Publication Date: 22 May 2007
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GARY SMITH's gospel radio show on BBC Radio Oxford starts this weekend
BBC radio Oxford afternoon presenter SYBIL RUSCOE was so impressed with GARY's
passion for gospel music that after the programme she asked him if he would be interested in having his own show. After GARY recorded a short demo programme, editor WILL BANKS offered him a job.
And he isn't a stranger to radio and playing out: as one of UK gospel radio's longer-serving DJs, DJ G can be heard on a few UK and international Internet and FM radio stations, so it was probably only a matter of time before this happened.
Biscester-based GARY told the OXFORD MAIL:
"I have skirted around the outskirts of radio but always thought I would love to do a show in
my home city of Oxford. When I was asked to talk on SYBIL's show I never expected to be
offered my own programme, but it's fantastic.
People think gospel music is what you see on SISTER ACT. That is part of it, but it has
moved on since that. Reggae, R&B, Blues Jazz and Soca all come into it.
And he isn't a stranger to radio and playing out: as one of UK gospel radio's longer-serving DJs, DJ G can be heard on a few UK and international Internet and FM radio stations, so it was probably only a matter of time before this happened.
Biscester-based GARY told the OXFORD MAIL:
"I have skirted around the outskirts of radio but always thought I would love to do a show in
my home city of Oxford. When I was asked to talk on SYBIL's show I never expected to be
offered my own programme, but it's fantastic.
People think gospel music is what you see on SISTER ACT. That is part of it, but it has
moved on since that. Reggae, R&B, Blues Jazz and Soca all come into it.
His show also has a welcome UK-based focus in addition to the usual musical suspects:
"I'm looking to give more UK gospel music artists more exposure in the Oxford area. I'm
developing the show itself to be a Praise Party and pretty much a fun time. International
listeners will also be able to hear a great mix of music they are familiar with, plus the quality
gospel music that the UK has got..."
And I had to ask about the fact that Oxford certainly doesn't spring to mind when you think about major UK gospel music centres:
"...It's growing. Oxford is often put on the back burner - in fact I'm often asked if Oxford is
in London or Birmingham! I'd like to see more gospel events in Oxford in 2007/2008..."
He ended with an appeal that essentially is the lifeblood of sustaining gospel music on local radio, a crucial point made in light of the cuts and schedule changes that have become very familiar with high-profile gospel music shows in recent months:
"I'm looking to give more UK gospel music artists more exposure in the Oxford area. I'm
developing the show itself to be a Praise Party and pretty much a fun time. International
listeners will also be able to hear a great mix of music they are familiar with, plus the quality
gospel music that the UK has got..."
And I had to ask about the fact that Oxford certainly doesn't spring to mind when you think about major UK gospel music centres:
"...It's growing. Oxford is often put on the back burner - in fact I'm often asked if Oxford is
in London or Birmingham! I'd like to see more gospel events in Oxford in 2007/2008..."
He ended with an appeal that essentially is the lifeblood of sustaining gospel music on local radio, a crucial point made in light of the cuts and schedule changes that have become very familiar with high-profile gospel music shows in recent months:
"I would like to encourage churches, gospel artists and ministers to support their local
gospel shows on the BBC or independent radio. You need to support: e-mail, phone, text and
write to the station to keep the shows on air - they are your shows..."
gospel shows on the BBC or independent radio. You need to support: e-mail, phone, text and
write to the station to keep the shows on air - they are your shows..."
It's a simple thing: if you don't want to be in a position that we often seem to find ourselves in these days - that of shutting the gate after the horse has bolted - find time to support this show NOW, instead of signing petitions later when the station might be considering taking the show off the air due to a poor response...
Any broadcast organisation keep their shows on air based primarily on audience figures and advertising revenue. With GARY's show being on the BBC, the latter is less of a factor, but he'll need you to show up (email, text, call, etc) nonetheless if the show is to continue over the long term.
Gary has played out near and far, including the Oxford and Reading Carnivals, and recently played to over 4,000 people in Slovakia. He is involved in charity work and has raised money for Children in Need, DJing for a full 24 hours and raising over £700, and doing a 20-hour stint for Cancer Research UK, raising over £500.
He also uses his DJ skills in the corporate world, offering motivational classes for
Any broadcast organisation keep their shows on air based primarily on audience figures and advertising revenue. With GARY's show being on the BBC, the latter is less of a factor, but he'll need you to show up (email, text, call, etc) nonetheless if the show is to continue over the long term.
Gary has played out near and far, including the Oxford and Reading Carnivals, and recently played to over 4,000 people in Slovakia. He is involved in charity work and has raised money for Children in Need, DJing for a full 24 hours and raising over £700, and doing a 20-hour stint for Cancer Research UK, raising over £500.
He also uses his DJ skills in the corporate world, offering motivational classes for
staff development. His course enables staff to learn new skills, increase productivity, and develop the ability to multi-task.
His mobile service operates within a 50-mile radius of his home town of Bicester
His mobile service operates within a 50-mile radius of his home town of Bicester
LINKS/CREDITS
WORDS: Yinka Awojobi and DJ G
IMAGES: Gary Smith
IMAGES: Gary Smith
Gary's weekly URBAN GOSPEL
SHOW starts on the 27th May
at 21:00 on 95.2 FM, and online
SHOW starts on the 27th May
at 21:00 on 95.2 FM, and online
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