Laura Lee Conboy Phantom DJ Under The Spot Light

1. Did you always want to be a broadcaster on radio?
   
   I was reared on radio! So, it’s always something that I’ve wanted to do.
   
   
2. How did you get into it?
   
   I made pretend radio shows in my room all the time, I’d get my friends involved and interview them about certain topics etc (Sounds sad but lots of fun, try it!), When deciding at about the age of 12/13 that it was the career path I wanted to choose, I began writing for local papers etc, getting involved in local stations or projects and then after my leaving cert I went on to study Radio Production in Ballyfermot College of Further Education, where I also studied my degree in Media Production and Management.
   
   
3. How do you go about putting a show together?
   
   A lot of research goes into a show especially a show like Spiral Stares, so obviously things like the internet are great for information but at this stage you are on record labels mailing lists etc so you are kept updated on artist information and releases etc.
   
   
4. What is the hardest part of your job?
   
   People thinking it’s all glam glam glam and the easiest job that anyone could ever do!
   
   
5. Do you get nervous before going on air or does it come naturally now?
   
   It’s weird, I really don’t get nervous at all, I think you tend not to think about it, or then again it could be the years of practising with an old school tape recorder in my room!
   
   
6. If musicians were to contact you, how would you advise them to do it?
   
   I think they should research what broadcasters might possibly play their music instead of sending their music to someone who their music would definitely not suit in regards their radio show.
   
   
7. What’s your current view of the Irish music scene?
   
   I think it’s getting bigger by the day and it’s great to have such a great scene, but I wish the scene was just as big outside of Dublin. As in some other parts of the country it’s nearly non existent.
   
   
8. Who is your favourite musician from 2009 so far?
   
   A band that has emerged this year that I think are good if not just for comic value is a group called ‘Hollywood Undead’.
   
   
9. Have you seen a change in the industry over the past number of years?  If so in what way?
   
   I think more and more people are studying media and choosing it as a career resulting in less jobs.
   
   
10. Would you advise going into radio as a full time career?
    
    Yes but it can be very difficult to get into so be prepared!
    
    
11. What’s your favourite album of all time?
    
    Far too many to mention, but I think one would have to be Nine Inch Nails ‘The Fragile’.
    
    
12. Best and worst gig you were at and why?
    
    My new best gig was IAMX in KOKO’s London earlier this year and my worst right now is probably Smashing Pumpkins in the RDS.
    
    

Extra random questions (to keep it fun)

1. What’s your favourite smell?
   
   Hmm strange question and lots of answers, silage maybe?
   
   
2. Are you a summer or winter woman?
   
   I’m not too good with the sun so winter it is!
   
   
3. What did you want to be as a child?
   
   I wanted to work in a sweet shop!
   
   
4. Song to get you singing along to?
   
   Pour some sugar on me by Def Leppard!
   
   
5. Do you play any instruments?
   
   Yes I play the guitar, the keyboard and the Ukulele and I can also play the Bodhran and now the Glockenspiel (multitalented!)
   
   
6. Tea or coffee?
   
   Has to be tea!
   
   
7. Most used phrase?
   
   Ah Now or Unreal
   
   
8. Happiest when ...
   
   With my family, cats and friends.

What do you think of Ceol Pr in 3 words?

Great music, now!