Have you ever found yourself listening to indie music playing softly in the background as you look outside your window wistfully, maybe even dramatically? If not, you should. Try listening to UTSG’s very own radio station, CUIT every Wednesday from 8PM-9PM. Dreaming in Stereo is a weekly music show that features indie, rock, folk and electronic releases. The host and programmer, Alexandra Simion walks her listeners through her unique playlists and never fails to deliver the best of the genres. Alex is a U of T graduate with a major in Mathematics and Statistics and a minor in Psychology. She currently works in IT support for the Pharmacy Examining Board. The Kensington local also enjoys cycling and travelling as much as money allows and is a sucker for music festivals throughout the summer. Here is a recent interview with her, focusing more on her moonlighting for CUIT.
What led you into broadcasting for CUIT?
I have been involved with CIUT in some capacity for about 8-9 years. I started volunteering and then working as a part-time assistant for our Program Director, Ken Stowar, through the work-study program at U of T. At the time, I was going to small concerts around town every week and I was looking for ways to get involved in the music scene somehow (even with my lack of musical talent). I passed by the old CIUT building every single day on my way to class (located in a large house across from Robarts library) so one day I figured I would look it up online and see if there is any way to be a part of something like that.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is my best friend, Anya. Currently living in Vancouver, she is pursuing a science PhD but she has always been super creative and somehow finds time to nurture every side of herself. She is super athletic, she paints and designs fashion accessories. She literally does it all and she motivates me also to do more with my life.
Have you ever found any difficulties with hosting Dreaming in Stereo?
The main difficulty was speaking on the air in the beginning. I started off working in the office and one day Ken, the CIUT program director, assigned me to put together a one hour playlist. I always hated public speaking so I was terrified. It is different on the radio though, a little bit easier. From there I started doing fill-ins a lot and then I submitted my show proposal. Dreaming in Stereo started off as a two hour music show airing Fridays 3-5pm. When I took my current job, I made arrangements to continue, but I found in recent years that it was becoming increasingly difficult to focus on work and the radio on Fridays. The show has since moved to a Wednesday one hour time slot from 8-9pm to accommodate my schedule.
Have you always found interest in music?
I have to admit I was into top 40 mostly in high school. My first big concert was Nsync. In university I discovered the indie music scene and Brit rock in particular, and I was going to lots of small venue shows. I thought Torontonians were so spoiled at the time because there were so many popular bands from across the pond playing tiny venues.
Has hosting Dreaming in Stereo altered the way you see or portray yourself?
I think it helped me become more outgoing, and especially get over my public speaking shyness.
Do you plan on pursuing a career in radio broadcasting?
At the moment I am happy with my day job. I have considered it, although it would be difficult for me since I don’t really have a broadcasting background.
What advice would you give someone pursuing a career in radio broadcasting or someone that wants to get into the radio broadcasting environment?
I think that there are a lot more opportunities out there for someone who completed a broadcasting or media related program, although paid jobs are scarce. I think volunteering can provide valuable experience though, and some opportunities. I have noticed a few peers from CIUT move on to careers in broadcasting.
Has music shaped your life in any way?
I think music definitely influenced my early college life. I quickly made friends when we bonded over music as opposed to anything else. I started going to concerts a lot and became more outgoing, and of course it helped me find other interests outside the classroom, such as broadcasting.
How would you describe the impact of music on our generation today?
I think music is a lot more accessible to today’s generation. The Toronto music scene is thriving for that reason. Youth have a lot more opportunities to find out about new releases and events through social media and go to concerts and socialize. It has become much easier to meet new people and bond over your favourite music and perhaps also a common ideal, so I think it helps bring people together.
How does Dreaming in Stereo differ from other mainstream radio stations? What do you think CUIT aims for in terms of radio broadcasting?
CIUT in general stands out for too many reasons to list and I will name just a couple here. One is the diversity of programming. You will not find such a huge variety of music and spoken word shows anywhere else. The station also broadcasts very few ads, and I think that is very rare nowadays.
What is the process you go through when programming the show?
I think that the show differs from mainstream indie stations because of the element of surprise. The show itself is designed as a sort of mix tape of new music. I have complete freedom to choose my playlist and that is a huge difference over mainstream radio. On a regular station you will hear a track over and over throughout the day. You will also barely hear a song once it is out of rotation. I try to play a blend of old and new tracks that I like, to give the audience something familiar. Perhaps you will hear that one tune you loved a while back. At the same time I try to keep it fresh and add the element of surprise with new releases, and play tracks from well-known artists that are not necessarily their singles.
How do you deal with criticism from your experience as a radio host?
For the most part, everything has been positive over the years. There is the occasional criticism, and that is something I try not to dwell on. I cannot please everyone; I can only add my own touch to the show and hope it resonates with someone out there. It is the only way to create something unique.
What do you think every music lover should try at least once?
Definitely take a chance on a random concert in a small venue. We are so lucky in Toronto to have access to so much live music and it is incredibly rewarding to check out a random music night and find yourself discovering new favorites.
You can find more information about Dreaming in Stereo here: https://alexciut.wordpress.com/