The date has always been a memory trigger for me. Seeing 260526 reminds me of 070707. I had wanted to release a mix that was supposed to be hosted by a Toronto artist who goes by the name Rich London on that date. Why? I’ve been a James Bond fan since childhood, the date held significance to his double “O” seven title. I think I’ve mentioned this before through something I published, but I guess that’s insignificant. As is the story probably.
I’m home from work today letting my ankle/foot rest again. I’m sure that I’m suffering from gout in my right toe and the medication is making me a bit dizzy or foggy. The ankle itself actually feels better than it has in nearly 5 weeks, but I’m certain it has something to do with the meds as they’re anti-inflamatories.
I’m attempting to be productive typing this. I just finished sorting through 45 tracks for airplay on the radio show. I still contemplate whether I’ll carry on or stop… should I dump a 30 year old volunteer habit (no, it pays nothing) whereby I sacrifice over several hours a week to it. Or should I change things up and concentrate on a show I post myself online only. I fear that I’ll lose my momentum and consistency if I do the latter. Plus, despite the time it takes to do the radio show, I am both online and the FM dial which broadcasts to vehicles and tuners locally. I don’t think many people (if any) decide to tune onto a radio station at the time of broadcast using a computer or phone… In my case, the radio station website tells me that about 25 people usually listen online.
I keep arriving back at giving people something they wouldn’t necessarily hear otherwise – the curated tracks that get sent to me and I share with them. I guess I’m a little disappointed or bitter that I don’t get compensated on a similar basis for my contribution to the genre or local scene.
Which brings me to local music. I believe a small percentage shares their stuff with me. I see artists doing social media videos, music videos (moreso in the years passed) or offering it for sale through sites like bandcamp, but most of the time not releasing a traditional single, sharing a track with me to play on the radio, or the album itself. I never much understood this tactic, but I guess they maybe share it with other DJ’s that play their stuff and offer them promotion… Why not me?
I am appreciative though, whether I convey it enough or properly. I was out grocery shopping the other day and someone stopped me and said thank-you for the many years of doing the radio show. I’ve said to a number of people, it’s always nice to be recognized and stopped in this way. It’s the non-monetary reward I receive and I do appreciate it. It almost brings tears of joy to my face when it happens. Truth be told, I sometimes wonder if it’s oddly timed out with having doubt or thoughts of quitting when out of nowhere I’m stopped.
I purchased a new laptop and mixer a couple of months ago and I’m still pretty excited about it, despite having trouble carving out the time to practice and use everything. Things aren’t as easy as decades ago. My energy, body, and responsibility levels have changed at 50. The number is still crazy to me, as I’m sure like many others I still think I’m going to live forever and never put much stock in arriving here… or something like that.
I’m off for now. The medication is also making me drowsy and I’m going to switch off now. At least I’d like to shut down and just think for a little while. As opposed to switching the television on and numbing my mind with a movie or show. Enjoy what’s left of the day and drop me a comment.
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