WPCR Spotlight

WPCR Spotlight

Sarah Liebowitz

A&E Editor

svl1010@plymouth.edu

COURTESY PHOTO/  SHANI EDWARDS

Edwards, double majoring in sports management and theater, started school at Plymouth State last winter. She started her show at WPCR, PSU’s radio station, last March. Edwards said the members of WPCR “welcomed me with open arms.”

Edwards used to DJ at family gatherings, but at first she was nervous to take the next step. “Here, it’s a much bigger audience of people who listen, so sometimes their variety of music might not be the same as mine.”

“I wanted to be able to do both my stuff, and then have it appeal to a bigger audience. It’s trying to find the balance that works.”

Shani Edward’s favorite artist is Taylor Swift, evident from the black and white Taylor Swift lanyard hanging around her neck. But Edwards plays a variety of music on her radio show “DJ S”, including pop, rock, R&B, and alternative.

Edwards solidifies her playlist Friday afternoon in preparation for her evening show. She gets ideas by listening to music on her Zune throughout the week. “You have to do it naturally, you can’t just force it. Otherwise, it just doesn't feel right,” she said. “It doesn’t feel like you're playing the correct music.”

Edward’s favorite show so far was her ‘90s night, which aired on Oct. 9. “You had to see me when I was in there,” she said. “I couldn’t stop singing.” She followed up with a 90s part two the following week.

Geneva Sambor, a Community Advisor in Smith, tuned in on ‘90s night. “She set it up so that people that were walking in and out of the lobby could listen,” said Edwards.

Edwards also creates dedication shows. One honored her grandfather, who passed away five years ago, and one honored the memory of PSU student Jake Nawn.

She also dedicated a show to her mother for her birthday. She played her mother’s favorite artists, and “artists that she and I share together.”

For Edwards, the radio is a stepping-stone in her career. She hopes to go into broadcasting after she graduates. “Not music, more sports, because I’m also a sports lover. Preferably basketball,” she said. “The Boston Celtics are my favorite team.”

When she’s not in the radio station, you can find Edwards in the kitchen. Edwards makes zucchini bread, pumpkin bread, muffins, homemade peanut butter cups, and other treats. During the holiday break, she hopes to perfect her cheesecake.

“DJ S” airs Fridays from 9 p.m.-11 p.m. Listen at 91.7 WPCR, or tune in online at http://www.wpcr.org

WPCR holds meetings on Wednesdays in Memorial 103 at 9 p.m.