Totnes Monster – a kinda 6 Music, but for the South West

By PRSD, on Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Most of the country is lamenting the possible loss of 6 Music, but South West music aficionados have turned their dial to Totnes Monster – the only UK radio show to play all local music – on Soundart Radio. Nestled comfortably in the morning schedule of 10am (listen to the stream at work!), Chris and Shannon feature ‘all local music, live bands and interviews with amazing people from in and around the area’. We caught up with Chris to find out more about the Totnes Monster

“When we decided to do the current show a year ago our artistic director (Lucinda Guy of Soundart Radio) gave us a restriction. It had to be all local music.

“At first we were nervous. But we began in earnest and have never looked back. This area is loaded with talent.

“In a way our show is a rebellion against the whole London-centric media attitude. Kind of if you can’t beat ‘em join ‘em (but do it right).

“We started three years ago, part-time, but we are now in full swing on series four of daily shows with live music every day. We run in series with breaks between to pay the bills.

“Sometimes we will be in the studio and we’ll smile at each other a smile that means bloody hell this is good. Some musicians blow you away. Sometimes I only realise how good musicians are later when I edit the tracks for the website. The quality is high. Mostly, the best bit is knowing I have my dream job.

“The wonderful thing about music from the South West is its attitude. It has politics, love, a catchy tune and a hook that you’ll be singing for weeks but the people are nice. Good people. Humble people with talent uncorrupted by suits. Nicky Swann came in to sing the other day and brought a parsnip from her garden.

“I reckon that mainstream media has a lot to learn – they treat musicians like furniture and hold listeners at arm’s length. We literally have an open door policy, mostly the door is open! And always, the musician is our reason. This is what we do.

“In the future we’re looking at music videos and live gigs…”

Check out Totnes Monster and if you would like to appear on the show either as a band or for an interview get in touch with Chris on 01803 865 877 email chris.mockridge@gmail.com