What does Woody Radio mean to me? Woody Radio has given me an opportunity to live out a dream I’ve had since I was in junior high. I remember sitting on my bedroom floor in front of my dual cassette radio that was sitting precariously on a stack of faux wood cassette holders trying my best rewinding and fast forwarding to find the beginning of songs that I could play for my pretend radio show. Over 20 years later, through a friendship with someone who has a history with the station, I was introduced to Amanda and Gidget through Facebook messenger. Throughout our conversations, I always had a pessimistic view of thinking that this was too could to be true and it would eventually dematerialize before I had the chance to get off the ground floor. I got along well with the two-thirds of the ownership and was assured early on that I was “one of you.” Having always been someone that didn’t ever really feel the need to be accepted by others, this was monumental to me. To be told that I meshed well with not only them, but the DJs that I spoke with in the chat room made me feel ten feet tall and bulletproof…unless it was Gidget taking the shots and then no one is safe (much love to you, Gidge). For the past three months, I got to play what I wanted to without any questions, suggestions, negativity, or doubt. As I’m sure you all can relate, having the chance to work under these conditions is better than any paying job we could ever have. A passion for music, getting the work of independent, unknown, and unsigned people heard by listeners worldwide, and the amazing sense of comradery that we all share is a reward in itself. I initially wanted to start a station on my own, but lacked the initiative and the funds to actually carry out what seemed like a bit of a pipe dream. Becoming a part of the Woody family was the better choice that I didn’t realize I had until this past September. Aside from the financial aspect and dealing with music executive fat cats who wouldn’t know art if it gave handjobs with 40 grit sandpaper gloves, interacting with all of the talent here has been both mentally and emotionally rewarding. Even though I haven’t physically met any of you, I feel comfortable referring to you as friends and not acquaintances or co-workers. Many of you have mentored me and handled a barrage of questions from me with ease and patience. Although I still feel that I haven’t a clue what the hell I am doing from time to time, I can regroup quickly knowing that I’ve been taught by those that should be getting more credit for what they do for music as a whole than some of these high paid puppets that work for SiriusXM and the monopoly known as ClearChannel. Whenever I imagined being a DJ that would be lucky enough to play the stuff that I do know, I always thought of wanting to be the Wolfman Jack of extreme metal. I wanted to be the DJ responsible for introducing everyday Joe’s and Jane’s to listeners that had yet to experience the work they have slaved over and perfected in basements, garages, and shithole clubs that probably should be shut down if a fire, health, or safety inspector were to set foot in them. Of course, I wouldn’t want the accolades or Rock and Roll Hall of Fame notoriety that his legend carries, but to have my alias or the name of my show brought up in conversation worldwide in regards to what was heard. I don’t wish to get rich or even turn a profit off this emotionally fruitful endeavor, but do want to bring a bit of the underground into some of the lighter corners so others have the ability to hear it, embrace it, and support it. Without Woody Radio, I wouldn’t be able to play to an audience, hell, HAVE an audience. Regardless of what genres we all choose to play here, we are all in this “business” for the same altruistic reasons. We are giving of ourselves to help others out of love (something that sounds completely fucked up given what I play). To be part of this troupe of maverick and rogue personalities is an absolute honor. I couldn’t have been teamed up with anyone better than who I have been with here. My short experience with Woody will mean more to me than I can accurate depict with any combination of words in the bastardized English language, but I can say that for whatever reason that we should have to disband, I will remember my time here for the rest of my life with great happiness. You can’t not feel like this doesn’t mean anything if you still get nervous when you have ten minutes before you go on and begin pacing, swaying, taking deep breaths, and when Jim Fucking Bell or Mac or Mr. B or Maia or whoever says go, you hit play, sit completely still, and most of the time, stop fucking breathing until you here through one of the portals your music playing. A deep breath is let out and you slump into a chair like you just defused a bomb…THAT is what Woody Radio means and THAT is what Woody Radio feels like.
Todd aka Blasphemer
WOODY RADIO BLOG 