Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed Hastings Rock this month. Somewhere in the 80's I started listening to mostly jazz and classical and then not much of even those. It was great getting reacquainted with a genre of music I hadn't listened to in a long time and to hear what's new. For me, it really enhanced the experience to know that the staff were volunteers giving their time for the music they loved and a tradition (i.e., Hastings Rock) they valued. That knowledge invited a certain attentiveness and appreciation on my part as a listener.
I was able to catch Angie Loveless in week three and you in week four using VLC. A few service interruptions here and there but overall that seemed to work well. While I was impressed by the professionalism of the on-air people, I relished the informality and the lack of hype. It reminded me of what radio used to be at its best but nowadays very often isn't.
At one point, you asked listeners' opinions about a full-time radio station. As I think you suggested, it would have to be something very different from what you have now. That's not to say it wouldn't be good but I think it would be missing some of the excitement and poignancy (if I can use that word without sounding melodramatic) of a limited engagement. Right now it's an intense experience anticipated by all. For the listener (and I'm sure for the staff, too) there was a sense of urgency, an understanding that it would soon be over and that one had best savour the moment.
Thanks to everyone involved at Hastings Rock for an inspired and inspiring listening experience!
Thanks for your comments Doug. I didn't even realise that you'd been listening in. But, i'm glad that you enjoyed what you heard. Most of us got involved in Hastings Rock because of our love of the music, rather than because of the radio aspect. I think that's a good thing. What we may lack in being as slick as some other stations, i think we gain in enthusiasm & knowledge. I'm pleased that that comes across. I have passed your comments on to our committee. Thanks again, Andy
Hi Andy,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed Hastings Rock this month. Somewhere in the 80's I started listening to mostly jazz and classical and then not much of even those. It was great getting reacquainted with a genre of music I hadn't listened to in a long time and to hear what's new. For me, it really enhanced the experience to know that the staff were volunteers giving their time for the music they loved and a tradition (i.e., Hastings Rock) they valued. That knowledge invited a certain attentiveness and appreciation on my part as a listener.
I was able to catch Angie Loveless in week three and you in week four using VLC. A few service interruptions here and there but overall that seemed to work well. While I was impressed by the professionalism of the on-air people, I relished the informality and the lack of hype. It reminded me of what radio used to be at its best but nowadays very often isn't.
At one point, you asked listeners' opinions about a full-time radio station. As I think you suggested, it would have to be something very different from what you have now. That's not to say it wouldn't be good but I think it would be missing some of the excitement and poignancy (if I can use that word without sounding melodramatic) of a limited engagement. Right now it's an intense experience anticipated by all. For the listener (and I'm sure for the staff, too) there was a sense of urgency, an understanding that it would soon be over and that one had best savour the moment.
Thanks to everyone involved at Hastings Rock for an inspired and inspiring listening experience!
Cheers,
Doug
Thanks for your comments Doug.
ReplyDeleteI didn't even realise that you'd been listening in. But, i'm glad that you enjoyed what you heard.
Most of us got involved in Hastings Rock because of our love of the music, rather than because of the radio aspect. I think that's a good thing. What we may lack in being as slick as some other stations, i think we gain in enthusiasm & knowledge. I'm pleased that that comes across.
I have passed your comments on to our committee.
Thanks again,
Andy