Radio Survivor » fun and games http://www.radiosurvivor.com News, views and tough love for radio. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:53:23 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Retro-Fi iPhone app makes Wall of Voodoo actually sound like Mexican Radio http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2012/02/08/retro-fi-iphone-app-makes-wall-of-voodoo-actually-sound-like-mexican-radio/ http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2012/02/08/retro-fi-iphone-app-makes-wall-of-voodoo-actually-sound-like-mexican-radio/#comments Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:01:00 +0000 Paul Riismandel http://www.radiosurvivor.com/?p=14079 finish reading Retro-Fi iPhone app makes Wall of Voodoo actually sound like Mexican Radio]]>

I’m not sure exactly why, but the recently released Retro-Fi app by Romanian company Onyx Apps makes music on your iPhone sound like it’s on an old AM radio. Don’t get me wrong, I have a soft spot in my heart for music on AM radio, at least partly fueled by memories of listening to the classic New York City AM top 40 stations as a young kid in the late 1970s. But I’m not quite so crazy about it that I have a hankering to simulate it on my iPad.

According to Onyx,

For those who loved listening to rock’n roll on tiny transistor radios, those who find modern digital audio too clean, and those who want to create a retro mood with music, Retro-Fi is the solution!

Looking at screenshots at the App Store, it appears Retro-Fi gives you the ability to adjust parameters labeled “ambiance” and “static noise,” just in case you decide you don’t really want to understand those song lyrics any longer.

Now, I do understand why an artist or record producer may want to add a AM radio effect to elements of a song, as an aspect of a larger sonic palette. But it must be obvious that I’m having a hard time seeing why anyone would want to use this app for more than a few minutes, making it barely worth its 99 cent asking price.

Maybe Retro-Fi fits into the Instagram/Hipstamatic trend in iPhone photography, where these apps add effects to make your photos look like they came from forty year-old Kodak Instamatic camera. Honestly, though, I see more value in these photo apps, because the iPhone cameras are not necessarily high fidelity to begin with, and photographers have actually been embracing these effects for years before iPhones were invented.

Perhaps I’m just being a curmudgeon. If the idea of making your indie rock playlist sound like it might have been played by Wolfman Jack on a border blaster station, it will only cost you a buck.

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]]> http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2012/02/08/retro-fi-iphone-app-makes-wall-of-voodoo-actually-sound-like-mexican-radio/feed/ 0 Public radio station KCRW to roast Henry Rollins http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2012/01/20/public-radio-station-kcrw-to-roast-henry-rollins/ http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2012/01/20/public-radio-station-kcrw-to-roast-henry-rollins/#comments Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:02:27 +0000 Paul Riismandel http://www.radiosurvivor.com/?p=13835 finish reading Public radio station KCRW to roast Henry Rollins]]>

Mr. Rollins is patiently expecting your roast

Henry Rollins is a Gen X renaissance man, starting out as the former lead singer of the seminal hardcore punk band Black Flag, in addition to being an author, actor, spoken word artist and perhaps the man with the most independent music documentary appearances on earth. On top of all that, Mr. Rollins is also a host on music-centric public radio station KCRW in Santa Barbara Monica.

However, it looks like he’ll be away from the station during its pledge drive next week, which is apparently a big faux pas, especially for the man who famously bellowed, “gimmmie gimmie gimmie, I need some more / gimmie, gimmie, gimmie, don’t ask what for!” (How’s that for a pledge drive pitch?)

So, as a form of discipline the station has decided to take a page from the Comedy Central book and is going to put on a roast of Rollins next week when the pledge drive starts. Instead of limiting it to a single show, KCRW will be interspersing the barbs throughout the week’s programming.

The twist is that KCRW is asking listeners and fans of Rollins to call in with their own punchlines. They only ask to “keep it clean, make it weird, but don’t pull any punches.” They have a toll-free number set up to take messages at 877 789 8355.

I just recommend not leaving your real name or home address.

As a bonus, here’s a Disneyfied version of that Black Flag classic I mentioned above:

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]]> http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2012/01/20/public-radio-station-kcrw-to-roast-henry-rollins/feed/ 9 12 Days of Radio Station Signage Recap – Match the Station with Its Sign http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2011/12/30/12-days-of-radio-station-signage-recap-match-the-station-with-its-sign/ http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2011/12/30/12-days-of-radio-station-signage-recap-match-the-station-with-its-sign/#comments Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:09:38 +0000 Jennifer Waits http://www.radiosurvivor.com/?p=13541 finish reading 12 Days of Radio Station Signage Recap – Match the Station with Its Sign]]> The 12 Days of Radio Station Signs

The 12 Days of Radio Station Signs

Happy Impending New Year! Now that I’ve wrapped up my 12 Days of Radio Station Signage series, here’s an opportunity for you to match each sign with its corresponding station. Some of them are obvious if you look closely at the pictures, others may be a bit more challenging. Ready, set, go!

Day 1: Do Not Spray

Day 2: Dead Fish

Day 3: You are Being Monitored

Day 4: Zero Tolerance Graffiti Policy

Day 5: Never Use Swear Words

Day 6: Please Put Records and CDs Back

Day 7: File Your Records Diagram

Day 8: Mic Technique

Day 9: Seven Deadly Words

Day 10: CD and LP Library Alphabetization

Day 11: When this Light is On…Shut Up!

Day 12: Don’t Go Back Here or Touch Anything

Guess Which Station Goes with Which Sign

Guess Which Station Goes with Which Sign

Here are the stations where these photos were taken (in alphabetical order):

KCSB-FM

KDRT-LP

KDVS-FM

KEAR-AM (Family Radio Headquarters)

KSFS-FM

KSJS-FM

KUSF in Exile

KZSC-FM

KZSU-FM

WGBK-FM

WHRC

WZBC-FM

If you want to guess which station goes with which sign, please include a comment below. Good luck!

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]]> http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2011/12/30/12-days-of-radio-station-signage-recap-match-the-station-with-its-sign/feed/ 0 12 Days of Radio Station Signage: Day 12 – Don’t Go Back Here or Touch Anything http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2011/12/30/12-days-of-radio-station-signage-day-12-dont-go-back-here-or-touch-anything/ http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2011/12/30/12-days-of-radio-station-signage-day-12-dont-go-back-here-or-touch-anything/#comments Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:00:48 +0000 Jennifer Waits http://www.radiosurvivor.com/?p=13530 finish reading 12 Days of Radio Station Signage: Day 12 – Don’t Go Back Here or Touch Anything]]> Don't Go Back Here or Touch ANYTHING sign (Photo: J. Waits)

Don't Go Back Here or Touch ANYTHING sign (Photo: J. Waits)

Leave it to DJs to fiddle with things that they are not supposed to. Signs at KFJC warn against adjusting turntable weights (since people always seem to mess them up) and other stations have posted notices about leaving computers and equipment alone.

My favorite in this genre is this catch-all sign that commands DJs to keep away from an entire section of the studio. It reads: “DON’T GO BACK HERE OR TOUCH ANYTHING. CABLES, BUTTONS, INTERNETS, ETC. THANKS!!!”

Previous posts in 12 Days of Radio Station Signage series:

Day 1: Do Not Spray

Day 2: Dead Fish

Day 3: You are Being Monitored

Day 4: Zero Tolerance Graffiti Policy

Day 5: Never Use Swear Words

Day 6: Please Put Records and CDs Back

Day 7: File Your Records Diagram

Day 8: Mic Technique

Day 9: Seven Deadly Words

Day 10: CD and LP Library Alphabetization

Day 11: When this Light is on…Shut Up!

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]]> http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2011/12/30/12-days-of-radio-station-signage-day-12-dont-go-back-here-or-touch-anything/feed/ 0 12 Days of Radio Station Signage: Day 11 – When this Light is on…Shut Up! http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2011/12/29/12-days-of-radio-station-signage-day-11-when-this-light-is-on-shut-up/ http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2011/12/29/12-days-of-radio-station-signage-day-11-when-this-light-is-on-shut-up/#comments Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:25:40 +0000 Jennifer Waits http://www.radiosurvivor.com/?p=13523 finish reading 12 Days of Radio Station Signage: Day 11 – When this Light is on…Shut Up!]]> When This Light is On...Shut Up! (Photo: J. Waits)

When This Light is On...Shut Up! (Photo: J. Waits)

Most radio stations have an “on-air” sign that lights up automatically when the microphone is turned on so that people wandering about the studio have a visual cue that it’s not the best time to carry on loud conversations.

In addition to “on-air” lights, some stations go a step further by posting instructions reminding radio station staffers to “shut up” when a DJ is speaking over the air. This one is classic.

Previous posts in 12 Days of Radio Station Signage series:

Day 1: Do Not Spray

Day 2: Dead Fish

Day 3: You are Being Monitored

Day 4: Zero Tolerance Graffiti Policy

Day 5: Never Use Swear Words

Day 6: Please Put Records and CDs Back

Day 7: File Your Records Diagram

Day 8: Mic Technique

Day 9: Seven Deadly Words

Day 10: CD and LP Library Alphabetization

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]]> http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2011/12/29/12-days-of-radio-station-signage-day-11-when-this-light-is-on-shut-up/feed/ 0 12 Days of Radio Station Signage: Day 10 – CD and LP Library Alphabetization http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2011/12/28/12-days-of-radio-station-signage-day-10-cd-and-lp-library-alphabetization/ http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2011/12/28/12-days-of-radio-station-signage-day-10-cd-and-lp-library-alphabetization/#comments Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:00:49 +0000 Jennifer Waits http://www.radiosurvivor.com/?p=13502 finish reading 12 Days of Radio Station Signage: Day 10 – CD and LP Library Alphabetization]]> CD and LP Library Alphabetization sign (Photo: J. Waits)

CD and LP Library Alphabetization sign (Photo: J. Waits)

Many of the signs posted in radio stations are similar to signs that you might see in any other workplace. Often they issue directives to staff/employees about undesirable behaviors. However, some of the more interesting signs that I’ve seen at radio stations are radio-specific, often to the point of being somewhat arcane to everyday folks.

Today’s sign falls into that category, as it dissects the challenges inherent to filing records in alphabetical order. Many of us DJs are familiar with debates about filing and have our own examples of band names that confuse alphabetization systems. As you scrutinize today’s filing sign, you will quickly see that the station where it is housed still hasn’t entirely figured out its filing rules (“classical is still a bit tricky”). And, as the sign acknowledges, DJs looking for assistance in filing The The and Zoogz Rift aren’t going to get any guidance (yet) from this mystery station. Any guesses as to what station this is?

Day 1: Do Not Spray

Day 2: Dead Fish

Day 3: You are Being Monitored

Day 4: Zero Tolerance Graffiti Policy

Day 5: Never Use Swear Words

Day 6: Please Put Records and CDs Back

Day 7: File Your Records Diagram

Day 8: Mic Technique

Day 9: Seven Deadly Words

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]]> http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2011/12/28/12-days-of-radio-station-signage-day-10-cd-and-lp-library-alphabetization/feed/ 1 12 Days of Radio Station Signage: Day 9 – Seven Deadly Words http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2011/12/27/sevendeadlywords/ http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2011/12/27/sevendeadlywords/#comments Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:52:22 +0000 Jennifer Waits http://www.radiosurvivor.com/?p=13491 finish reading 12 Days of Radio Station Signage: Day 9 – Seven Deadly Words]]> 7 Deadly Words sign (Photo: J. Waits)

7 Deadly Words sign (Photo: J. Waits)

I’ve been to a few radio stations that have posted handy lists of all of the forbidden naughty words which can never be uttered over the air. I’m sure that program directors get a vicarious thrill out of putting these nasty words up on the wall.

On this sign, posted in a station’s music review room, the words from George Carlin‘s famous routine are listed for all to see. If you look closely you can catch some bonus signs with all kinds of helpful information for music reviewers. Can you spot the name of this station?

Day 1: Do Not Spray

Day 2: Dead Fish

Day 3: You are Being Monitored

Day 4: Zero Tolerance Graffiti Policy

Day 5: Never Use Swear Words

Day 6: Please Put Records and CDs Back

Day 7: File Your Records Diagram

Day 8: Mic Technique

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]]> http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2011/12/27/sevendeadlywords/feed/ 0 12 Days of Radio Station Signage: Day 8 – Mic Technique http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2011/12/26/12-days-of-radio-station-signage-day-8-mic-technique/ http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2011/12/26/12-days-of-radio-station-signage-day-8-mic-technique/#comments Mon, 26 Dec 2011 18:00:19 +0000 Jennifer Waits http://www.radiosurvivor.com/?p=13458 finish reading 12 Days of Radio Station Signage: Day 8 – Mic Technique]]> Diagram on Mic Technique (Photo: J. Waits)

Diagram on Mic Technique (Photo: J. Waits)

It’s so clever when radio station management has to resort to drawings and diagrams in order to explain proper radio and engineering techniques to DJs. In one of my favorites, this sign portrays proper mic technique, saying: “do not speak into the top of the mic! Tilt it up!” The same station also had a handy schematic of the board which showed where all the knobs should be in order for music to be heard over the airwaves.

Previous posts in 12 Days of Radio Station Signage series:

Day 1: Do Not Spray

Day 2: Dead Fish

Day 3: You are Being Monitored

Day 4: Zero Tolerance Graffiti Policy

Day 5: Never Use Swear Words

Day 6: Please Put Records and CDs Back

Day 7: File Your Records Diagram

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]]> http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2011/12/26/12-days-of-radio-station-signage-day-8-mic-technique/feed/ 0 What does the Radio Flyer wagon have to do with radio? http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2011/12/25/what-does-the-radio-flyer-wagon-have-to-do-with-radio/ http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2011/12/25/what-does-the-radio-flyer-wagon-have-to-do-with-radio/#comments Sun, 25 Dec 2011 21:22:36 +0000 Matthew Lasar http://www.radiosurvivor.com/?p=13472 finish reading What does the Radio Flyer wagon have to do with radio?]]> Radio FlyerThe gift giving under the holiday tree is done around my neck of the woods, and is as often the case on Christmas Day, I’m suddenly beset by a perplexing holiday question. What the heck do Radio Flyer wagons have to do with radio?

The answer, as per the Radio Flyer company’s history website, is that the toy firm’s founder, Italian immigrant Antonio Pasin, really dug Marconi and early aeronautics.

Antonio Pasin’s wagons captured the spirit of the times. He named his first steel wagon the Radio Flyer, after his fascination with the invention of the radio by fellow Italian, Guglielmo Marconi; and Flyer, which reflected his wonderment of flight.

Inspired by the Statue of Liberty, Pasini originally name his company Liberty Coaster Manufacturing, then changed it to Radio Steel & Manufacturing in 1930. The company got a huge boost with the appearance of its major coasters and wagons in the Chicago World’s Fair of 1933—which must have been a study in contradictions, since the official US unemployment rate was about 24.9 percent.

The economy got better by the 1950s, of course, and the Radio Flyer received its cinematic moment when it appeared alongside the famous item in A Christmas Story, a Red Ryder BB gun. The latter item is alluringly displayed near to a Radio Flyer wagon in a Highbee’s department store. Ralphie (the youthful protagonist of the film on the far left) longingly covets the weapon in this screen shot.

A Christmas Story

The movie was based on Jean Shephard’s autobiographical writings, Shephard a famous raconteur and radio commentator, of course—yet another radio connection (albeit a loose one).

Anyway, happy holidays Radio Survivor readers!

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]]> http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2011/12/25/what-does-the-radio-flyer-wagon-have-to-do-with-radio/feed/ 3 12 Days of Radio Station Signage – Day 7: File Your Records Diagram http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2011/12/25/13445/ http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2011/12/25/13445/#comments Sun, 25 Dec 2011 18:00:54 +0000 Jennifer Waits http://www.radiosurvivor.com/?p=13445 finish reading 12 Days of Radio Station Signage – Day 7: File Your Records Diagram]]> File Records Where you Found Them (Photo: J. Waits)

File Records Where you Found Them (Photo: J. Waits)

Today’s sign is sort of a companion piece to yesterday’s warning sign about putting records and CDs back. What’s great about this schematic is that it clearly demonstrates proper filing techniques using stick figures to portray the concept of flagging records in the vinyl library:

1. Select a Record

2. Grab the Record Next to Your Selection and Pull it Out 3 inches

3. While You’re on the Air, Let’s Hope No One Pushes in the Records!

4. When Your Show’s Over, Filing Vinyl is Easy!

Listen and learn…

Previous posts in 12 Days of Radio Station Signage series:

Day 1: Do Not Spray

Day 2: Dead Fish

Day 3: You are Being Monitored

Day 4: Zero Tolerance Graffiti Policy

Day 5: Never Use Swear Words

Day 6: Please Put Records and CDs Back

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