Sam Neal has been involved with CKUW for approximately the past 4 years, first doing guest spots on Sellout Sound (now Mercy of Slumber), then co-hosting, and has now graduated to his own show, Knock Between Doors, which is a marathon six-hour set of experimental music from across the spectrum. Stylus emailed Sam to talk about his show.
Stylus: What sort of music do you play?
Sam Neal: I mainly play experimental music – it’s kind of a lacking description, since experimental could mean virtually anything, provided you’re willing to argue whether or not the music in question is “experimental”. That said, I like the term, because it gives me a very large palette to work with – I could play Alban Berg one night and DNA the next, since both are connected in an exploratory nature.
Stylus: What are your top 5 bands?
SN: I could never answer this question, so I’m sorry for that, but I will note 5 modern artists who I recommend readers and listeners check out: Croatian Amor, Objekt, Samantha Vacation, Valerio Tricoli, Internazionalze.
Stylus: How did you get into the music that you’re into?
SN: This is not meant to be a jokey answer, but the truth is this: hours and hours on discogs.com.
Stylus: How did you get involved? How long have you been involved with CKUW for?
SN: Maybe 4 or 5 years? A friend asked me to do a guest spot on his show, which was called Sellout Sounds at the time; it was later renamed to Mercy of Slumber. Eventually I did another guest slot, and another, and before I knew it, I was asked to co-host. I agreed and have loved volunteering ever since.
Stylus: What sets CKUW apart from mainstream and commercial radio stations?
SN: I think so – compared to mainstream stations, college radio has always seemed to have a great culture attached to it, and that holds true to this day. CKUW has a wonderful community of volunteers, friends, etc. that are very supportive, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
Stylus: How do you feel college radio impacts the community/university? Do you feel like it has any impact?
SN: I think CKUW certainly has an impact on students and citizens alike, and is integral to the representation of the university and community. CKUW is wonderful because it gives a voice to our the campus and community, and provides a safe space for both an individual and a group to voice their opinions, ask and answer questions, provide news, music and other services to the public sphere. CKUW had a huge impact on me when I first discovered it, because I realized there was a place downtown that cared about what I had to say – I believe CKUW has had this same impact on others as well.
Stylus: Do you have any plans for your show in the future?
SN: Nothing to spectacular, other than a broader range of music with every show!
Stylus: What other shows on CKUW are you into?
SN: I don’t want to play favourites, since every show on CKUW has its own unique quality that makes for a great listen! I suppose what I’m into has always been tuning in at random and almost always being blown away by unique programming. That’s the best.
Listen in to Knock Between Doors on CKUW 95.9 Monday mornings from 12:00-6:00 AM or online here : https://ckuw.ca/programs/detail/knock-between-doors