Why Radio Will Always Be My #1 Love Language

In a time where streaming and instant downloading is extremely active and on the rise, it could never replace my love for radio.

Growing Up with the Soundtrack of the Airwaves

In an age where dial-up internet was just being introduced, radio and television was all we had to express our musical interests. I grew up getting my musical knowledge from our local radio station personalities, like Alan Cross and Josie Dye - two of my favorite DJ's on various stations like 102.1 The Edge and Y108. I would stay up late for the after hour shows and tune in live on acoustic Sunday’s and the 90’s at noon. In an age where you could literally crash your entire family’s desktop computer downloading songs from LimeWire.

The Lost Art of Discovery

It was one of the greatest experiences that this new age skipped past. The technology now is astonishing, but the thrill of the chase was unmatched. Radio was the safe way in. You didn’t have to worry about people making fun of you for what you liked or what you listened to. You didn’t have the added pressures of social media, in an age where image is everything. I’m thankful that I grew up in the time of radio before the rise of instant accessibility to the internet. Although it has advanced, and with good reason, it was just a different feel. Like we were apart of the music becoming its true form. We had to create our own mix-tapes, made with blank CD’s that if we failed to label, was like playing a game of UNO. Radio always drew me in.

Maybe coming from a family with a background in media, I just knew I was destined. Maybe it’s in my blood.

Following in My Mom’s Footsteps

My mom started her media career later in life - as a mother of four. Watching her grind with grace and grit inspired me more than she knows. She brought me to work, handed me records to research, and treated me like I was already prepping for a show of my own.

Music, Moments & Coming Full Circle

That day led to my first concert photo with David Usher (lost in time) and a new obsession after seeing Finger Eleven open for Sloan - a love that came full circle when I saw them open for Creed just this year. It was one of the best experiences of my childhood. I didn’t fully realize it then... but my mom was giving me the tools to succeed: resilience, confidence, and vision.

I didn’t understand the amount of dedication it took at the time - but as I grew, I was finally able to see that she already gifted us the tools that we needed to succeed. A resilient mind. She didn't let anyone bring her down, she did what she loved and continued excelling forward. All the while - staying true to herself and being sure to follow her passions and intuitions every step of the way. It made me respect every move she made thereafter. It made me realize that creating something on your own will never be easy, but if she can do it, I can as well. Home is where the journey begins.

My brother can play the guitar like Jimi Hendrix, my sisters can sing like Etta James and dance like Michael Jackson.

A Family Fueled by Frequency

I truly believe when you’re born into this world, your children choose you first. A frequency that doesn't lie. My mother knew what I was capable of before I even seen it in myself. A gifted uniqueness in us all. From there, she gave me the experience that she knew I needed. Seeing in me, what she saw in herself. She is the reason radio holds such a sacred space in my life. It’s been my comfort zone. My escape. My way in.

Like her, radio never asked me to be anything other than myself and for that, music will always be my love language.

xo,

Rae