Laura Beth is a radio presenter and producer from the north west. She currently works for several radiodl stations including her own show on reclaimed radio.
She also works for Puffer Fish Press.
How did you get into the Music Industry?
I decided at the age of 14 that I needed to find a career in my two combined loves of music and talking so radio was the natural choice. I tried as much as possible to tailor my GCSE’s to radio bu still somehow ended up doing geography. Whilst I was doing my A-Levels which were very much tailored to a career in the music industry and media I did some work experience at XFM with Clint Boon. That got me an unconditional offer at university to do TV and Radio and has given me so many more opportunities since. I can’t thank Clint enough for that.
You work with a few radio stations, Which is your favourite and what do you like about presenting?
Each radio station I work at is slightly different. I do different things or have a different role so I enjoy them all equally for different reasons. On BBC Radio Manchester the show I feature on is more of a talk show where we talk about different topics right from reality TV Shows and our favourite foods straight through to serious issues about poverty, domestic abuse and illness. I also work on Revolution 96.2 producing the Dave Sweetmore Show which has introduced me to some of the biggest indie artists and the best people. Finally I have a new music show on Reclaimed Radio where I get to play the best upcoming bands from around the world. Three completely different stations which I love equally.
If You could be the Host on any Radio show which would it be?
Growing up I always used to listen to the Christian O’Connell Show on Absolute Radio and I always dreamed of having a show like that. The music on Absolute is brilliant too so I’d be getting to play the music I like whilst also following in the footsteps of my radio presenting idol. Win win!
You work with alot of presenters, Who do you gel with the most?
That definitely has to be Dave Sweetmore. I have worked with him for three years producing his show and he’s no longer just somebody I work with now but a definite lifelong friend. We both love indie music so we appreciate the same kinds of music and know what works best for the show. I have also become very attuned to how he works so I know what needs doing and what can be left to him.
Can You tell us about Puffer Fish press and what you do?
Puffer Fish Press is a grass roots plugging and PR service designed with upcoming artists in mind. We take an artists release and do everything in our power to get it heard on radio, reviewed in magazines and blogs and also arrange interviews for the artists. We also help with organising all the boring stuff like press releases etc. so that bands have a professional press pack to send out. We work with stations, blogs, magazines, newspapers and reviewers all around the world so we know exactly where to send your music for it to be heard.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business and if you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
The internet has had both a negative and a positive impact on the music industry. The obvious negative is that illegal downloads and streaming from the internet has seriously impacted the way in which bands earn revenue. Most musicians have full time jobs alongside being a musician because they don’t earn nearly enough from their craft to survive otherwise. There is however a positive aspect of the internet which is the promotion side of things. Promoting your band or a gig has never been easier. Not to mention buying gig tickets no longer requires queueing up outside a box office so it becomes easier than ever to support bands. If I could change something about the industry it would be a record labels’ desire to take risks. The days of Oasis being discovered by Alan McGee at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut are over unfortunately. There are so many fantastic bands on the scene who are unlikely to ever make it because record labels would rather go with tried and tested guaranteed money spinners.
If you could jump in a time machine to any gig which would it be and why?
I have always wanted to go back to Live Aid. Some of the most iconic musical performances known to man took place at that gig not to mention a lineup that included the likes of David Bowie, Queen, The Boomtown Rats, Adam Ant and The Who to name a few. Nothing will beat it.
What are three Albums you can’t live without?
The Smiths- The Queen Is Dead
David Bowie- The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars
Green Day- American Idiot
What 3 Independent bands/acts should people be following now?
It is so difficult to pick just 3 but if I had to choose I’d have to say Dollie Demi, a bunch of outstanding women bringing sass to the music world. Saytr Play would have to be on there for doing one of the best live gigs I saw last year and finally SWJ Group for making music that sounds like groovy funk and Black Sabbath at the same time.
Thank you Laura for your time you can catch Laura on the following links below .
