The 15 diverse students involved in Radio’s New Wave all boast different backgrounds within media and other creative mediums. One of the most unique things about this studio has been its accessibility to students with a music and sound-production background. It has offered a great deal of flexibility, for those interested journalism to those interested in a more abstract exploration of sound. While the majority of the class sways towards first year students there are several second and third years and even a mcomaster’s student. A few have previously studied sound production and have exemplified huge technical talents over the semester.
“Grew up under the trees covered in patchouli in Lismore, regional NSW with creative parents and too many siblings. Figured out as an angsty teenager how to channel my ‘the world doesn’t understand’ emotions through rock and roll records I used to steal from my dad. Which, on pondering that now may have inadvertently caused so many of my failed relationships because no man will understand me more than what Phil Lynott or Mark Bolan (apparently) did. Moved to Sydney at 18 and joinedmunity radio station FBi as a music department volunteer, earnt my stripes in apathy which led to my induction within the underground music scene. Left Sydney after 3 years with a sore head and moved to Brisbane where the sun shone brightly. I joined 4ZZZ Brisbanes alternative community radio station and started a new chapter with my radio segment ‘Slurred Saturdays’ 6-8pm Saturday night. The name says it all really. Three years in boardshort/thongs combo city was enough for me and I packed my bags and moved to Melbourne where I am now a fully grown, only black wearing, functioning human being with a position at 3RRR as the annoying voice you hear reciting sponsorship announcements during segments.”
-Emily Wade
“High school work experience at a local radio station. This involved interviewing and taking part in recording commercials. Also involved in various newspaper and magazine work experience.”
-Aisha Stevens
“I’ve always been a very visual person with a love of film and only recently realised how visual and visceral a medium sound can be.”
-Alaine Thompson
“Prior to beginning this degree my interest was primarily in writing and music. (My professional background is unrelated to media.) However, my focus can now be said to encompass all things media.”
-Amy Hanley
“In the beginning back in 1957, there was The Ballard of John Axon. Man didn’t know about Radio’s New Wave, the man said, Let there be light, sound, drums, guitar. Let there be Radio’s New Wave!!”
-Daniel Bowden
“Consumed media without contributing. Felt like a leech. Decided to do something about it.”
-Ellie Jamonts
“As a kid I grew up around NRL and Family Feud so with Murdoch and Packer I have no history in MEdia, only US vs THEMdia. At age 10 I took a disposable camera on school camp and when the film developed it got one kid suspended for smoking in the background and won 2nd prize in the Coonabarabran culture show. This remains my proudest moment.”
-Jarrod McDonald
“I used to and still do enjoy making films and media with friends just for the fun of it. I was one of those hipster kids that started using YouTube back in 2006 just for the sake of being creative and overtime that creativity has evolved into ambition to bring things to life, because all forms of media do that. They breath life into what could only exist in our minds.”
-Liam Morkham
“Coming from an audio background, I was always interested in the way that people connect with radio and auditory forms of media. ABC774 was the second father to my youth and helped me form some of the ideals about radio that still govern my connection with the art form.”
-Patrick Hills