By Madyson Martinez
I had a chance to talk with KRTU host Bill Baird about his show, Mild Bill’s Radio Hour, himself, and his involvement with KRTU.
Q: Who are you?
A: I'm a musician, writer, TX master naturalist, sometime teacher, tinkerer, vegetarian, museum docent, father, and lover of life. I've released 35 albums of music, written a number of chapbooks, and generally had a wonderful life so far.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: Hiking, cooking, hanging out with my family, swimming in rivers and springs, reading books, writing songs.
Q: Can you give a description of your show?
A: Each week I delve into a single artist, album, or genre, trying to go in depth and provide some context and explanation. I strive to play stuff that's unusual but enjoyable and something you won't normally hear on the radio. Past shows have included Big Star, John Cage, My Bloody Valentine's "Loveless," numerous Kraut rock albums, classical works, and more. The genre varies, but the music is always compelling.
Q: How has your radio show shaped your music taste or vice versa? What does music mean to you?
A: Music is everything to me. I'm a lifer.
Q: How did you come up with your show?
A: Quickly.
Q: How do you decide which songs you want to play? And the order?
A: If I pre-record the show, it's usually more edited and concise. If I'm doing it live, it rambles a bit more.
Q: Do you have a playlist I could link? Or a sample of what you would play on your show?
A: I think there's a number of old shows archived online.
Q: When did you first start listening to KRTU? How did you get involved? Why did you want to get involved?
A: I got involved through Kory Cook, station director. He's a wonderful drummer and human.
Q: Why do you support KRTU's mission?
A: Mainstream commercial radio is a wasteland. We owe it to the world to inspire and explore.
Q: What are your hopes for KRTU's future, your future, or our community?
A: Just continue inspiring fellow music lovers.
Q: Anything else you would like to include?
A: "Radio radio!" - Elvis Costello
Listen to Mild Bill’s Radio Hour every Thursday from 11:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on KRTU, and watch as he hosts the most recent installment of What’s On My Turntable?
