What it Takes: Coming through, loud and clear

After a long break this summer, I am glad to say I am back. This month, I interviewed Steph Loe, a Sheyenne resident who works at RadioWorks in Devils Lake.

I interviewed Steph at the RadioWorks studio, where she goes by the radio name Steph Taylor. The studio houses four stations: KZZY Double Z Country, KDLR 1240 AM/99.7 FM, KQZZ Mix 96.7 and KDVL Cruiser 102.

Of these stations, there is one I listen to often, so it was really interesting to learn about the others. One of the most interesting things to learn was that KDLR has been on the air since 1925. This was just five years after the first radio program aired.

In the front lobby of the RadioWorks station, there are many old microphones, antique equipment, and instruments that were used for sound effects. All of these items were from the original KDLR station. The sound effects that were used on the air were often made by hand using instruments like xylophones and bells.

Today, the world of radio relies much more on electronic equipment. In order to learn all she needed to know about modern radio, Steph attended a broadcasting school, Brown Institute in Minneapolis (now known as Sanford-Brown College at Mendota Heights.)

When I arrived at the studio, Steph was preparing song tracks into a playlist with commercials and voice overs. She began her career at RadioWorks following a 2001 internship, and has worked there ever since. "It's all about timing" she said as she showed me how she compiled tracks so that they ended at the top of the hour for the news and weather reports. I did have to ask Steph, "Why are there so many commercials on the radio?" Her answer was simple, "The commercials pay the bills!"

It was neat to see her recording the voice overs, because each recording was different. Sometimes she'd just say the call letters, other times she'd announce a song or give the time and weather. She made it all look so easy with the click of her mouse.

Steph must have seen my interest, because she was quick to offer me a chance to talk into the microphone. My chance had come and was on KDLR- too bad I don't know that many old-time country tunes. To make me more comfortable, Steph let me choose a song to go in the playlist. I decided on "Man of Constant Sorrow" by the Soggy Bottom Boys.

The butterflies were still in my stomach. I had no idea I would do this without messing it up. Steph had another trick up her sleeve. She made me a cheat sheet that said exactly what I needed to say.

With my headphones on and a microphone in front of me, I gave my first try as an announcer. Let's just say I wasn't impressed with myself. My voice was high pitched and squeaky, and it sounded like I was afraid.

At that point, I was ready to throw in the towel.

Apparently Steph doesn't believe in throwing in the towel. Instead she started giving me pointers. Don't forget to breathe. Talk near the microphone, not on it. Most importantly, she said "Your audience can hear when you smile."

I tried those tips, but on the second try, I stumbled a little bit. I thought for sure my future in radio was over. But my mistakes didn't faze Steph, and she knew just how to lift my spirits. She put the recording in editing software and adjusted the speed and pitch so that I sounded like a chipmunk.

After a good laugh, she said she would give me one more try. And guess what, "I nailed it." Perhaps you heard it last Tuesday night when my voice over came on and said, "KDLR- Man of Constant Sorrow. I'm Oakley and you're listening to your kind of country, KDLR. Up next Chris Young."