KCPR, Cal Poly’s student-run radio station, is one of San Luis Obispo’s most popular stations. With shows playing on the speakers throughout the University Union and booths on Dexter lawn, KCPR has made a big name for itself around campus. The station broadcasts local, state and national news as well as various music styles for listeners around the area to enjoy. Second-year graphic communication major, Casey Robinson just gained a spot on KCPR as a DJ and is figuring out the ropes for broadcasting. She is currently undergoing mentorship and weekly training. As a fellow Mustang, I asked her for some insight into what it means to be a DJ for 93.1 FM.
How did you find out about KCPR?
“I was drawn to the booths on campus and I was curious about what the club was about, so I kept coming back. I’d take the stickers they handed out and ask so many questions. I was told that they go on air for a radio station but there’s a bunch of different teams, such as the marketing team or the content team. A friend of a friend who was a member told me I should try and go for it and that it’d be totally achievable. I knew it was the perfect way to get involved.”
What drew your attention enough to sign up? I’m sure there are many music lovers out there on our campus who would be interested in learning more about applying for “DJing.”
“I really like music, I’m always on Spotify. I knew I wanted to get involved through a club because you always hear people talk about how they regret not getting involved. I wanted to do this through something I really enjoy to combine my passion with a way to express it. I did dance growing up which was a way I channeled music, and I did all kinds. Also, everyone sounded really cool in the program and I got a lot of welcoming energy.”
It’s so cool to hear you are so passionate about KCPR and that you are able to express your love for music in such a large scene. Can you talk a little bit about what it means to you to be chosen to DJ in the future?
“I was really nervous because I do really like music–my playlists are always getting longer–my worry is that I wouldn’t be “underground” enough for the type of music on the station. But even as a DJ, it’s all about finding new music, and they give you a lot of ways to do that, which is nice. I tried to be totally myself in my application. It’s super exciting because I can’t wait to make my own KCPR playlists and broadcast to such a wide span. It goes all the way to Morro Bay which is very exciting. My friends and family can tune in on the website, too.”
I know you have a mentor who is a current DJ. Feel free to share a little about him. How has your mentor helped you transition after initiation into the program?
“Yes, his name is Evan and he goes by his DJ name EVCO. He runs the night-time show called, ‘The Lounge’ from 7-9pm on Mondays. I get to go into the studio with him at that time and watch him do the show. He’ll show me what exactly he’s doing. It’s a lot of information on what buttons he’s pressing, how to connect CDs and vinyl on air, and just introducing me to the studio in the first place. It’s also nice to have a mentor so I don’t feel as alienated after initiation, because I’m not doing anything on my own. Evan lets me choose a lot of music for his shows and it’s cool how passionate he is. He knows a lot more than I do yet so he’ll recommend stuff I didn’t know beforehand.”
What does your weekly schedule look like for KCPR? What courses or trainings do you have to take?
“As a DJ trainee, I’m taught things separate from other teams like marketing or social media. For mentor training, I go into the studio live with Evan on air, which is two hours a week. I’m in a Monday-Wednesday class called Intro to Radio Broadcasting (JOUR 220) which is my first course for the program. We’re taught the rules and regulations of speaking live and how to use the digital library KCPR uses to sort through music. It’s pretty vast which is pretty awesome, actually, it’s called Zetta. Basically you learn what to do and what not to do. Through that class I have to book hands-on training with the engineer Thomas.
Once I’m trained, I’ll have my own show, and I’ll take a KCPR class for that. The shows play in the University Union once a week so I’m excited for that. I’ll be put on a team as well. This week is the first time I’m able to use the software by myself as I am recording my first set (off-air) as a class project. I will talk three times and play six songs. There’s going to be multiple projects throughout the quarter and each will have new requirements.”
That must be so exciting! What kind of music are you planning to share on the station? Does your plan for KCPR broadcasting align with your everyday music style?
“I feel like the time slot I’ve gotten matched up for I really like. It’s under Evan’s hour section of ‘The Lounge’ which incorporates the genres I like. Evan likes to play electronic and funk music, but you can play chill music since it’s at night. It’s nice to combine all of those areas. I enjoy slower music but I think I’ll change it up, playing songs that have similar vibes. KCPR does let me play really any music I like. If something’s not on the database, I can look through CDs and vinyls. I kind of want to do a wide variety of material when I do my show which will be exciting.”
What advice would you give to someone interested in the KCPR scene? Do you have any recommendations for sources to check out?
“Definitely talk to people at the booths set up around campus. It helps to get acquainted with them-have them know your face to show that you’re interested. If you’re applying, get it in by the deadline and make sure you’re timely, stuff like that. Be yourself because they’ll see right through you being someone you’re not. KCPR’s slogan is, ‘Where Different Matters.’ The program wants DJs that are different with different sounds, so contributing your personality will definitely help you.”
Is there anything else you’d like Cal Poly students to know about KCPR?
“It’s just such a great way to get involved, and you can meet a lot of really cool people with many different interests. Even though I’m new this quarter, I have met people I imagine getting really close with as the years go on. Being a member is good experience because you’re on an actual, live radio station, which is crazy to think about. I wish more people talked about KCPR because it’s able to be run by our peers.”
You can tune in to the KCPR station on 91.3 FM and check out their DJ schedule here.