And so it goes...
As you may have heard, yesterday 89X (parent company Bell Media) shut down its U.S. satellite office and terminated the entire U.S. staff. Over 20 talented, creative, and hard working team members lost their jobs yesterday. I was one of the casualties.
I started at 89X in 1991 as an intern, and did my first on-air shift on February 29th, 1992 (Leap Day). The shift was from 6pm until 9pm...right before the maiden voyage of Club X. Good times. Even though that first show was rife with skipping CDs (skipping/malfunctioning CDs would later go on to plague me for almost my entire career!), it was so mind blowing and exciting to be an air pirate on 89X. That phenomenal sensation and the excitement and joy lasted another 25 years.
It's hard to imagine being on air for 25 years at 89X. It seems like a lifetime, yet oddly enough it also seems like just yesterday. 89X was a blast, especially in the early days...it was like living a dream come true. In 89X's heyday brilliant new music was coming out fast and furious. We were in the midst of so many awesome bands, shows, and special 89X events. Sure, there were some rough times too. 89X was always the underdog...but somehow we made the magic happen, despite all the roadblocks, crazy work arounds, and drama that goes along with being a "border" station.
I had the honor of working with so many amazing and talented people over the years. I learned so much from them all, and I am so grateful for the extraordinary experience and opportunity. I have nothing but love for everyone who has worked at 89X. Space does not permit me to thank each and every person along the way, but I do have a few special thank yous:
First, I extend my gratitude to 89X's founders: Greg St. James, Lex Kuhne, and the late Lem Payne. Without them, there would have been no 89X. They had the vision as well as the foresight, ambition, and talent to take that vision and make it a reality.
Thanks to Michelle Denome who took a chance and hired me on as an air pirate.
I am indebted to my mentor and BFF Vince Cannova (Lint Free, baby!) for teaching me so much about radio, the music business, the world we live in, and life in general.
Love to creative producer/genius Alan McKinnon who always gave me hope and had wise words when things were looking down.
A mighty thank you to the 89X sales staff who always had my back and represented for me.
And most of all, I would like to thank everyone who listened to 89X and Time Warp over the years. Without you, I'm nothing. Music has always been my passion and the best part of my job was being able to share that passion and connect with other music lovers. In turn, so many listeners turned me on to brilliant new or obscure bands I wasn't familiar with. I thank you for that immensely.
I am devastated over my termination at 89X. Time Warp was a labor of love. I ate, drank, and breathed Time Warp. It was my obsession -- it consumed me, and I cherished every minute of it.
Though my era at 89X is over, by no means does this end my passion for music. I'm hoping to bring another classic alternative music show to the airwaves or some other multi-media format, hopefully soonish. In the meantime, as always, my website will be updated regularly with music, music news, and concert updates. Starting this Sunday April 2nd, I will share a streaming weekly playlist with you and we will figure things out from there.
I 100% enjoyed my time at 89X and feel utterly blessed and lucky for the privilege. Thank you for everything. Peace out.
Tina, bring me the axe...