Hello University Pulse readers, this is Elle Stephenson. Today we’re going to be featuring Willa Rath, host of Jam Sesh! I recently had the opportunity to ask Willa some questions about her show, her experience as a Pulse producer and some of her favorites.
E: How long have you been running your show with University Pulse?
W: I started my show about 3 years ago.
E: What inspired you to join student radio and start your own live show?
W: I have always been very passionate about music and was looking to get involved in the school when I passed by a University Pulse table. Once they told me I could have a radio show I was sold and knew I would love it.
E: How do you plan and prepare for your show every week?
W: I prepare each week for my show by first picking an album to feature that week. From that point I will listen to the album a couple of times and do a lot of research into the album and the artists. I write down bullet points of everything so I can have facts and information on hand, but I do like to be free flowing so I don’t have an exact script.
E: What has your experience been like being involved with University Pulse radio?
W: It has been AMAZING! I never thought I would have a radio show of any kind, and now I can say I have! Also, everyone involved is so fun and we all share a common love and respect for music. I have learned so much, from mixing live music, to setting up for concerts, to how to have a radio show in the first place. Most importantly, it has been incredibly fun every step of the way.
E: What are your biggest influences in the development of your show as it is today?
W: Honestly, I don’t listen to many podcasts or radio shows unless they are true crime. So I have gotten much of my influence from conversation with friends, family, and fellow music connoisseurs. Through these conversations about music and albums, I have kind of figured out what interests people the most. I also just try to make a show that I would want to listen to and be entertained by.
E: What has been your favorite moment as a producer on your show?
W: Anytime I have a guest on is a highlight.
E: What is your favorite TV show? Favorite movie?
W: My favorite show is RuPaul’s Drag Race. My favorite movie is Portrait of a Lady on Fire.
E: If you could have any cartoon character on your show who would it be?
W: I would want Patrick Star on my show because he would make me laugh.
E: Do you collect any type of physical music media?
W: I do! I collect CD’s, vinyl records, posters, and cassettes.
E: What’s the best show you’ve ever seen live?
W: Kendrick Lamar on his Big Steppers Tour. An unforgettable show.
E: What are your 3 favorite albums of all time?
W: My three favorite albums of all time often vary but I have a couple that are consistent, so I would say Igor by Tyler, the Creator, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars by David Bowie, and Sublime by Sublime.
E: Is there anything else you’d like to share with the readers of University Pulse?
W: The best way to live life is to have music in it!!!
A big thank you to Willa for agreeing to be featured for this post! Go check out her show Jam Sesh, on air every Wednesday from 8-9 p.m. You can also follow @jam.sesh.show on Instagram for show updates!
