Major: Mechanical Engineering and Economics
Year: Senior
Which song, album, or artist initiated your love of music?
When I was two years old, they were playing "Who Let The Dogs" Out at Target and I was dancing in that little baby holder thing on the back of shopping carts. Ever since then, it's been a downward spiral to death metal jazz fusion. I was a really dorky punk kid. When I was 13, I exclusively listened to American Idiot by Green Day and I literally played the whole album on repeat always... Good times.
How did you first hear about or get involved with KVRX?
I believe it was through Speedway tabling. I figured that UT had a radio station but I thought it would be limited to Comm majors. So I started DJing my sophomore year and started volunteering at Local Live a bit later.
What is your first KVRX memory?
Showing up to my first ever show at 3 a.m., no one in the station, very ominous. I was super nervous to speak on air but it was a lot of fun! And somehow I had someone actually call into the show and request a song that was too obscene to play on air.
Which shows have you had on KVRX?
Audio Oddities — Fall 2018 - Spring 2021 — Specialty (novelty/experimental music)
Special Teams — Fall 2020 — Sports
Kronwalled — Spring 2021 — Sports
Which KVRX staff positions have you held?
Web Director — Spring 2021
How has KVRX affected your interaction with music?
I mean it definitely has made my taste in music a lot better. I have finally branched out from American Idiot. But in all honestly, it's just exposed me to a lot of artists and styles I wouldn't be familiar with otherwise and they're some of my favorites. I wouldn't say I'm super in the know about the Austin music scene, BUT KVRX has definitely enhanced my interaction with it and led me to some pretty cool artists. Beyond expanding my taste in music it's been fun to have a more intimate interaction at live shows. You get to see how a show gets put together, how everything gets set up, and you just get a much more personal experience than you would if you went to some big music festival like ACL.
What's up outside of KVRX?
I eat, sleep, and vibe. Can't complain. My band Beach Blossom is recording music we're tryna release this summer and I'm hopefully getting ready for some potential live gigs post-COVID. Other than that, I'm learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu which basically means I'm getting thrown around by dudes who are way more experienced than me but it's pretty fun.
What is your favorite part of KVRX?
The community, y'all dope af. I think it's a very chill open community. It can be a little intimidating showing up to things when you're new but everyone is super welcoming and you can usually find people at the station and just shoot the breeze.
What advice would you give to new DJ's?
I know this year has been hard to engage with all of the quarantine restrictions, but show up to as much stuff as you can. With KVRX you get out what you put in so just taking opportunities to meet people and get involved is super important. You might find a work opportunity, a new artist you really like, or some other cool thing totally at random. Hopefully, if we're back in the station next year, show up to rotation, deep listenings, library shelving, Local Live, etc. Also, the station is a great place to study because again, there are usually people there to meet and hang out with.