John Hult

KSDJ highlights the radio talents of students from diverse backgrounds with diverse tastes. This is the first in the Collegian’s series of DJ profiles, with a new profile each week. This week we did a Q&A with Beth Johnson, a sophomore journalism major who owns the airwaves on 90.7 between noon and 2 p.m. every Wednesday.

Q: How long have you had a show on KSDJ, and what has changed since you started? A: This is my second semester having a show. I actually play less Top 30 (College Music Journal Top 30) now than when I started in the fall. I’m sure Jeff (Ellinger, KSDJ music director) loves to hear that.

Q: What is the best part of having a show on 90.7? A: You get to play your own music and unwind for 2-3 hours. It’s fun.

Q: What was your most memorable on-air mistake? A: I was trying to cue up a song and ended up playing 2 songs over the air at the same time. They didn’t mix well. I think one was a soft, angelic chick voice and the other was pretty heavy, hard rock. Anyway, two people ended up calling and telling me. And I never get calls!

Q: What is the best music to listen to at a party when you’re drinking Heineken? A: Pearl Jam definitely. Although I prefer Bud Light.

Q: What if you’re drinking Schlitz? A: Same, maybe add a little Led Zeppelin.

Q: What is your favorite movie soundtrack right now? A: Right now it would have to be the “Crazy/Beautiful” soundtrack or the “I Am Sam” soundtrack. I’m in love with the Eddie Vedder song off of it, the Beatles remake, “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away.”

Q: What is the best music to do homework to? A: Tom Petty.

Q: What are your favorite albums right now? A: I’m really into my burned CDs right now, but I like “Vitology” from Pearl Jam, that’s probably my favorite album also “Encomium,” the tribute to Led Zepplin CD is pretty good.

Q: What is the best breakup song/album? A: It would depend on the breakup, but Candlebox’s “Happy Pills” has a lot of tearjerkers.

Q: What should listeners expect from your show? A: A little Top 30 and a lot of the more mellow stuff not so much punk or hard. Also I play a lot of late 60s, early 70s stuff.

Q: Who are your favorite bands right now? A: Pearl Jam, of course. I’m also kind of obsessed with Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin and Led Zepplin as of late. I don’t really know why, they don’t fit together.

Q: If you were stuck in a rubber room while being tortured by terrorists, what song would you hope they wouldn’t play on repeat? A: Anything by Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera or the boy bands. It wouldn’t be too hard to drive me insane with that.

Q: Which Beatle rocked harder, John or Paul? A: Neither, the Beatles are overrated.

Q: Why should students listen to KSDJ? A: To hear some new bands they wouldn’t otherwise hear. Some of the stuff is really good. And also I’m sure since the DJs can play anything they want they’ll hear something they like.