Earlier this year a new radio station named Music For The People arrived on our air waves. With an impressive schedule of shows hosted by some of Auckland’s best musicians, DJs, labels and music lovers, the radio station has already carved out it’s own place in the local scene.
This weekend Music For the People are throwing a party at Neck of the Woods, with MFTP show hosts spinning tunes till late late. We sat down with Music For The People Mornings host Dylan C to find out more about this “by the artists, for the people” radio station and what kind of vibe they’ll be bringing to the Woods this Saturday.
As far as public perception goes, Music For The People seemed to appear out of nowhere, captained by some of Auckland’s most respected radio people. How did it all come together?
I guess it all came about by chance really. Jay Bulletproof left George FM Nights around the same time as I finished up at Base FM, and I don't think either of us envisionared stepping back into radio again unless it was on our own terms. Jay came up with this concept of pulling together a lot of our mutual friends who we thought would put together a great radio show - and it started from there. Jay put in a lot of work behind the scenes a good 6 months before we launched, so it really was his drive and vision which made it all possible.
You’ve got a really diverse range of radio shows. What’s the common denominator?
A collective of music lovers who are passionate about what they do. Play what YOU want and find your own unique voice.
Let’s say you’re a hiphop head or a big DnB fan or you’re just looking to discover new music ... can you suggest some different shows for our diverse NOTW fam to tune into?
For new school hiphop and general good-time shit talking there's 301 Radio with Ethan James, Ill Baz, Jamal, Seymour & GarethXMF, while Buggin Out with DJ Hudge brings the vibe for the older heads. The NZ Drum & Bass show on Friday nights includes Trei, Flowidus, State Of Mind and The Upbeats who contribute as their schedule allows. If you simply after fresh tunes for your ears then pretty much every show is going to serve up.
Can I tune into MFTP in my car?
Music For The People streams via our app, which means we can be everywhere your phone goes.
In a world of endless streaming services, why is radio still relevant?
Algorithms can't look out the window and see that it's a nice day outside, but a DJ can and will select a track to suit the vibe at that particular moment.
And on a personal level, you’ve been working in radio for a WHILE. What’s the attraction?
For me it's really about getting the chance to share all this great music I've discovered, and also being able to play music without having to cater for the dancefloor. Radio allows you to do that.
This gig is bringing a taste of that MFTP flavour live to the Woods - what kind of night should punters expect?
Yours Truly (aka Jay Bulletproof) will be warming things up with a range of bass music, grime and maybe some DNB. This will also be the first time me and Tali have played a full set together so I'll be taking it from DNB through to deep techno flavours towards the end of the set. Gabriella Gonzalez knows how to bring an uplifting party vibe and will keep that going til close.
Tickets for the Music For The People Saturday Night Pop Up are only available on the door so roll up early. Check out the event page for more details on who’s playing.
