Janice McCall

How did you first hear about KTCU? How long have you been involved there and when did you become MD?

I first heard about KTCU from a professor at TCU (who I freelanced with at a TV station). I was a part-time deejay (5yrs) until a manager position opened (15 yrs). I added the MD role about 7 years ago.

As both MD and Co-Station Manager, tell us about the duties of your job and what part of it you love the most and what you find the most challenging.

Manager duties include mentoring the student DJs…with their radio skills, schedules & specialty shows. I keep us in compliance with the FCC, rep KTCU on a couple of university committees and work with non-profits. As MD, I help promote live shows, ticket giveaways & do interviews with artists. I’m always listening to (and adding) new music weekly from bands, promoters, labels & our DJs. And, of course, I do my weekly charting with NACC! I love working with our student staff & love discovering new music to share with listeners. The only slightly challenging part of my job is the non-creative/office bits.

What do you do to ensure the new music that is sent you by labels and promoters gets played by your DJs?

We share finding and listening to new music. And, with the freedom of the College Radio “sound”, I can program a wide array of diverse tunes (from all kinds of origins) on KTCU.

Who is an artist or band that you’ve discovered in the past year or so that has become one of your favorites? What is it about their music you love?

Baby Fuzz. Unadulterated Pop! His lyrics, dreamy sound and quirky videos just make me happy and I hope that translates to the listener.

Do you have an all-time favorite artist or album you never get tired of listening to?

Definitely! Matt Mahaffey and his band Self (sElf). He is a genius and “Gizmodgery” is my favorite album of theirs. I have a little shrine of the band’s oeuvre in my office. 😊

Is there a 2024 release on the horizon that you are particularly excited about?

Too many to count! One off the top of my head…Glass Animals.

Who is an artist or band totally outside the realm of the music you play on KTCU that people might be surprised to know you love?

Probably Michael Franks. His sound is very unique and I would say it’s a “soft jazz” vibe which is totally off from the Indie & Rock I usually tout..

If you had the power to instantly change one thing going on in the world at the moment, what would it be?

EEEK…that’s a hard question in an election year! I will stay away from that subject & say fixing global warming is a top priority.

What event in your life would you say has shaped you the most as a person?

My liver transplant…it literally saved my life & made me truly understand ‘carpe diem’. I never take a moment for granted.

If you could choose, what time period in the past would you most want to travel back to visit and why?

I would visit the Elizabethan Era, but only if I was “in court” as to enjoy the art, theater & the decadence.

Do you have a favorite restaurant in town that you recommend people try?

A little Egyptian spot called “king Tut” just outside of downtown Fort Worth. Shawarma!!!

What in your life brings you the most joy?

Music…there is always music in my life and it fills my heart.

Lightning Round:

Dog or Cat? — Dog
Morning Person or Night Owl? — Night Owl
City or Country? – City
Beach or Mountains? — Mountains
Watch TV or Read A Book? — Read (or listen to) A Book
Sunny or Rainy? — Rainy
Restaurant or Home Cooking? — Restaurant
Pants or Shorts? — Dresses 😊
Warm or Cold drinks? — Cold

Do you have any current favorite shows you’re enjoying/binging? How about a movie (new or old) that you’ve watched recently that you loved?

Show – We are watching “Under the Bridge” on Hulu… Intense.
Movie – “The Proposal.” I can never walk away when it pops on the TV (I would marry either Ryan OR Sandra in a second).

Finally, If you could have a lifetime supply of anything, what would it be?

Unlimited“Air Miles” with an airline.…so I could travel anywhere/everywhere on a whim.