What is immediately evident when you speak to Jannie Rawlinson is her enthusiasm, She genuinely enjoys the classical crossover genre and you can tell she is thrilled to speak with artists and fans about their shared interests. Jannie was first heard on the airwaves on Radio Deeside co-presenting “Loose Ladies.” She enjoyed the experience so well that Jannie created her own show “Classical Crossover 4 U” which broadcasts to fans around the world every Sunday.
CCM: How did your love of music start? Were you ever involved in performing (choirs, etc)?
Jannie Rawlinson: I have always loved music from when I was a child and always wished I could be a performer, but unfortunately I wasn’t blessed with a beautiful voice.
CCM: When did you first become involved with radio?
Jannie Rawlinson: My love with radio started in 2014 after I was introduced to it by chance, I was asked to do a ‘what’s on’ in the local area whilst another presenter was on holiday. I loved it that much I stayed.
CCM: Were you trained for radio through courses/uni or did you learn on the job?
Jannie Rawlinson: I undertook a course in broadcasting before I started with Calon FM, however my belief is that you learn so much more on the job!
CCM: What were some of the most interesting things you have learned as a presenter?
Jannie Rawlinson: The most interesting things I have learnt as a presenter is how to make the most boring topics interesting through my own enthusiasm. Offering my own perspective on a range of topics. I love to have fun with what I am doing and get a huge buzz knowing that my audience and artists love the show too.
CCM: Who have been some of the guests you have featured on your show so far?
Jannie Rawlinson: Since I have started broadcasting in 2014 I have interviewed lots of guests from various genres, ie. Tom Bailey (Thompson Twins), Bruce Foxton (The Jam). However the artists that I have enjoyed the most have been from the classical crossover genre, it would be difficult to name one particular as all artists have been lovely!
CCM: How do you prepare for your shows? Is there such a thing as a typical schedule on a show day?
Jannie Rawlinson: I present and produce all my shows, I prepare my own playlist, schedule interviews etc, however sometimes my schedule goes out the window as I like to give my listeners what they want so my schedule can change significantly, as I like to accommodate my global\ family with their requests.
My show promotes artists in a unique way, and it’s one of its kind! The artists are interviewed and their music is showcased, whilst promoting their concerts, events etc Artists will pick music from other artists who have inspired their careers and talk about their own journey in the music business and It gives the listener some insight of how their favourite artists career started, and allows them to interact with the artists on social media. Quite often after hearing the tracks played on the show my listeners go on to purchase their tracks. My show is interactive, my audience is from all parts of the world and listeners interact with me and my guest as the show goes out live on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
CCM: An important part of your shows is sponsorships and working with Veteran and Music Education organizations. Can you share more about this?
Jannie Rawlinson: Yes, my show was sponsored by an American veterans group for a few years and It was used as part of their music therapy programme which I felt honoured to be a part of. This support inspired me to organise an online concert which was an amazing success. As a result of this concert I was inspired to organise more during the pandemic.
CCM: Do you have any advice for others looking to pursue a similar path?
Jannie Rawlinson: Do it!!! You will love it!
CCM: In addition to your interviews, you have begun to organize concerts both in-person and online (during the pandemic). Tell us about putting together the first one.
Jannie Rawlinson: The first concert in October 2019 was a huge success. The concert was originally to have been staged in a community theatre in the village of Rhosllanerchrugog, a few miles from Wrexham. Not the easiest of places to get to (let alone pronounce) but the line-up was one not to be missed even if it posed a few challenges in getting there. Sadly, early ticket sales were disappointing (perhaps due to the remote location) and a few weeks before the show, I had a meeting with station managers and we took the decision to relocate to the recording studio at Wrexham Glyndŵr University, in the same building where I presented my show each week. This certainly made logistics easier and the new location improved ticket sales, but accommodation in the studio is limited and the event was therefore listed as ‘sold out’.
The studio was a lovely intimate space with professional lighting and three large TV cameras set up to record the concert. There were probably nearly as many performers, with their families, in the Green Room, who enjoyed a live link to the action in the studio.
All in all, it was a fantastic evening, with classical crossover artists over a huge age span all showcasing their talents in an outstanding way. The atmosphere was wonderfully intimate, allowing the artists to connect with the audience in a very special way. There was also a lovely friendly atmosphere in the Green Room.
All the artists stayed behind afterwards, ready to chat to the audience in a very informal setting, and to sign various items of merchandise which most had on sale.
Classical Crossover really is a great genre, which sees artists and fans supporting each other in a way not often seen with other types of music. The concert was also enjoyed world-wide via a live streaming link.
Classical Crossover Magazine is excited to announce a brand new virtual concert with ClassicalXOver4U coming this December. Stay tuned!
Stream ClassicalXOver4U every Sunday at:
www.soundradio.wales
