Major: Public Health
Year: Senior
Which song, album, or artist initiated your love of music?
When I was 3 years old, I sang “Mona Lisas and Mad-Hatters” by Elton John in the back of my father’s car. Ever since then, I followed his heart as he praised Pink Floyd, David Glimour, and Kate Bush. In middle school, I discovered Bright Eyes. The knowledge and fervor for sound I had acquired from my father, mixed with the newness of adolescence, tied music to me. Now it is a lens I can experience anything through--you always feel something new.
How did you first hear about or get involved with KVRX?
This is my favorite KVRX story...I’m in a sorority. There aren’t many underground music fanatics in those spaces. It was isolating not knowing the words to all the Drake songs played at parties. On the way back from a date event one Friday, my sorority sister Shamika (‘19, programming director legend) began talking to me on the party bus. She told me she had stalked my Spotify during recruitment and that I must join KVRX. After she insisted a couple more times, I officially joined Spring 2019. KVRX is the best thing my sorority has brought into my life.
What is your first KVRX memory?
When I came to the station for the first time for DJ training, I knew no one in the room. I sat next to Hope, our ambitious and fantastic PR director, who told me about Sunflower Bean. While we went around introducing ourselves, I mentioned that my favorite band is Bright Eyes. Evan Stack (‘19, programming legend), lifted up his shirt sleeve to show me his Letting Off the Happiness album art tattoo on his forearm. That album is one of my favorite records of all time. In that moment, I knew I had found a space for my heart...
Which shows have you had on KVRX?
Sounds Like A Fever Dream — Spring 2019 — (freeform)
Romance Et Cetera — Summer 2019 - present — (specialty - love songs)
Which KVRX staff positions have you held?
Music Director: Summer ‘19 - Spring ‘20, Fall ‘20
How has KVRX affected your interaction with music?
KVRX has exposed me to random niche genres that each have their time and place. I feel like you hear everything when you’re supposed to. With so many different music preferences at the station, you’re always coming across something that is perfect for you at that moment. The sound becomes so dynamic and makes everyone feel closer to each other.
What’s up outside of KVRX?
As I finish my final year at UT, I’m getting ready for the next chapter of life outside of undergrad. In the spring, I’ll start applying to medical schools with the hopes of being admitted to an MD/MPH program somewhere in TX/AZ. I’m currently interning with Project Schoolhouse, an international public health non-profit focused on bringing schools and clean water to rural Nicaraguan communities. I also work as a research assistant for a psychiatrist over at Dell Medical. All of that is fun, but KVRX is the best thing that I’ve done in college.
What is your favorite part of KVRX?
Everything you encounter has soul in it! The people and passion of this station comes through in everything that we do. I love the breadth of knowledge our DJs hold--everyone knows everything about something. We are all overachievers. Being able to witness their ingenuity on air every week is a constant joy. Our DJs and their hearts and brains are my favorite parts of KVRX. :)
What advice would you give to new DJs?
Show up, go to everything you can, and talk to everyone you encounter. It is easy to feel intimidated and lost amidst a crowd of very knowledgeable and zealous humans. If you feel drawn to a certain department, intern for them. Don’t let any of your own insecurities hold you back. I think it’s annoying when people say this, but you truly will get out what you put into this org. More than anything, never be quiet. While you’re on air, say whatever you need to say, and never, ever feel like you should silence yourself. For that hour of programming, those air waves are your own, and no one can speak over or silence you. This is your time. Please take it to explore the sounds and artists that fill you with the most joy. Do not hold back in anything that you do here.