Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Radio: Mission Accomplished

So luckily in the end I didn't chicken out, and I went live on the Roman radio waves this morning. It was hands-down one of the most fun things I've done since I've been living here. Really interesting to see how a morning radio show works, and the idea that these people get paid to talk and joke around all morning... well, needless to say, it seems like a dream job, and I can attest to the fact that it literally felt just like hanging out and shooting the breeze. We had a great time and lots of laughs during the broadcast. Grazie ancora, Emanuele!

And now, for the photographic evidence. You didn't think I was making this all up, did you?

This friendly face is Fabio, the studio engineer who runs the show. He's in charge of the timing, music, advertising, and all that technical stuff with buttons, levers and switches. He also has three phones on his desk, which is quite important-looking as well. Really nice guy and does a great job...it can't be easy trying to get radio personalities to stop talking and conform to time constraints! I can tell you that we blabbed so much this morning, if it weren't for Emanuele keeping an eye on Fabio and cutting things off every once in a while to squeeze in a song or two, we'd still be there talking...

Here's me in the studio, a little self-portrait during a commercial break.

This is the mythical Emanuele Artibani himself, checking the computer where the SMS messages arrive throughout the show. We had a great time chatting about everything from stereotypes about Americans and Italians, to, yes, I'll admit it, Britney Spears and Paris Hilton. We couldn't contain ourselves and didn't even get around to reading and commenting on the morning's headlines like he usually does (see all those newspapers on the left?). We kept getting lots of friendly and interesting SMS messages that we'd respond to and chat about live.

Here's another self-portrait of us with our headphones on. Before we went live, I asked him why they have to wear headphones. He started laughing, and maybe it is kind of a funny question, but if you've never actually gone on the radio before, you might wonder. It's so that you can hear your voice feedback. It's simultaneous so it's not like having an echo, but it's a way of isolating the sounds around you and just hearing your voices. Let me tell you, I felt like a real pro, pretending to be a radio personality for one morning. I've already been invited back, but who knows how long before people get tired of the whole "American in Rome" routine. Do you think a gig as DJ Shelley is in my future?

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Shelley! I just happened to hear you on the radio this morning while flipping through my radio-telefonino on my bus ride to work! Amazza che brava! You sounded like such a pro...I would definitely listen to you every morning! Hope all is well with you...Baci,

Michelle | Bleeding Espresso said...

Complimenti! I didn't hear you, but it sounds like you were a hit...DJ Shelley nella casa? Methinks so ;)

erin said...

oh fun!!! Glad you had such a good time. Wish I could have heard it.

Anonymous said...

Too pity I couldn't hear you from here! It seems you had such a great time, nice!

Jeff Gromen said...

To find the live feed I typed in "92.7 Roma" in the italian version of google and it gave me: www.teleradiostereo.it On that site there is a live feed button.
The funny thing is it has all the static like I was in my car miles from the nearest transmitter!
Of course they are going to have you back. You two sounded like better than any "morning crew" I remember from the states.

Jeff

African Kelli said...

Shell, tell us more about what you talked about and how you conquered the language. Aren't you so proud of yourself that you are on foreign air waves in an entirely different language shooting the shit? My god woman! I am proud of you!!

John Cropper said...

Ahh, Complimenti, Shelley! You should definitely pursue the regular DJ bit, and then post them on the site! It'd be gold.

I'm the new media editor at my college paper, starting next month, so i'll be in charge of podcasts and a weekly radio show. I've never done anything remotely close to radio, so It's new to me!

Shelley - At Home in Rome said...

Nicole: Such a small world, I tell you, it's true what they say, "Roma รจ un piccolo paese." That must have been a bizarre but funny surprise for you on the bus. Better than the hair-smelling episode at least, right?! ;-)

Sognatrice: Grazie bella!

Chris & Erin: I totally forgot to ask for a copy, too. I figured it could be fun for people learning Italian. Soon enough you'll be hearing it live though!

Gracie: I didn't publicize the right website, but if I ever end up back in the studio I will let you know...

Jeff: Thanks! BTW I keep forgetting to ask, when does installment two of the making pizza video come out?

Kel: Muchas gracias, from one bi-lingual to another! That you're proud of me makes me so happy... after all the ways you make me proud of you, girl! It's only fair!

John: You'll be great! I was kinda nervous at first but once you get going it is pretty easy and lots of fun. If you're like me, a talker, you'll have no trouble whatsoever. Please let us know when your podcasts go live so we can download them and listen in!

avery said...

Oh you are so cool! Brava! Now I can say I know a local celebrity!!! You should think about a second career as a DJ because you are a natural!

Anonymous said...

I wish it were a podcast (and translated!) so that I could hear it. You look gorgeous in the photos you've posted, and it looks as if you had a great time. I think that if there were an Italian gal that did regular bits on my morning radio show, I'd like it. Talking about the strange differences between the countries, and things that we take for granted...

Great post - thanks for sharing!

Dixie said...

Oh how fun! I'll bet you had the best time!

And it is just me or is Fabio kinda hot looking?

FinnyKnits said...

That is the most awesome thing ever!! And to think of how far you've come! You never fail to impress me :)

Honestly, you should warn Ale that his "secret powers" of charming people are rubbing off on you. Between meeting DJ and becoming a DJ, you two are awfully magical.

Nice.

Anonymous said...

So cool! You look great and just like a natural with those headphones on!

Anonymous said...

i am sure you did a great job...i might have heard you because sometimes my radio talks in a language i don't understand...it might have been you...good luck. i could tell you lots of news, so much going on here in the states...aunt norma

Delina said...

V showbiz. DJ Shelly in da house. Brava you!

Delina said...

Sorry, typo, Shelley with two 'e's :)

nyc/caribbean ragazza said...

As Prince would say "Baby, you're a star."

Shelley - At Home in Rome said...

Oh, you guys! Stop it! I'm blushing!
:-)

However, the idea of "DJ Shelley in da hizzouse" is just a tad funny, no? You guys make me laugh!!!

Maybe it should be DJ Shellina instead, to make it a bit more Italianized? DJ Shellina dentro casa, ragazzi ;-) No, there's a better ring to it in English, for sure...

Anonymous said...

Good job Shellina! Wish I could hear u and if I had known ur plans I'd have definitely done it! Email me in advance next time ok?

Shelley - At Home in Rome said...

Grazie, Latta! Mi manchi tanto! Your English is awesome, I'm so impressed. Don't let the British convert you to one of their soccer teams, ahem, football teams I mean... Forza Lazio sempre! ;-)

Corrie said...

congrats to you! you did it! very cool. i used to work at my college radio station, and the experience is addicting. how cool if you could do a regular show!

jackie

Shelley - At Home in Rome said...

Ciao Jackie! Great to see you! I totally agree with you, the experience seems like it could easily become addicting. Especially when you have someone there to banter with, if you have good chemistry and can play off of each other, it ends up being a lot of fun. Still waiting to hear back, but if they do call to have me back sometime I will let everyone know... it would be fun if my bloggy buddies sent in some SMS messages!