September 28, 2004
Our Final Broadcast
Show #261

DREAMS NEVER DIE
(Perhaps this one was on loan....)

It was an amazing time, a chance to dream, share, and explore sounds and
friendships with fellow listeners around the world!

The show had the restriction and luck of being tied to the internet at a time
when connecting via instant messaging, forums and chat rooms was
coming into its own. It was an invaluable opportunity to reach out
to those that might otherwise remain anonymous and silent. We were
able to use the young technology of web-casting and create
a small community


So what happened?

College radio, by its definition, isn't meant to last. It's meant more as an introduction
than a career. It's quite simply, a training ground where one can get their feet
wet and explore basic career opportunities.

When I walked into the KBEACH studios in the fall of 1998, I didn't do so with
the intention of being on on-air. It was a chance to get within the inner workings
of a radio station and help create something special. That I was able to do, beyond
expectations. I was hesitant when the chance to do a show presented itself. As a
crutch I elicited the help of friend and Simple Spirits front man Suge. I soon discovered
that I was alone in this pursuit (I have to state that Suge AND his band were beyond
supportive personally and of the show!).

I had my first taste of radio just after high school. Something called
'Kaleidoscope Radio'. It was a simple pay-for-play scheme that pulled me in
for a month's worth of 15 minute shows (similar scams are still around, just be wary
if you've the same interest!). I moved on soon enough and didn't have any further
chances until my senior year at Long Beach State.

I soon became engrossed in the show, it's opportunites and continued
doing all I could for KBEACH. The show took on a life of itself own
and soon I had a web site up. I eventually started reaching out to local bands
and got a very warm reception (thanks!). I even fenagled my way into long interviews
with my favorite band Gene (for the record, Martin does NOT have a huge head
nor is mine tiny, and yes, the pic is real), Emiliana Torrini, The Dears and so many more.

Hopefully we're been able to give back a bit to all those that were so supportive,
including the bands. I'm not sure which part we played, but we do know The Arrogants
gained a few English fans viathe show, perhaps leading to airplay by John Peel!
Eventually they had a top hit in Indonesia as well and have always remained favorites
and close friends of the show. We tried to give a voice to any bands we felt were
worthy and an ear to every listeners request,samplers and shirts to spread the word.

In the end is was about the relationships we developed here.
It was about sharing the one thingwe loved in common....the music!

So, on to what happened.........

Towards the end of our run it became apparent that time was running short
in numerous ways. Family obligations were beginning to restrict my time for the show.
I was also finding my aspirations hindered by the confines of WPMD.
As grateful as I was to their staff and management, the station lacked reliable
equipment, facilities and campus restrictions on internet use removed us from
any of the IM and chat room interactions we had grown fond of. Lastly, in terms of
radio, I had made some solid attempts to gain employment at the next level.
I spent much time trying to network, send resumes, demo tapes and applications.
In the end I feel it came down to refusing to compromise. I could never imagine myself
being a simple figurehead, announcing the latest top 40 crap while smiling through
my tightly parsed lips. The only way to do this was to follow in the footsteps of John Peel,
play what I felt was unheard and worthy, champion the forgottenand ignored.

Returning to school was the final reason. I wanted to work towards a career
in web design and graphics and the time just wasn't there any longer.
You can see some of my work at mypersonal site, diagoro.net.

It was a grand experience. The thought of trying again strikes me from
time to time, but my abcense from the scene and the changing music trends
just doesn't lend itself. Yet here remains the memories, photos,
and even audio of what we were able to share.

a dream indeed!

Thanks for being there.

Charles
23 September 2008