WQSV Profile:
JB Stevens
How did you come to be involved with WQSV? And how long have you been involved?
It started about a year ago. My sister in law told me about this Friday afternoon show that featured people sharing their vinyl on the air. I contacted Steve, and we went back and forth on a time until I think this past March, we finally connected.
When did you start DJing? Are there any DJs who influenced you? Or something/someone else who influenced you?
It all started for me in 1974, when I inherited a Philco AM radio and discovered WLS in Chicago, and night jock John Landecker. I was spellbound by what I heard, while at the same time, started collecting records. I was 7 years old.
My first job was DJing in a teen dance club in Waynesboro, my first radio gig was at WFCR at Ferrum College in 1985, my first commercial radio gig was WTON in 1986, then moved to WKDW in 1989, then moved up the hall to WSGM/G93 in 1990. It all ended in 1992.
Talk about your connection to music/the role music plays in your life.
Music is my life. I’ve been a bass player for over 40 years, collecting records since I was 7. I had a rough time in middle and high school, and music was what sustained me to keep on.
Describe your show.
Chaos!!! Seriously, my show is a show of memory, in every sense of the word. Memories of music, memories of how music is presented on air, interactions, comedy, definitely a contact sport!!
Who are some of your favorite musicians and why?
I couldn’t begin to list them. I love literally every type of music there is. When I listen to one particular genre, I find some group or artist, and follow them.
What is your first memory involving music?
My dad had a 1968 Mercury Cougar. I remember listening to California Dreaming by the Mamas and Papas, riding in the backseat, on route 250, heading to Staunton, looking over at the water tower across from WWRC, when you could still see it. I’m guessing that was 1969 or 1970.
What was the first concert you attended?
Styx, Norfolk Scope, during the Paradise Theater tour
How do you go about building your show?
I’ll play it over in my head all week, take requests I get, throw it all in a huge mixing bowl, and bake at 350 degrees until golden brown! Once I take the request and my memory, along with a lot of YouTube video airchecks of famous DJs, arrive at a final conclusion. The rest is go with the flow.
Do you have any particular criteria when selecting music for your show?
I listen attentively, use my abilities as a musician to decide how it make songs flow. I also use my liners, and other things to Segway between harsh endings and beginnings, as to keep the flow of the show smooth.