So, we have decided to start a new series on Odd Girl Out called...Inside the Music Industry where we interview people who work or have a lot of experience within the music industry.
A few weeks ago we chatted with Daryl Jenkins about what made her want to get into radio and interviewing artists, this is what she said...
- What got you into radio?
I didn't consider radio an option until I was in my final year of university, knowing that I loved music but having no idea where to put that energy to make it into a career. I joined my uni radio station after browsing round the societies fair - I was only part of the station for six months before COVID hit but it genuinely was the catalyst for so many things I was then able to add to my CV, like running the show's social media accounts and feeling the inspiration to create a magazine off the back of it. After graduating and marketing for a college for just over a year, I landed my first music job and this year progressed to a Marketing Manager for our local O2 music venue, whilst presenting freelance on the side and still hosting that same first radio show on a community station. I love how socials presenting can often intertwine with my day job and all of the amazing gigs I get to cover as a result!
1. Who has been your favourite artist to interview?
I've enjoyed so many, but every so often you interview someone who it kind of feels like you become mates within that short timeframe. I had loads of fun interviewing Shakk on our local travelling fair for Just Checking In, an interview series I launched last year. He's loads of fun and also presents BBC Intro North East - two presenters were probably always gonna have a laugh.
2.What has been the most challenging issue with working in the music industry?
I worked for an independent promoter for 3 years; selling tickets is a hard game, especially in the North East when you're a very small company starting from the ground up with little show marketing budgets. It really pushed me to think of more creative ways to market - social media is obviously a huge asset today, which is why it's so important to be tapped into it and know how to create content and run an account to a company's benefit.
3. What is a typical day in your life?
There aren't too many typical days anymore, but the day job consists of looking after marketing budgets for shows at O2 City Hall Newcastle and ultimately maximising them/carrying out activity to help sell more tickets. On a radio day, I'll finish show prepping after work and head over to the studio. If I have any socials presenting projects on at that time, I'll do some video editing once I get back home at night. I'm probably at a gig about once a week on average - I love going to local music stuff alongside getting content for our venue, and all of that keeps me pretty busy!
4. What has been your favourite show to work on?
I love festival marketing and Live At Leeds was loads of fun to help out with on content last year; I also really loved working on The Last Dinner Party recently but imagine this year will bring some contenders - Lily Allen joins us in March and I might burst.
5.What would be your advice to someone who wants to be involved in radio?
Student radio was absolutely key for me and if you are at uni, the sooner you get involved the better. It opens so many doors and there are so many bloody brilliant opportunities that come with it; the Student Radio Conference is fantastic every year and offers an easy way to connect with key people working or presenting on national stations. It's easier said than done sometimes, but if you're not at uni, try to volunteer at a local community station. Once you're presenting, apply for awards, research and apply for national station schemes (Kerrang Untrained, R1 Christmas Presenter Takeover) - these things boost your career bit by bit and help put your name out there!
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