First hour By Juan Izguerra, Second hour by @synthsofworld

Low Profile with Juan Izguerra & Synths of World 2/22/2022

This month we welcome Mari*, a driving force behind much beloved online radio station Worldwide FM. Interview (excerpt) down below.

www.musicfrommemory.com

MFM: Hi Mari, people might know you for being one of the driving forces behind Worldwide FM. Can you tell a bit about what you do there and how you ended up with that position?

M: I am “Head of programming and A&R” at Worldwide FM. I oversea programming, produce special guest shows and develop relationships with artists and labels. I’ve been working in radio for about 20 years. Starting with college radio in Boston, and subsequently I worked in New York and then Tokyo and now I’m based in London. So, I’ve always worked as a radio producer! From 2005, I produced Gilles Peterson’s daily show for 7-8 years on J-WAVE, one of the biggest FM radio stations in Japan. I also produced music events for the radio show and brought him over to Japan a couple of times, and this is how I started working with Gilles. 

MFM: How's the online radio scene in Japan actually?

M: Unfortunately, Japan is super behind with anything got to do with playing music online due to the strict and old school music copyright laws. Even Japanese radio stations are not broadcast outside of Japan. People still love tuning into AM/FM radio which could be a good thing, but it’s hard for music to be heard outside of Japan if the copyright law is too strict. Japan is probably one of the most complicated places to start an online music platform which people can tune into for free.

MFM: It seems that the pandemic brought many new online broadcasting stations, likely due to a lack of a stage for artists. How do you feel about this development?

M: It’s great that people realised there is so much potential in online radio stations during the pandemic. Hopefully, listening to radio will stay part of people’s life. Now the norm is back, people are getting busier and artists are back in the studio and touring. It is impossible to run a station in the same way as it was during the pandemic, so stations need to keep up and make relevant adjustments in their programming to fit into this changing world. Continuation is key to success, and also “sustainability” is another essential element to be considered, especially for independent online radio stations.

MFM: How important do you believe online radio is in the current field of music? What do you believe should be its main purpose?

M: With online radio there are so many possibilities and more freedom of expression, whereas traditional radio has to deal with regulations and politics. Online radio can build a strong sense of community as most of them were started out of sheer love to support music and culture. The interesting thing is that online radio can build a community that is Worldwide! Also, online radio could be a good start for young DJs and a place to develop young and up and coming artists as the presenting skills you need are much less on online radio than the traditional radio. There isn’t any format how online radio should be or sound like so there are more possibilities to create something new. I hope to continue searching and developing the unique and engaging platform where people feel welcome and part of by tuning in from any part of the world.

MFM: As a host yourself, what do you seek for in a show? 

M: I like to insert unique content in my radio show which is not just about presenting new music. I like to have some humour and personality in my show, and make people feel great with my music tastes. I don’t have much to say about other people’s show but being original is very important, people follow personality, great content and like to enjoy a show.

MFM: Any future plans at Worldwide FM you'd like to share? A scoop maybe?

M: We are building a new studio which will allow us to do more including live sessions! I cannot wait!

MFM Mix 042: Mari*

Live Recordings at DANCAHOLIC(at Aoyama LOOP) in March 2010.
That was my first time to DJing over 12hours. This part is around 2AM.
!!! VINYL ONLY !!!

"LAST DANCA" at Aoyama LOOP Fri.22.Mar.2010 2AM-

Raised in the heart of the Balearic homeland, Dj Aficionado cruises in at the right moment with an appropriately sun kissed selection. Currently based in Berlin, he has found a cosy corner on Refuge Worldwide where he regularly rides the waves with his show Francachela. Pathing his way through the nightlife, he pushes big-room Balearic sounds around town with Orbita, a freshly minted party he runs alongside Llupe. Recorded in a free flowing manner this offering includes Downtempo, Street Soul, Italo and more to wash down an afternoon Cava and bring in that sunset you’ve been waiting for.

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