About this Kane FM story
I was referred to the Kane FM Youth projects by the Grange Centre where I live. I also knew one of the presenters from Kane FM, which made me aware of Kane FM. When I came for an interview for work experience, I found out about an Arts Award that Kane FM was running and I was given an opportunity to work towards.
My first task I did was mixing some tracks and doing beat matching of tracks which was fun. It meant that I was able to use some of my skills that I already have in that area. The challenge of mixing tracks was that I was using pieces of equipment and software that I don’t normally use so I had to be shown a few bits this was good because it improved on my skills. I used a Hercules DJ controller with Virtual DJ software.
The second task was to make a track which was fun. Again that enabled me to be able use some other skills that I have already got but was able to take them further as I was using pieces of equipment that I wasn’t used to. I used a Novation Launchpad pro Midi controller with Ableton Live. I enjoyed it very much. I found Ableton Live fun to use.
The third task was recording and putting a radio show together. For that I used Pro Tools, a Condenser Microphone connected to an Audio Interface. The other task that I did was co hosting a radio show live on Kane FM which was a little nerve-wracking but was feeling good afterwards. I was also put on the spot a week later where I thought I was going to co-host another show but was then put in the hot seat presenting the show and doing a bit of live mixing! That was also nerve wracking as well to begin with as I wasn’t expected to be hosting the show that I was co-hosting.
I felt really good afterwards and also it enabled me to use some of my skills in a live setting and using the same decks that I learnt to DJ on
I have been really enjoying my time at Kane FM. As a result, I bought the full version of Ableton Live 9 which came with a free upgrade to Live 10.
I have started using that to make music at home and it is just as fun as producing the track I did on Live 9 using the Novation launchpad pro.
I am going to save up for an Ableton Push 2 pad controller which is pretty much the same as the Novation Launchpad Pro but has more in terms of creativity.
I will also continue using my skills in music making and mixing (DJing and Producing) taking them to the next level!
All in all, it was a lot of fun and would certainly recommend it to anyone wanting to express themselves through the arts.
By Tom Sliwinski - Bookham
Kane FM MindWaves is sposored by NHS Guildford and Waverley CCG