The Mello Men

Show: The Mello Men

Presenter’s names: Rich and Alex

Show time and day: Third Sunday of each month from 2-4pm.

What type of music can we expect to hear on your show?
Rich buys the new stuff and Alex buys the old stuff.  Somehow we try to connect the disparate elements together, in order to make a good listen. 

Why do you like this music?
We like all types of music, as long as it’s not bangin’.

What is the format of your show?
Latterly, we tend have a particular theme to each show or at least select records in relation to a particular topic.  For example, on the shortest day of the year (21st December 2008) we played only ‘short tracks’ (i.e. three minutes or less). 

In addition there are the regular features:
Good News, Good News – these are a selection of local, national and international stories designed to counter the current mood and hopefully raise a smile. 
Charity Shop Record Challenge – over the course of the preceding month we visit (separately) the charity shops of Teignmouth to unearth that perfect slab of vinyl, which has been cruelly discarded by its previous owner. We then compare which record is best in terms of value and musical merit. It also acts as kind of a barometer of what records people are chucking away.
Afternoon Delight – this is our respective record of the month slot

Guests have been a feature of the show and we aim to continue this in 2009.  In 2008, we interviewed local Devon-based artists, a West End Star and a Pommie Poet. 

Why should we listen to your show?
We don’t take ourselves too seriously, so tune in if you’re looking for a light-hearted Sunday afternoon listen with some great records. 

How did your show come about?
Rich – as with most great ideas, this one came about in the pub.  I used to present my own show, Music for Hairdressers on Vibraphonic FM.  Alex had gusted on one of these shows and we got on, so we decided to join forces as The Mello Men for the start of the Phonic FM back in February 2008.

What goes on behind the scenes in the studio?
Lots of moaning and putting the world to rights.

What has been your best on air moment?
During one of our shows back in April we received five emails from listeners, which is about five more than usual; who were wrote that they loved the show. In particular, there was a couple listening from a very wet Haldon Hill, who we managed to cheer up.  It’s always nice to be appreciated.

What has been your worst/ most embarrassing on air moment?
The last show (19th January 2009) was, technically, a bit of a disaster.  Just one of those days when everything seemed to break down or records got played at the wrong speed (easily done y’know!).  Despite all of the above, we really enjoyed it.

Who is your favourite artist?
Rich - The Clash for the diversity of their music, attitude and style.  In 2008, I was a big fan of the Mobeer label, which released 3” CD housed in a beer mat.  Also I tended to buy a lot of instrumental J Dilla style hip-hop – I especially liked the work of Flying Lotus.
Alex – at the moment Dakota Staton.

What is your all time favourite album?
Rich - The Clash – London Calling, because I grew up with it.
Alex – Gang Starr – Step in the arena because it kick-started everything for me.