Want stardom? Try podcasting
By Steven Chen (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-09-07 05:47

Asian pop

While Hiradio's new breed of DJs are happy to cater to a select group of fans, elsewhere in the city, another podcaster has grander plans in mind.

"Podcasting is a bit like working in a chocolate shop, but one that targets a particular chocolate lover," said Tony Reno, founder and presenter of his own podcast site Dragon Radio. The amateur DJ and talk show host presents his own brand of music on the site, in a weekly show that broadcast online every Saturday.

"Every shop can sell similar products, but in your shop, you are offering a specialty something people cannot get anywhere else. The way I present my programme and the music is the same. I provide a range of Asian pop music for English-speaking listeners that is unique and appeals to people outside of Asia. My aim is to expose the Western world to the delights of Asian music. I am the host, I choose all of the music, and hope that this reflects on my good taste."

And in keeping with the all-Asia theme, Reno only plays music from the region where "at least" half of the lyrics are non-English, he says.

Like many podcasts, Dragon Radio, which was only set up in February, is a one-man operation, supported by friends and fellow music lovers.

"Podcasting is not that well known yet in Hong Kong and I do not have many friends doing this. I have an ex-colleague in Thailand that helps with interviews and provides music. But I do it all myself. I spend about four hours a week putting together my show and every second I can spare searching for new music."

"What I do have, however, is people around Asia co-hosting shows with me, and these (shows) are the best. We speak in English and I think it is a great opportunity for my listeners to hear and get to know people in Asia and understand where they are coming from."

For the potential media star, going it alone is a minor inconvenience when compared to satisfying his passion for Asian music and bringing it to a new audience. "I am always looking to new music, it pops up in my daily life. And I get to make new friends at the same time."

(China Daily 09/07/2005 page14)

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