Apes playing - then on the Thursday evening, the Ska Show and our Thursday drive show Concept Warning have got a few bands playing at that one too; Brass Razoo, Wayne Keys Show … and on the last Saturday, which is going to be the finale, we are having a trash and treasure event in the car park.”

With so many great events on, why wouldn't you want to support one of Brisbane's cultural gems? After all, few stations in the world can boast a history as colourful or as influential as the Zeds - a history that stretches right back to 4ZzZ being granted Brisbane's first FM license and its first day of broadcast on December 8 1975. And the first track ever heard on radio in glorious stereo in Brisvegas? The Who's 'Won't Get Fooled Again' - a defiant, inclusive tradition that continues to this day.

“On Monday from 6 till 8 Locked In is our prisoners show with the guys; Nicki, Heather and Blue; hosts Zim and Charlie try every week to fulfill the requests of our prisoners - that's a really important one, because they don't get that anywhere else, they don't get to do shout outs, or request songs at any other station in Brisbane, and that's always been a big thing for Triple Zed to help support.”

And it doesn't stop there, whatever your position in society - whatever your music taste 4ZzZ has the flavour for you.

“We have (seminal hip hop show) Phat Tape, we have a few shows for dubstep and reggae shows (The Yard, Ska Trek, The Baron One Way Show) so that side of things is very well represented. We also have a youth show, which has been going strong for many years - where the announcers are usually under 18 and that's getting great experience for them through radio.”

Vibrant, engaging and sometimes just plain fucking weird, the station not only supports the wider community, it needs the community to support it to survive.

“We aim to support the under-represented communities in Brisbane and surrounding areas - whether that be with music or the Gay and Lesbian community, or prisoners we try and support a whole range that other mainstream media don't represent. So we hope that because we give back to the community, that the community can give back to us.”

But don't worry; the station doesn't expect you to hand over your hard earned cash for nothing. When you subscribe not only do you get a warm fuzzy feeling (good for about three days of feeling much better about yourself and the world) the benefits to subscribers are massive. If you’re a solo artist, or in a band and aren't on the books, what the hell are you thinking? And that's not even mentioning the rad prizes they’re throwing up if you stick your hand up to donate during Radiothon week - water tanks, overseas trips, free entry to The Zoo for a year- it's all there. So pray tell, what exactly are you waiting for?

The 4ZzZFM Radiothon is happening August 15 - 21. Ring 3252 1555 or hit the website at www.4zzzfm.org.au for details on how to subscribe.