Ian McKenzie

Name: Ian McKenzie

Show: Wednesday’s Even Worse

When are you on?
Every other Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm. I share the time slot with Julian Piper’s Drivin’ South.

What type of music can we expect to hear on your show?
On the show I play blues and blues related music, including some jazz, some soul, some gospel and some rock‘n’roll.

How did you get into this type of music?
I’ve loved it since I was 14 years of age. I used to listen to New Orleans (Dixiland) jazz from bands like Chris Barber’s Jazz Band.

Chris Barber brought a number of blues musicians to the UK in the late 1950s and early 1960s.  That coupled with radio programmes (on what is now called Radio 2, then The BBC Light Programme) by Alexis Korner and Mike Raven started me on this life-long love affair with blues and associated music

How long have you been DJing?
I did three years of the restricted licence broadcasts on Vibraphonic FM and now I have a regular show on Phonic FM.

I have also done three of the restricted licence broadcasts for Bay FM in Exmouth. In total I guess I’ve been DJing about three years, but only in short bursts.

How did you start DJing?

I was asked to help out Julian Piper on the restricted licence broadcast for Exeter Local Radio FM. Julian is a professional musician and could not always cover his programmes, so he asked me to fill in. I really enjoyed it and as I have a massive CD and vinyl collection wanted to do one for myself.  That’s why I’m here.

Can we find you DJing anywhere other than on Phonic FM?
I also DJ on Exmouth’s Bay FM, which is currently seeking full licence as a community radio station. I host a two hour blues programme on Monday nights and I’ve also done an hour long community discussion programme with live guests.

What has been your most embarrassing DJing moment?
I was under pressure and when the studio equipment let me down and I put on a track by RL Burnside forgetting his propensity in his later years to pepper his work with profanity.  I had to apologise on air!

What has been your best DJing moment?
Always when I get entries for any competition; at least it means that someone is listening!

Who is your favourite artist?
Big Bill Broonzy. I am the hugest fan of a man who wrote and published more than 200 songs and recorded more than 400. I run a tribute website at www.broonzy.com

What is you all time favourite album?
Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles, just because it’s the best.

Where do you shop for music?
I usually shop in Manson’s because it’s the best guitar shop in the area.