Richard Mercer switches to WS FM with a new show
To his many loyal fans, The Love God’s move to another station after presenting Love Song Dedications on Sydney’s Mix 106.5 for 17 years is bigger news than Kyle and Jackie O’s defection from 2Day FM last year. Except this time it’s friendly.
When Mix rebranded to become KIIS and changed the focus of its content to reflect the needs of Kyle and Jack’s followers that meant that Richard Mercer’s show no longer a good fit for the frequency.
But the fix was easy. Richard’s been moved across the hallway to sister station WS FM101.7 Pure Gold but he’s leaving Love Song Dedications behind. On Monday May 26 he starts with his new show Your Song.
“Love Song Dedications was about the special one in your life,” explains Richard. “Your Song is about the special song that’s been a part of your life and the story behind it. While Love Song was how you felt about your loved one, Your Song is about what comes to your mind when you hear your special song; what memories it replays, and what emotions it evokes.”
Of Richard’s new show, Australian Radio Network’s National Content Director Duncan Campbell, says, “Richard’s Love Song Dedications has been one of the most voyeuristic and addictive shows on radio, and it has loyal listeners and an incredible heritage. Your Song is a new concept that’s more contemporary and inclusive of a wider audience that’s set to re-energise nights at WSFM”.
Listeners in Sydney will be able to call into Richard’s show between 7-11pm each weeknight to reveal their story. Then, with his signature dulcet tones, Richard will compel callers to reveal exactly why their requested song means so much to them.
“Richard’s unique interviewing style has always made for compelling listening,” says Campbell. “It’s the way he listens and empathises with his callers, drawing out a unique story that has often never been told before, that made his previous show the long-standing success it was. And I’m certain Your Song will be no different in that regard.”
The stories have already begun flowing as Richard has been speaking with friends – one recalls a big night with the boys after the America’s Cup win. As they celebrated with beers, Men At Work’s Land Down Under came on at the pub and everyone broke out in song.
“It might be a moment of camaraderie with mates,” Richard says, “or the feeling of being on the verge of something new. One friend told me of the time she was watching her older sisters get ready to go out and they started dancing around to George Michael’s Faith. She says that song will always remind her of the feeling of excitement and impatience of wanting to grow up and join in all the fun.
“Or they may be huge life events like the birth of your first child, or buying a house, and yes, even sad things like deaths or breakups, but certain songs will always remind you of an important time. And when you hear that song again, it’s as if time stands still once again, recalling that moment.
“These songs, and their listeners’ stories, are exactly what Your Song is all about,” says Richard.
Richard Mercer’s Your Song starts Monday May 26, 7-11pm Mon