Xpress Radio’s main man Syd Lawrence has taken on the role of station manager for the last academic year. He presents on his show, ‘Syd and Ben in the Afternoon’ (Wednesdays 4pm –6pm), runs the award winning student radio station and is in his second year studying computer science.
K: How did you get involved with Xpress Radio?
S: During my first year I went to the VC’s address and Gary Andrews introduced me to the media world at Cardiff University. I was immediately interested in Xpress as it seemed like an amazing opportunity to get involved with radio. Straight after the address I went up to the studio and tried to join. I was told to go to the Societies Fayre. I was very keen. I started doing a show with my friend Ben from home and also got involved with audio production.
K: Would you say running Xpress has been challenging?
S: It has been, but I have really enjoyed it. I think the biggest challenge as a manager has been to keep everybody happy.
K: Do you have any radio related pet hates?
S: A real problem at the moment is people finding things going wrong with the equipment but not telling anyone. Then weeks down the line they say, ‘why haven’t you fixed it yet?”
K: There must be perks to the job as well?
S: Yes, there definitely is. I get to meet various celebrities, and, well, run a radio station. In November I celebrated my 21st birthday by launching a radio station! It seemed like a great achievement.
K: Who have you met that is famous?
S: I have met and interviewed Dr Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) when he came into Xpress. He even had a conversation over the phone with my sister. Also, when the Guillimots played at the union they just came in and hung out in my office.
K: Have you had any other experiences with Bands that you’ve met?
S: Well not really a band but a few years ago I was lucky enough to be invited backstage at the Prince’s Trust Party in the Park. My mate and I were sat playing Pro- Evo on this massive screen surrounded by beautiful women serving drinks. Suddenly, this guy, who was a friend of Lenny Kravitz, came over and asked when we were performing. I responded, “we aren’t, we have just finished our European tour and are exhausted,” which he just seemed to accept. It was so funny.
K: If you could interview anybody, dead or alive who would it be?
S: I think I would interview the Janitor from Scrubs. I know it’s not music related but I reckon he would be really funny.
K: Who would you say has inspired you in radio?
S: Chris Moyles, I know he is a bit of a twat and all but he is pretty good at being a twat. And gets big bucks!
K: What do you think is the best thing about Xpress?
S: I love the people and competitions. Last broadcast we gave away MP3 players and gym memberships.
K: If you could DJ anywhere where would it be?
S: The Garden Club in Zagreb. I went there last summer and it is amazing. Although, the two men that own it are from UB40, apart from that though, it is awesome.
K: What has been your highlight of the year on Xpress so far?
S: Probably speaking to Rolf Harris on the phone. He is a legend. Every so often he would break into song, which was very random.
K: Do you want to go into a career in radio?
S: I would love to go into a career in radio. I want to produce; it really brings out my creative side.
K: So not the presenting side of things then?
S: I suppose I would like to be a Jock but it is a much tougher market.
K: How do people get involved with Xpress?
S: The best thing to do is join at the Societies Fayre. After that we hold a mass introduction in Xpress to help you understand how it all works.
