UMFM Profile
The UMFM profile is a bi-weekly column that highlights various programming on the University of Manitoba's campus and community radio station. If you are a host or would like to recommend a show for a profile, contact oxidemts.net.
Alter Ego Radio
Alter Ego Radio is a fantastic mesh of diverse house and techno mixed with a bit of 'girl' talk. Audio Angel (Suzanne Szmilek) and Disco Kitty (Shael Abrego) are pretty fresh at CJUM but they have made a lovely impression, described by some of their listeners and friends as a breath of fresh air. In addition, both ladies can be seen on the town performing at major events and club nights in Winnipeg.
What got you started in campus and community radio?
Audio Angel: Before hosting Alter Ego Radio, the thought of my own radio show never crossed my mind. After being in the right place at the right time, I now have a show that I cannot see my life without! We started as a fill-in for another host who was away temporarily. But just after one broadcast of the show, the crew at UMFM decided to keep us around.
Disco Kitty: I was asked by DJ Oxide if I was interested in doing a radio show with Audio Angel. The original purpose was for us to fill in for a show that was off for the summer. But after doing a few shows, the station was interested in keeping us around, so we got to have our own show for real! And it's great because I really like being a part of community radio; it's the only radio I listen to.
Do you enjoy other types of music that you normally don't play on the show, and what are they?
AA: Indeed! On Alter Ego we mainly concentrate on the electronic genre which does cover a wide range of music, but occasionally we throw in some of our favorite artists and bands. At home I listen to almost everything! It's good to keep an open mind. Some of my favorite artists and bands are Radiohead, U2, Tom Petty, The Cure, Depeche Mode, Do Make Say Think, and many others.
DK: Our show mainly consists of my favorite genres, which are house and techno in its various forms. Though I'm a huge fan of electronic music and it's what I listen to the most, I do also enjoy some hip-hop (mostly underground), old school funk and a bit of jazz and blues from time to time. Basically stuff that is real, full of soul and groove. I'm not into commercial 'top-hits' type music at all.
Who are your most inspirational Canadian/International artists?
AA: Ricardo Villalobos (Playhouse, Cocoon Recordings) is constantly breaking all boundaries with his unique and distinct minimal sound. I don't think anyone could outshine him.
DK: Jay Tripwire (DJ/producer from Vancouver B.C.). He makes deep tech-house with naughty baselines and it drives me nuts in the best way possible! He's amusical genius in my opinion. He has written and remixed so many tracks, and lately hasbeen producing under the guise "mr. Barcode," which is more of a robotic form of house music.
How different is your 'nine to five' life compared to your DJ personas?
AA: Student by day, DJ by night. I like to think of myself as a dedicated person when it comes to my hobbies and my career. I plan on graduating as a registered nurse in a few years, and I'm currently working hard to achieve that goal. Regardless of the endless daytime stress, music will always play an important role in my life.
DK: I work a nine to five job for a large insurance company, so I'm required to be up early and in professional mode every day. But it's funny though, I compare myself to a teenager in high school, because I'm anxiously waiting for the weekend to arrive. I get excited because I'm usually going out to see DJs play, or getting to be the DJ who plays. Either way, I'm constantly surrounded by music, and I love it.
Other than Alter Ego Radio where can you be seen/heard?
AA: You can find me at various events around the city at locations including The Blue Agave and The Pyramid Cabaret.
DK: I'm a resident at the Blue Agave for a monthly club night called Submersive with DJ's Phaze M & Sisk. You can also hear me on internet radio shows hostedby myself and Phaze-M on www.blizzardradio.com and www.club246.com.
You can catch Alter Ego Radio every Saturday afternoon from 3 - 4 p.m. on 101.5 FM.