Album Reviewer of the Month
Kirk Nicholson
DJ KEN/Kirk Nicholson (whichever you prefer) has grown up with a love for obscure music. At age 13 he discovered the band Kansas and it's all been downhill from there. From the entire discography of Kansas to a wide array of synthpop, he enjoys just about every genre, though his favorite is probably indie rock or dream pop.
How long have you been working with WIDR?
I've been working with WIDR for about 5 weeks now. I recently hosted my third DJ session and have been working closely with The Basement Show, which I've really been having a lot of fun with.
What do you do?
I host a weekly DJ show ( Wednesday nights, 7-9pm) during which we listen to a variety of exclusively new music fresh off the racks, for the first hour. For the second hour, we listen to a full length album from front to back, all tracks included. I spend a lot of time and care in selecting albums that I think everyone can like, and that are well crafted all the way through. I also host the Basement Show on Mondays at 8, which has been a wonderful experience of getting to know all sorts of cool musicians.
Favorite album?
That's a very tough question to narrow down to a single answer. My current favorite album I've been listening to is a short EP entitled "Do You Know How To Feel It?" by The Diogenes Club. I've really been digging tracks and their simple sounding, yet complex structures. It's kind of like looking at a finished puzzle, and seeing the beautiful picture on it, and then you slowly take a step back and realize the complexity and intricate construction of the pieces that creates the whole picture.
What drew your attention to WIDR?
I don't remember exactly how I heard about WIDR, but I'm pretty sure it was from one of the many orientation programs I attended in preparation for attending WMU. They mentioned something about student media groups, and I like music and broadcasting, so it all added up; here I am!
If you were in the world of Harry Potter, and were in a Hogwarts house, which one would you be in?
I would be in Ravenclaw, as I believe I'm somewhat clever and I usually come at things in a roundabout way of thinking. Which can be problematic, but, well. It's good too.
What is your stance on the Second Punic War? I personally am glad that the Romans won, and am proud of their superior tactics and eventual outwitting of Hannibal's forces, though not without great cost to both sides.
Favorite WIDR memory so far? My favorite memory so far was the first time I hosted The Basement Show, just a few weeks ago. We had a wonderful time listening to Emily White perform a whole assortment of gorgeous singer-songwriter tracks, and I really enjoyed talking with her and some of the other WIDR staff that night. Any closing thoughts? Thanks for the interview, and thank you all for your time. Have a great day/evening, and I give you all my best regards.
