Beloved Perth community radio station RTRFM kicks off its annual radiothon tomorrow with a stack of awesome programming and gigs in support.
We caught up with station presenter Emily Jane and Filth Goddess’ Vanessa Stasiw for a quick trip down memory lane.
Emily Jane, Presenter
My RTRFM connection and affection runs deep. Always hearing of gigs I was too young to go to, I luckily managed to catch my favourite local bands at the time like Turnstyle and The Tigers at all ages events up at 78 Records. Spending hours hanging out at 78s and listening to RTR made me feel that being part of [the station] was an impossible dream; I never dreamed my RTR adventure would begin a while later.
My RTRFM highlight before becoming an official member and presenter was always the Fremantle Winter Music Fest, when North Freo would come with amazing local bands and DJs. You are made to feel so at home as volunteers from RTR, while supporting great music too.
I finally did a radio training course after years of deliberation and got to interview none other than Full Frequency and Perth music scene favourite Rok Riley! I passed the course and after some late night shows getting creative with different themes, I was lucky enough to get a regular slot every week with Benj on Out To Lunch Thursday. Every week is an adventure with Benj and our obsession with music allows us to travel around the planet and come right back to Perth local music!
Vanessa Stasiw, Filth Goddess
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My adventure with RTRFM began when I was in high school, channel surfing the dial in the desperate search for signs of life from the suburbs of Perth. I landed upon what was then 6UVSfm - an unforgettable and formative moment really - to find the eclectic and diverse programing as well as the oasis of community on the airwaves. What a relief!
Perth was the arse-end of the universe back then, and I couldn't wait to get the hell out and very soon moved overseas. But the first thing I always did in a new city or town was continue the radio adventure and surf that dial to find community or university radio to get plugged into the local music/arts/activists scene, wherever I was.
Years later when I eventually returned to Perth, I had the good fortune to have many collaborations with RTRFM while working in the independent cinema and arts/theatre scene, with many shared events and opening parties. So speaking of arse-ends, one of my most memorable RTRFM moments has to be the time when a small gang of RTRFM presenters and co-conspirators choreographed and performed their own jaw-dropping surprise striptease at a late night film opening party.
The all-boy line-up (including a gangly Mark Genge) actually went the “full-Monty” in tribute to the film of the same name. An absolutely daring and hilarious rendition that speaks volumes to the bare-naked dedication and vitality of the amazing volunteers that make station what it is. Perth is most certainly no longer the arse-end of any universe - and how beautifully RTRFM celebrates and fosters that. Thank you RTRFM for remaining so fabulously relevant!
Head over to the RTRFM website for all the details and information on how to donate.
