John Drake
1. When and why did you get involved with 88.1FM?
My first shift on air was in Spring quarter 1980. I was a Mass Communications major at SCSU, and my academic advisor E. Scott Bryce thought I might be a good fit with KVSC, since I showed a great interest in music and broadcasting. He gave me a tour of the station, and I was hooked!
2. What show(s) do you currently host on KVSC?
Diversions (Monday 5-7pm), Classic Rock part 1 (Sunday 7-10pm), every other week—opposite Gypsy McGreevy. I often co-host Crispy Critics (Wednesday 4:30-5pm) with Chris G. and will sometimes host Global Village (Saturday 5-7pm)
3. Please list some of the artists and musicians that you consider a must play on your show(s).
I can’t say I play favorites, but I do try to keep up with artists on tour in the state, and musicians who are currently making an impact with new releases, and are otherwise in the news. I like to mix it up and make presentations timely.
4. What music do you listen to when you’re not tuned into KVSC?
In my position as Music Consultant at KVSC, I’m constantly reviewing new music coming to the station. Usually 30+ titles a week, in all genres we play here on the air.
5. What is the most embarrassing (perhaps even shameful) music phase you have gone through?
Can’t think of any…
6. What are your hobbies and/ or interests?
Sports memorabilia—mostly baseball, hockey and soccer. Collecting music in physical formats. Art and graphic design.
7. When you are not at work or KVSC where can you most likely be found?
Out for walks with the family dog, Shadow.
8. What’s the most challenging part of being a radio DJ?
Keeping up with the amount of digital info one needs to process to make your shows effective. We have lots of screens surrounding the studio board, and I come from the days of analog—vinyl LP’s, reel-to-reel tape and carts. Typing is not second nature for me—and nowadays we publish our playlists in real time to vehicles and the internet. Lastly, how to keep from being too verbiose, letting the music tell the story.
9. What would you like to be doing in five years?
Being involved with KVSC and SCSU somehow. The radio station is such a great asset in the greater St. Cloud community, and while we have an always-changing cast of student managers and announcers, there is a strong community presence that adds stability to the offerings of Your Sound Alternative. At that time we will have been on the air for 55 years, always looking forward!