Howdy!

Well I've been "at it" on Seaside FM 105.3 for a whole six months now and I think thats cause for a celebrationary blog and maybe a glass of wine!

I was never really sure which direction the show was going to go in, all I knew was that I wanted to do something a bit different, something that isn't the same as what else is available on the dial at that time, something that stands out or even sticks out like a sore thumb! When I first started the show, I was very concious of presenters (elsewhere) who would give give out the contact details in between practically EVERY song! You know the sort of thing "...don't forget you can call me, email me" lets be honest here, if a presenter is giving out the phone number constantly he/she is either lazy and not prepared his/her show enough, or is desperate to be loved!

Anyway, I was determined not to go down that route and made sure that I always had something to do or talk about. Infact, I have gone to the extreme of not given out the contact details at all (if I ever do, shoot me!) as my show doesn't need requests (or shout outs as the kids call them), I have enough content already! Don't get me wrong, If somebody wants to get in touch then I'm not stopping anyone! It just means that you/they might have to work a bit harder, look in the phonebook, ring directory enquires, look on the net, get off your backside and find out!!! This means that when somebody DOES ring up, its for a good reason and not for a crap song! There is a great presenter in London called Nick Ferrari (who does a breakfast show on LBC) and he follows the same principal, so it's not just me!

Even though I don't beg people to call me, I'm told that the buzz that the show is creating is actually very good and this makes it all worth while. Someone who shall remain nameless from another station said that he knew people who enjoyed the blend of guests, comedy, beer, blogs and music!

Talking of music, I'm constantly asked by people to play R&B (or the latest fad) and I constantly tell them that there is no point! Galaxy play R&B and they do a good job, so why be the same? The girl next door at AJ's will often shout up to the window and ask for Kaiser Chief's and occasionally I will oblige (as they have a bit more talent than erm... say Jay-Z or whatever he is!) but really the Kaisers are overplayed and so I'd rather not play them either. I'm probably fighting a loosing battle here as people are fickle and "throw away" music that is number 1 one week and never heard of the week after seems to be king. However, while I'm on the Seaside FM I shall continue to play Ska, Punk and anything else thats a bit random. If people don't like it, well they can bog off and listen to something else!

I'm always open to suggestions of course, as long as it's not the same as anything else out there. Too many radio stations have similar features and sometimes it can make it hard to tell which station your listening to sometimes. How many radio stations have a "Top 10 at 10" in the morning? Probably most of them! Infact, I thought if I went on the radio that I'd have it written into my contract that I must do a feature called the Top 10 at 10 regardless of what day or time I was on! So, if you have a radical idea that you think may revolutionize British radio (hahaha I dont ask for much do i!?) then email me here: mikebrownradioshow@live.co.uk

I'd like to think that the guests that I have on are a little different too. Some of the people I've had on the show wouldnt be given the time of day by the other stations in the area, mostly because comercial radio is all about advertising and if you have a gig you want to promote then you have to pay for the airtime, whatever happened to helping people in the area that you serve? So, I'd like to thank those who have given up their Sunday afternoon to come in and talk to me. In no particular order, these people include....
Andy Train, Alan Canvess, Frank Sidebottom, Infinite, Danny Norton, Stewrt Campbell, John Marshall (a.k.a Agraman the Human Anagram), Paul Kitchen, Dave Watts from the HarriWatts Band, Trevor Lock, John Gilbert, Jack Gleadow, ThereplicagooseEgg, Shirley Higton, The Scarlet Lights Theatre Company, James Christopher, Martin & Mel from Carnivale 69, Cracktown, Dave Abbott, Sandi Thom, Avalon Way, Sam Jones & Fine 69.

The Mike Brown Radio Show is pretty much a one man band, but there are some people out there who make the show easier to do. You know the kind of people who are more than happy to help? Some have helped by passing some wisdom on to me, arranging a guest for the show, making me a cup of tea or even given me a lift somewhere.

As the show can be pretty hectic, I don't always get chance to thank these people, I'm going to right that wrong now. So, thankyou to the following: Danny Norton, Mel Foster, Dave Rymer, Martin Davis, Smifffffffy, Justin Macartney, Trish Bertram, Chris Sievey, Paul Ashworth, Tom Robinson, John Harding, Dave Kitch, Donna Ashworth, Ricky Salmon, Alan Canvess, Joachim Noreiko, Martin Kelner, James Christopher, S. Comfort, Tony Sweeney, Lisa Ross, Bob Preedy, Karen Everitt, Diggy, Steve Gill and Jay Spears. You people have made a difference in some way and I'm sure you all know why!

Cheers everybody!
Mike.