Meet CKUA’s new practicum student, Nicky Houseman. It’s always great to welcome new people to CKUA and introduce them to our audience. We asked Nicky about what she’s studying, her work here at the station, and her musical taste.
What are you studying at NAIT?
I’m studying audio production in the Media Communications and Production program at NAIT (formerly Radio and Television). I was given the option of either the Radio or Television stream, and I’m glad I chose radio because I achieved my goal of ending up here!! Even if I only spend this final semester of school at CKUA, it’s an honour and a privilege to work alongside some amazing announcers and producers that help this radio station shine so brightly in Alberta. At NAIT, I learned to perform for commercial (traditional) radio, working shifts at the campus station NR92. I’d write and execute breaks, play music, and try to give our listeners as fun an experience as I could give them. I approached radio like theatre, operating as a one-woman conductor of music, sound effects and voices. Halloween was a great time to be on the air, as it was a timely excuse to bring on spooky topics and ghostly fun. I was given a lot of creative freedom in my Audio Production classes, where I could practice the concepts while making really interesting audio for my classmates. The NAIT Radio program is collaborative, personalized, and quite honestly, freeing.
What kind of projects will you be working on at CKUA?
Here at CKUA, I’ve already been set up to help edit audio and create my own, too! I’ve been trained on double-checking others’ audio to get a feel for what I can be creating, so I’ve got a backstage pass to a lot of great shows we air here. Some of my favourites are The Road Home by Bob Chelmick and Twilight by Amy van Keeken. I’m currently making a series of promos about our Arts and Culture Events Calendar, so keep an ear out for those!
What did you know about CKUA before you started your practicum, and what are you learning about CKUA now that you are here?
Before even starting my schooling at NAIT, I knew that CKUA was a spot for community-driven creatives and those with a vision to share with Albertans. We (can I say “we” yet?) are different from commercial radio both in programming and style, and it’s honestly so refreshing as an escape from a culture that demands attention 24/7. Many folks I love and respect keep CKUA nearby, be it on a garage stereo or pulling up an episode to listen to with a game of cards. Now that I’m here, working behind-the-scenes with some of the voices that you don’t hear on the air–it’s humbling. These are Albertans from all backgrounds, coming together to sustain a beautiful patchwork of art and perspectives. I’m not overwhelmed, but they won’t let me be bored!
What kinds of music do you enjoy?
I’m learning the phrase “eclectic” as a way to describe a collection of music that doesn’t adhere any single genre, at least not when compiled together, anyway. So, to describe my music taste (beyond being “eclectic”): I like listening to music with a beating heart, a smooth voice, and passionate instrumentation! Currently I’m listening to Ween, Queen, and C418 (and other artists that don’t end in “-een”.) Vylet Pony, NakeyJakey, and Nick Lutsko are some smaller creators that I really enjoy.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
When I’m not working, I’m enjoying time with close ones and friends–riffing over horror movies with my sweetie, getting pwned by my little brother online in Straftat, or going on exploratory adventures with my college crew–or, I’m home, spending time with myself, quiet or loud and at the exact pace I need it to be. I like putting on a tape or a record and watching the world go by from my balcony. I also have just released a rap-comedy album with my bestie.
We asked Nicky to choose a song to send out to the CKUA community, and she chose “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt.1” by The Flaming Lips. She says, “Definitely ‘eclectic,’ thematically relevant to today, and the ending is so sensory.”
Thanks, Nicky! Welcome to CKUA!
