Catch Julien Marcano’s show The Loop on Sundays, 5-6 PM.

1. Are you from Kamloops? If not, where are you from and how did you come to be in Kamloops?

Yes, technically born in Maple Ridge, but have I have been in Kamloops practically my whole life. We moved to town in 2010, I believe to be closer to my mom‘s parents.

2. Are you a student volunteer? If so, what are you studying and does volunteering at the station help with your studies?

I don’t attend TRU but I am a graduating student of Norkam Secondary. I plan to attend for degrees in theatre and journalism, so I think volunteering at CFBX is a tremendously fortunate opportunity to immerse myself in a functioning radio station for experience in broadcasting, and in the case of my show experience in somewhat journalistic writing and use of equipment such as the soundboard.

3. Are you a community volunteer? How do you think volunteering at the station supports your engagement with the Kamloops community?

More or less, again with the graduating. I think volunteering has given me a creative outlet that has let me engage with the community in an entertaining and personally fulfilling way that also appeals to many of my interests.

4. What is it about volunteering in general that appeals to you?

Getting to learn about broadcasting and independently do so myself and participating in something trying to be an inclusive and positive contribution to the community.

5. What other hobbies and interests do you have outside of doing campus/community radio?

I do stand up comedy and have for the past three years. I like collecting DVDs, VHS, video games, and silly memorabilia. I play piano and trumpet and like listening to the stereo setup at my dad’s and the other various radios and cassette or record players I have lying around. I also like photography and when I’m not horribly destitute I like to carry my ‘76 Pentax with some film, especially this time of year.

6. What is your show about? What would a listener hear when they tune in?

The Loop is a “news broadcast satire” think SNL Weekend Update on the radio, in which I like to discuss varying topics ideally with a particular topic or topics to focus on. I like occasionally throwing some of my stand up material when bantering at the start of the show, and having a guest especially makes for the best topical appeal and good comedic opportunity. Listeners can usually expect some rock, electric, pop, or jazz through breaks and a progression from topical banter to some news bulletins, and I like reading from “The Book of Awesome” at the end of each show because; 1: It’s a really funny book, 2: It’s by a Canadian author, and 3: Especially when the news I report is frankly miserable or unpleasant, it’s a nice uplifting change at least to me.

7. What makes your show unique? Why do you think listeners are interested in your show?

I think being a younger broadcaster and having a spoken word show is a bit less common, and I try to make my show more or less appealing to anybody who might be tuned in with varying music genres, topics, and the satirical comedy aspect of my program.

8. What does campus/community radio mean to you?

To me, I suppose it “means” a collective of individuals wildly varying in age, interests, and creative passions. For me personally it is something to contribute to creatively and positively while also receiving my own enjoyment.

9. What shows at CFBX do you like and listen to regularly? Why do you enjoy them?

I like listening to most of what broadcasts throughout the week whenever I tune in. But more exclusively, I enjoy other some rock and jazz shows, especially Vince’s Blues show (Blues, Boogie and Bop, Tuesdays 4-5 PM). I like these because I typically listen to similar music online at school, on walks, etc. So hearing live casts of my favourite genres, also more obscure groups, is great! Bonus the small talk and interviews with performers here and there as well.

10. Name an artist you discovered through your time at CFBX that you’d like others to know about.

One of the albums I like to play from time to time is by Parlour Steps, a Canadian rock band, I have only listened to the Hidden Names album I found at the station but enjoy it quite a bit.

11. Is there a local musician that you would like people to pay more attention to? Why?

Rob Wikstrom, he is a local treasure in my book and an old family friend. He was the front man (I think) in a band with my oldest brother in the early 2010s. They made an album that I love dearly and have played on my show. I think he is a terrific musician, songwriter, and even an occasional abstract comedian when he graces local venues with his presence.

12. Do you enjoy attending live concerts? Why? Can you tell us about your favorite live concert that you’ve been to?

I have not gotten to go to any major concerts for the most part. Things like bands, festivals and whatnot. I have gone to several theatre and comedy shows put on by TRU, Western Canada Theatre, and local events and venues. I love plays, shows and comedy shows for the quality of performance you cannot see anywhere else. I think comedians are some of the most talented and creatively accomplished artists as they write and perform their own material and are some of the most creatively independent performers.

13. What do you hope to do with your show in the future? What direction do you see your show moving?

I hope to continue through the next year and even while attending TRU. I’d like to feature more guests and have some pre-recorded segments and skits as well. I think this would help to strengthen the comedic aspect of the show.