Here at Rising Stars, we think it’s very important to highlight our volunteers and the work they have done. This week’s Spotlight feature is Jasmine Rowland.
We asked Jasmine a few questions about her time at Pie Radio and here’s what she had to say.
“I started Pie Radio in May 2020, a couple of months after the world got locked off. I can’t lie it was the biggest blessing as it fulfils such a sense of purpose during a very uncertain time. Originally, I presented a show on a Sunday with my best mate Sophia, this was 1-3 pm and was first entitled “Poetic Flow” although after realising that we were bringing the female Ant and Dec vibes with the show we rebranded it as “The Moving Mad Show”. Essentially, the two hours we did as the title suggests. I then went on to have a show 2-4 pm on a Thursday this was only for a few weeks and then I went on to share the Breakfast Show with Miss MoneyPenny, once she left, I took on the flagship show three days a week which I loved doing”.
What did you learn in your time at Pie Radio?
“I mean from listening to my first show, I have learnt so much about radio from the production side of things to scheduling and planning links. Originally, I honestly would ramble like it was Jasmine FM, but I realised as much as people love a podcast. A). I’m on the radio. And B) Links should not be 10 minutes long! Also, I learnt that mistakes are blessings in disguise. I used to (and still do) make so many mistakes, mainly technical ones, during my shows – I’d leave feeling like I wasn’t adequate for radio. But from those mistakes, I’ve learnt so much more than if I had got it right the first time. Trust the process and enjoying the journey is equally as key! By force, I also learnt to be a morning person, despite leaving the house at 6 am feeling quite dreadful, there was something really nice about being able to enjoy a whole day. Of course, now it is the LATE breakfast show- I can’t say that still stands“.
SOME VIDEOS OF JASMINE
What did you enjoy the most in your time at Pie Radio?
“Community. One hundred per cent. I think anyone at Pie would tell you that we are one big family (as moist as that sounds). But from the moment I stepped in the doors and met Remmel who originally presented Sunday breakfast, I was meeting people and making friends all the time. And what’s best, is everyone backs each other’s achievements whether that be in radio, events or even graduating- like it’s such a supportive network which is so key in an industry you can easily feel lost in! Even though, we don’t see each other every day you know that if you’re going to be performing somewhere at least one of the family is going to be there to support you and I think that in itself is a beautiful thing. A personal favourite memory was when I performed at Escape to Freight Island for the first time and the Pie girls rolled through, honestly big shoutout for that”.
What are your career aspirations?
“To keep being able to chat for Britain and get noticed for it! I think if anything the pandemic really taught me the importance of conversation- and being open and honest. Although with my shows, I share the Ls I take on a weekly basis I am also quite honest if I have been feeling a certain way or have been struggling with certain situations or events emotionally. I think that’s something that’s important as we are all human and we all have emotions so it’s important we create dialogue, especially through mediums like radio. I’d love to present a breakfast show for a national station, maybe KISS or BBC Radio1XTRA! I definitely want to keep up with the DJing too although for now, that is just a side hustle, I’m not trying to be the next Fatboy Slim just yet”.
What are you doing now?
“This year has been so exciting already. So, I graduated from the University of Manchester in June and since have worked for Manchester International Festival and Youth Music. In terms of radio- currently, I work for Reform Radio as a producer. And have also just joined the Hits Radio Network which is soo exciting. I also was picked up by DJ agency Genre Music who provide me with gigs all around the city. You can still catch me on Pie Radio of course, for the LATE breakfast show- Fridays 10 am -1 pm SO STRAP IN, it’s a rollercoaster (trust me)”.
You can see all of Jasmines work here. https://linktr.ee/jasminerowland
JOIN THE TEAM
We’re always looking for new volunteers and young people to take part in various projects and activities. If you have a passion for creative media, arts and events and want to join us, then sign up for one of our projects.
