sceaux

I've broadcast on both 2SER and FBi and enjoy/ed both a lot. At FBi I've hosted a drive show, a lunch show, and for that whole time a specialist show. For the drive and lunch show rarely would I have to play a track I didn't like and never was it a track that I didn't see the point in playing - during the daytime on FBi they have a lot of listeners and I think playlisting brings variety to daytime programming, which I would say is why these shows have such huge numbers. And the playlisting is closer to 50% of what you play, which still means you get to inject your show with your own taste and, in reality, it's not hugely different to the ''playbox'' approach other community radio stations take. I've never been told what to play on my specialist show and have often been asked for input with the playlists, as I know all specialists are.

I think it's amazing that FBi is able to create a genuine alternative to people who might be bored by JJJ and, dare I say it, Nova, but still want something that covers a range of styles that an over-zealous radio dj might not think to cover on their own show and be fairly consistent in it's daytime programming. It means that amidst all your synth indie whatevers you'll get to hear tracks that you wouldn't hear elsewhere, or at least wouldn't hear consistently anywhere else, and that you know you'll get a range of things to listen to which I think is really appealing to the casual listener.

Before I started listening to FBi I used to think the concept of playlisting a community station was gross, but having experienced how it rolls out I think - depending on the kind of station you're building - it can be really effective programming and make a lot of sense for a station and its listeners. And it's not like the playlist is full of the most horrendous things - this week there's Jack Ladder, The Sea and Cake, of Montreal, Dungen, Touch Typist etc. I kinda wish that was the soundtrack to Oxford St.

I think anyone that says all FBi is is a bunch of coke-focussed synth indie probably doesn't listen to the station all that much.

RITUALS WITH LUCKY DRAGONS

PS this started yesterday and is going way great.

TINA is a festival that promotes DIY culture - people program events that are relevant to the communities they represent and if you feel like you're being ignored why not pull together a festival that's either a part or not a part of TINA and do it for yourself instead of idly whinging on a message board? If you feel there needs to be more communication between ''the TINA people'' and Novocastrians then why not initiate it?

I CAN'T WAIT FOR TONIGHT

(the above session is in Newcastle at part of the This Is Not Art festival)

Lucky Dragons, Ritual & Collaborative Participation TPI House – Auditorium 6.00 - 8.00pm

Following the theme of collaboration & community at this year’s Sound Summit keen collaborators Lucky Dragons focus on collaborative games & rituals as strategies in making sounds. Join them, & join in, as they workshop ideas on collaboration & theories behind participatory art making.

Facilitator: Eliza Sarlos

Workshoppers: Luke Fischbeck - Lucky Dragons Sarah Rara -Lucky Dragons You!

Phil Elverum is coming in on my show tonight. He's going to play songs and talk some.

Unputdownable - 9 - 11pm FBi 94.5FM in Sydney or stream here

CAMPING

Hey if you were thinking of coming but were worried about where you'd stay then... why not camp??

AUNTY JENNY'S TENT CITY CAMPGROUND

This Is Not Art has set up a temporary Campground to provide festival goers with the cheapest accommodation option for the festival - $10 per person per night, open on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

So, if you were unsure whether you could afford to stay for the whole five days - we've just answered your question! Other budget accommodation options in Newcastle usually book out over the festival period – but you can guarantee yourself a place to sleep by booking into Tent City – there is room for up to 500 people.