Exeter radio review: PhonicFM with The Duchess

By PRSD, on Tuesday, March 3, 2009

The title, PMTeatime, didn’t immediately ignite a desire to listen in my 21-year-old male brain. But for any avid explorer of new music, PMTeatime is well worth a listen.

The show blended all sorts of music with some learned and playful conversation. Female issues and artists dominated the conversation, which was interspersed with soulful tunes and good, local music.

It was refreshing to listen to a presenter who is passionate about emerging music and local events, as well as wider subjects. It was this ability to discuss a local effect of a world wide issue that I particularly enjoyed.

The architect of the show, Milica Lewis (a.k.a. The Dutchess), eased listeners into issues such as domestic violence and women’s rights, without the hint of an agenda. These are difficult topics to discuss, but with the aid of a guest, the debate remained informal but informative. For example, did you know there is no rape crisis centre in Exeter?

As Phonic FM approaches its first birthday, the station is keen to further develop its image as the alternative sound of Exeter. With its mantra of freedom for all presenters, it often throws up an eclectic selection of music, articles and characters that would be difficult to recreate on a commercial radio station. Presenters commonly work on a rotational basis, and the independence gifted to them brings an added energy to each show. Or maybe it’s just that they’re locked in a small room in a basement, with complete musical freedom and a bar only a flight of stairs away.

The championing of local and emerging talent on PMTeatime was impressive, and this seems to be a philosophy that is supported by all the other DJs on the station. The music played was all by female artists, and covered several decades and styles.

Self-promotion is key for a station such as Phonic, and there was some good advertisement for other shows and local happenings. International Women’s Day, on Sunday, March 8, is keenly supported by the station and there are several events going on in the Exeter Phoenix – Exeter’s arts centre and the base of Phonic FM. The upcoming Vibraphonic festival, canvassing several Exeter venues in March, also promises to be a treat for the music fan.

PMTeatime, hosted by The Dutchess, is on Phonic FM 106.8fm every third Wednesday of each month between 4-6pm.

posted by David Whittaker
(David listened to PMTeatime on February 18, 2009)

• International Women’s Day Live on Phonic FM
Sunday, March 8, 10am-10pm
The female DJs of Exeter’s only playlist-free radio station join forces to present an all-day programme of music by female artists from all over the world, with interviews and discussions