Michelle

FBi RADIO PROFILE
What's yr background?
Sydney born and bred, after school I studied Communications at UTS, interspersed with random OS travels. I supported myself at uni w many a dodgy hospitality job.. from beach cafes to crazy Italian/French restaurants. The highlight of my hospo days was at The Basement in Circular Quay. This experience fuelled my love of music, made me some great mates and broadened my musical taste-buds. From here I delved in the music world, began working for an independent record label, then on to FBi Radio
How did you get into FBi?
I spent a year in Italy in 2003 and when I got home, I knew I had to get involved with the new phenomenon in radio that had hit the Sydney airwaves during this time. I was so impressed that there was now a local station that supported unsigned Sydney/OZ artists and played so much great new music that you would not have the chance to hear on more mainstream stations. I became a supporter and started volunteering at the FBi studios - working on reception, music cataloguing and compiling the gig guide. 6 months later the opportunity came up to co-host a program with James StJohn Cox. Since then I have progressed to my own shows - first The Sunday Overhang, Wednesday Lunch and then onto The Bridge - FBi's Sydney music show.
What has been your highlight of working at FBi so far?
From feeling so much support from listeners during the Supporter Drives, to the FBi parties... there are so many highlights! I love dropping new tracks on my show that are 'hot off the press' and also supporting unsigned local artists to help them get the break they need in the tough music industry. Other highlights include all the wonderful people I have met who all volunteer their time so generously to the station, and all the valuable training that FBi gives to volunteers in return.
Who are your favourite artists/bands/acts?
Check out my recent playlists HERE
What are your favourite clubs/venues?
The Basement for seediness; The Hoey (Hopetoun Hotel) for small bands; The Forum for big bands; The Cricketers Arms for beers and tapas
What's your motto?
"Don't push the river" (Zen proverb)
"Don't push your liver" (Deepchild proverb)
"Whatever will be, will be" (Que sera sera...)
Who are your idols?
The FBi team for their passion and commitment to community radio, as well as the inspiration they give to all the FBi volunteers. Check them out HERE .
What gets on your nerves?
People who illegally download and burn all their music, not realizing that the artists are the ones who ultimately suffer and therefore the quality of Australian music.
What's your favourite movie?
"Cinema Paradiso" - Italian masterpiece set in Sicily
What's your favourite book?
The Bridge Over the Drina by Ivo Andric, Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides.
What's your favourite food?
Cheese and chocolate are definitely weaknesses...
Any extraordinary hobbies?
I'm (trying to) learn some graphic design skills. I like to cook. I sometimes go to the gym and yoga... which can be quite extraordinary!
What was the worst job you ever had?
It would have to be a restaurant in The Rocks where I was run off my feet serving suits who would click their fingers at me. I was then fired for eating leftovers in the kitchen.
What's the most amazing thing to do that you would recommend to anyone?
Yoga - exhaust your body and calm your mind.
When was the last time you were really proud of yourself?
When I got my own show on FBi!
Any last words you have for FBi listeners?
FBi is not government-funded so without your financial contribution, the station can't survive! FBi is a precious and crucial thing in our society - a creative outlet for so many, and a fantastic service to the community. We can't take FBi for granted... so if you listen to FBi, please become a supporter and if you don't, tune in to 94.5FM (Sydney, Aust) or stream via fbiradio.com