Our Bristol campus has recently partnered with VOID Radio to give students a residency on the station. dBs Students can apply to host their own show, bring guests in, and go out live to the courtyard and to anyone listening online. Shows are then archived on YouTube. Beyond the radio side, residents can also get involved with VOID parties and festival work.
VOID has spent the past few years building a platform for DJs and genres that were not getting a look in elsewhere in the city. We spoke to Brandon from VOID about how it all started, what they are hoping to hear from students, and why community radio matters as much as it does in Bristol.
How did VOID Radio start, and what were you trying to do differently?
VOID Radio started post Covid-19 and was a direct response to the same names being on event posters around Bristol. For such a rich, diverse and talented music scene, the majority of events would only host a select few DJs. We thought this was wrong and didn't represent the scene well, so we started VOID as a countercurrent and a platform for underrepresented DJs and genres.
Tell us about running a community radio station out of the Full Moon. How did an old security booth end up as a radio studio?
It comes with a lot of challenges. Very much a learn-on-the-job type of situation. We first had the booth in our previous home, Lost Horizon. It has come through many stages and iterations, but for our residents it truly represents our community and DIY approach. They've seen it evolve from a shell to a fully established radio studio across the years.
What made you want to give dBs students a residency?
We have three pillars behind everything we do: combatting underrepresentation, broadcasting Bristol and instilling community. Involving communities and the next wave of talent is very important for us. In recent years we are continuously providing industry opportunities for residents and crew, and we would love to extend this to dBs students too.
What will a student's show actually involve? Walk us through what happens from applying to going live.
One thing we really look for is a show concept. We want a radio show more than a typical bedroom DJ mix, either running with a distinct show theme or as simple as talking about tracks, how you found them and how they make you feel. At the booth, our hosts are ever present to support with the set up, and afterwards there is footage to be used for promotion and content. We believe each of these steps are crucial for an artist's development process.
What are you hoping to hear? Are you after a particular sound or format, or is it fairly open?
Unfortunately one limitation for us is we choose not to broadcast DnB, speed garage and other adjacent genres. Our station broadcasts to the courtyard where people can hang out and network, so genres that suit that vibe are welcome. A VOID radio show is a perfect time to deep dive into the many genres that may influence your sound, sharing experiences, thoughts and fragments of knowledge attached to the tunes you're playing.
What makes a good show, in your view?
Personality. People want to hear from you more than seeing how good you can blend. Getting an insight into an artist's mind and experiences is true individuality. It's a great way to build your brand, audience and encourage loyalty for your work.
Bristol has a strong reputation for this kind of thing. What's the scene like at the moment from where you're standing?
Bristol's scene is the best in the country and we'll stand by that. It's got unforgiving personality, otherworldly experimentation, resilience and most importantly, it is welcoming. The music scene in Bristol and community go hand in hand. We hear so much of new residents finding their home and sense of belonging here. That's what makes Bristol special.
What would you say to a student who's interested but a bit nervous about applying?
From start to finish, we ensure residents are supported. We're available Monday to Wednesday at the Full Moon to chat in person, and our programming team will ensure you are fully supported when applying and onboarding. At the station, we always have hosts around to help during your show, and afterwards you're welcomed to our community channels to seek support from crew directly or other residents.
Anything coming up at VOID that students should keep an eye on?
Global broadcasting. We are expanding residents in Barcelona, Buenos Aires and Lima. Our media team will also be releasing a bunch of interviews from our time at festivals this summer. We have a bunch of events too: Jeremy Sylvester at Jam Jar on 24/09, VOID resident showcases at the Croft and Wiper & True, and our open decks night every Monday at The Crown.
