Music is an important part of Alison Allen’s life.
Every Monday night from 9-11, she rocks the Rowan Radio airwaves with Audio Blood, a program dedicated to alternative rock.
She discussed her musical influences and much more in our latest installment of “Five Questions With…”
1. You’re very passionate about music. What bands were among your earliest influences?
AA: My first introduction to music came directly from my parents. Thanks to them, I believe I was shaped on some of the best classic rock bands in the world. I grew up listening to The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, David Bowie, Dire Straits, Queen, Elvis Costello, Rod Stewart, Chuck Berry…the list is never-ending. My dad has one of the best music collections in the world, and I love getting to talk to him about all the great musicians and bands that came before my time. It wasn’t until I began developing my own personal taste that I fell in love with alternative rock.
2. Favorite concert you’ve ever attended?
AA: This is like asking me who my favorite sibling is! I have been to so many concerts in the last ten years and have seen so many amazing performances, but two stick out the most in my mind. The first one is The Rolling Stones on “A Bigger Bang” tour in 2005. I went to the show with my parents. They had seen The Rolling Stones on every single tour since 1980, I believe, and knowing how much I love music, they made me part of the tradition that year. It was beyond words getting to see the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band of all time and getting to bond over the experience with my parents.
The second show was Jimmy Eat World in 2008 in Atlantic City. I’ve seen Jimmy Eat World multiple times at this point, but something about this specific performance stands out in my mind. The set list was perfect, the crowd was just right, the venue was awesome and Jim Adkins’ voice has never sounded more perfect. I can still remember the goosebumps I had virtually the entire night. I will never forget that show.
3. Why the name Audio Blood?
AA: “Audio Blood” is actually the title of a song from a great band called The Matches. The song lyrics are all about the “concert experience,” but when I was developing the idea for my rock show, I wanted it to elicit the feelings a concert can bring on. When you hear just the right song for whatever particular mood you may be in at a certain moment, you can actually feel the music in your body. Goosebumps, chills, a sudden burst of energy and excitement. To me, that’s Audio Blood. My goal each and every week is to play music that makes people feel it in their bones. Whether it’s an upbeat pop-punk song, an indie love ballad or a mosh-pit inducing post-hardcore jam, I want to play music that grabs listeners and moves them in some way.
4. What advice would you give to future and current station members?
AA: Take the leap and join as soon as you can! Because of my involvement at Rowan Radio, I’ve met such amazing people who I know will be lifelong friends. Besides all of the hands-on experience you get working with the various equipment and the ample opportunities to be on-air, I have never been a part of something with such a strong sense of community.
You walk into the radio station and immediately gain a second family: mentors to help guide you toward your career aspirations, friends to laugh with, music soul mates to discuss the latest singles released, educators to teach the rights and wrongs of radio broadcasting. My best memories of college have everything to do with Rowan Radio and the station is something I will forever hold near and dear to my heart. To future and current members, you can be as involved at the station as you’d like, so take full advantage of the situation. Fill in for different shows, go to the Rowan Radio outings and interact with your colleagues, learn the behind-the-scenes processes and most importantly, personalize your shows. Let the listeners learn who you are, because as much as the music is the draw, I truly believe the on-air personalities are what keep listeners returning each day.
5. What bands are you listening to these days?
AA: The Front Bottoms are a great indie/acoustic/punk band from New Jersey that I constantly rave about on “Audio Blood”. Twenty One Pilots are definitely a standout band for me this year. Their album, “Vessel,” is consistently great from beginning to end. I’ve also been listening to a lot of Jimmy Eat World lately because they recently released a new album called “Damage.” I am completely biased when I say this, but their entire discography is flawless.
Audio Blood with Alison Allen airs every Monday night from 9-11 on Rowan Radio 89.7 WGLS-FM or online at wgls.rowan.edu.
Rowan Radio 89.7 WGLS-FM 