As rare as the songs he plays, John Avery fills the airwaves every Thursday night from 8 to 10 p.m. with the music that goes beyond the single hit. When John becomes Johnny B-side he shows us what’s possible by just flipping the album to the b-side.
KISL: How would you describe your show?
As rare as the songs he plays, John Avery fills the airwaves every Thursday night from 8 to 10 p.m. with the music that goes beyond the single hit. When John becomes Johnny B-side he shows us what’s possible by just flipping the album to the b-side.
KISL: How would you describe your show?
John: That’s a tough one, I try and play music that hasn’t been too played out, stuff that people have heard, but not over heard, I like to keep my listeners guessing. Comedy is also a big part of my show, I try to bring comedy into every show, weather it is a comedy group, or some funny records.
KISL: Explain the Title of your show.
John: My personal is Johnny B-side, and the b-side is the other side of the record, it was considered not the top hit but still a sold song. The less I say on my show the better, I don’t want to hear myself, I try to let the music speak for itself.
KISL: How easy was it to become a disc jockey?
John: It was incredibly, I wouldn’t say easy, but with Marko the station manager being the teacher, and taking the free disc jockey classes, it made it so clear and laid out. It helped me slide in there and have the faith that I could do it. I’ve got to give all the props to Marko. I had a little background, building and operating a recording studio of my own, knowing the basics, but it was about getting comfortable in the role, and making it appear as if it is easy. I’ve never had a perfect show, I don’t know what that is, but it is what makes it fun. It is so cool, the highlight of my week.
KISL: What did you build a recording studio for?
John: I started on the island in the late 80s and I recorded some groups here, Bob Gaede and Joey Grey, I recorded them using an A-Track reel to reel. When the disc jockey opportunity came up I thought it would be fun. Ever since I was a kid I was always recording, making up voices, interviewing myself, it was a passion, now radio takes over that spot. I play the recordings I made back then on the air from time to time.
KISL: Have you had any special guests in the studio?
John: I’ve had Vincent Fazarri, he gave me a CD of his music, I like to play local stuff. I interviewed Dennis Alvares and Jim Pike in the studio. I like doing that, local artists. It’s great to have a guest, I don’t have to do as much of my own work, I can let them go and it is fun. I think it is imperative to have guests in the studio, we are in such a unique situation, having a studio that is so open, I don’t think that happens anywhere else. I’ve been to studios where everything is taped, and to have the station here it is so important. For our community it is important to have locals involved.
KISL: What advice would you give to anyone wanting to be a disc jockey?
John: I tell people all the time, at least once a show, to call and get involved and to do it. We are all here to help them do it. It may be easier than people think. It takes about 4 hours to prepare and the show runs itself, I just have to be here to push the buttons on time. It is an outstanding opportunity to get heard, be a part of the community, to promote your town and your own dang station, what can be cooler than that? I don’t understand why people are always beating down the door. If you have an interest in music, or just sharing, the technical knowledge is something learned, and they do such a good job teaching, it is easy.
KISL: (This is a new question that will be asked of all our interviewees, proposed by Sarah Lavelle, and eventually we will make a CD based on the answers given). If you were in a white room with no windows or doors, and the walls were of an infinite height, what song would you listen to, to lift you out of the room?
John: My first inclination is ‘White Room’ by Cream, but I don’t like to be in a closed space like that, it would have to be a flying song, but I don’t know, something that lifts me up.
On the next Meet the voice: Pete Dixon. To get involved with KISL or to learn more about getting your own show on the air call 424-226-2837 (HAHA-BOATER) or contact Jordan Monroe the Community Outreach Director- jordanmonroe@kislavalon.com.
