I’d really wanted to celebrate National Radio Day, August 20, in a positive fashion but was floundering, quite frankly, on the right story until, by chance, I was put in contact with Andrew ‘Oysters’ Kilpatrick.
Andrew had been in touch, utterly overjoyed at an aircheck he’d put together of Bianca Dye and Maje Saba during their two week winter breakfast show they did on i98FM while the regular trio Marty, Christian and Bella took a break.
Since 2012 Andrew has run the website, which I know many of you are already well aware of, The Radio Antenna, filled with an abundance of Australian radio airchecks, old and new. Unlike the aircheck and review you might get from your boss, Andrew’s are filled with enthusiasm for your craft and a passionate love of radio.
His thoughts on Bianca and Maje below:
“Winter breakfast was transported back to Bianca times for the local audience and for those of us tuning in from afar what a hella way to burst into the day. Bianca alone has her own style so captivating and down to earth with an infectious laugh, but hey pair her with the local drive legend Maje (Saba) he’s been on Drive at i98 FM for more than 20 years . Like I said ya got a dynamic duo. Assembling this little audio capsule was a tonne of fun, I’m just glad to have recorded some of this GREAT Australian radio”
Enough to keep you warm on a cold day.
If you aren’t already aware of The Radio Antenna there is an absolute treasure trove of audio to savour, and Andrew would be delighted for you to add to it with your own collection. I asked for some of his favourites, with the below from Doug Mulray and Mike Carlton getting a special mention.
RA Aircheck MORE GOLD Mike Carlton on Doug Mulray breakfast 2MMM FM 1993 Pt 1
He also told me a wonderful story of visiting WSFM, ostensibly to see Jonesy and Amanda (pictured with Andrew who is wearing a competitors hat!) when Ron E Sparks came up from behind, with that glorious voice, and boomed straight into Andrew’s ear, making him jump. He is so very much missed.
I left the conversation with Andrew feeling a million times better about everything, as I think Bianca and Maje will too, when they read the above.
Oysters – I’ll take a dozen!
Jen Seyderhelm is a writer, editor and podcaster for Radioinfo.