Lucy Ambache - Radio presenter
So, you fancy being a DJ on a music radio station do you? Well, let’s get some tips from someone already doing that very job.
Lucky Londoners and digital listeners get to wake up to the voice of Lucy Ambache every weekday morning, on the breakfast show on Choice FM.
unicornjobs.com Student Contributor Reena Devi Sewraz managed to catch up with Lucy to talk about early starts, late nights and making good tea.
How did you get into radio?
I slept my way to the top. That’s a joke by the way!! I made it through by doing hard, often unpaid work for 10 years. I started in student radio in Manchester, then came to London and called up Choice FM, telling them they should have a jungle drum and bass show. I was on air three weeks later. I was very lucky – right place right time.
Did you find it hard as a woman to get into such a male dominated industry?
No. I think if you are good it’s a bonus. If you’re not very good it really shows! And back in the early days I wasn’t very good!!
What did you study at university?
I went to Manchester University and studied French Language Technology, which is a science degree. Not a thing to do with radio, of course, but I’m very proud I have a degree and got a 2:1.
Do you think what you studied helped you to get where you are now?
Not really – I just took advantage of the Manchester student scene to DJ, promote events and get on the radio. So I’m a big supporter of all those student opportunities. Use them!!
Did you always know exactly what you wanted to do in the media – or did you consider television or print journalism?
Actually, I do all three. You have to keep your fingers in every pie as it’s such an up and down business. And in the early days, while I had a good taste of radio as a student, but I never thought it would pay the bills. I have written for various publications over the years.
Did you do any work experience that was useful in getting your job as a radio DJ?
Yes, shed loads! At radio stations, record labels, record shops and corporate companies. I promised I would make great tea and got in that way. My advice would be – be prepared to do anything and do it with a smile! You have to start from the bottom.
Where did you find opportunities for work experience?
Cold calling [calling up stations and asking], friends, contacts, and by being persistent.
Does Choice FM take on many students for work experience?
Sometimes! It’s really hard as everyone is so busy that sometimes taking on a work experience person is more trouble then its worth. Not everyone is actually that helpful!
But there are gems of people that get through. A good case example is the guy that runs my MySpace. I met him through work experience and he was so good that I wanted to keep in touch with him.
On the other hand an annoying case example would be the last girl who I took time out for, and who came onto the show to see how things worked. I asked her one favour in return – to put me in touch with a person – and I’ve not heard from her since. Quite frankly, why did I bother?!
What makes a good CV for radio?
Depends what area of radio, but if you are looking to do presenting then you’ll need more than just a CV. And any CV will need to show practical experience. Practice makes perfect – so get on air and get as many hours under your belt as possible. Local, small RSL [Restricted Service License] stations, or internet or student or even pirate radio are good ways of starting to get some experience down on paper.
What advice would you give to someone who wanted your job?
Be realistic.
What other job roles are there in radio aside from the presenters?
Producers, marketing, press, events, online, head of music and music imaging.
What sort of entry routes are there into radio?
Some people come through the music business, other parts of the media, or club DJ-ing. You need to make contacts, and get as much work experience as possible. And most people in the industry have had a lucky break or two along the way. As I said, for me it was a lucky phone call when Choice FM was a much smaller station.
What sort of person would do well as a radio DJ?
Not necessarily someone who “talks all the time!” A good listener, someone with a good knowledge of music, someone who can explain things or a good storyteller.
How do you think the industry has changed since you started out?
I’m not sure! I guess I’m climbing the industry so I find out more and more. I think my attitude has changed – I’ve wisened up on how it works and now I am more cynical!
What three things do you love most about your job?
It’s the best job in the world to me. I get to run with a creative idea I may have, I get to interview and meet all sorts of different people, go to some super cool events like the world cup, and get sent to the Caribbean to work! But mainly you get to touch people and they let you into their lives.
And, what three things do hate about your job?
Not much, the early starts. But I love presenting the breakfast show; I wouldn’t want to do any other show now.
What are the perks of your job?
I’m finished by lunchtime and I get to have the afternoon off. I’m always having fun. I get a load of freebies and go to concerts for free!
What do you do with the rest of your day once the show is over?
Totally depends. If I’m not doing TV, photo shoots or interviews; I go to the gym, go for a run in the park, or swim. Other times I look after my niece, or see my family, and of course catch up on some zzzzzz’s.
Is your social life ruined by your job because of early nights and early starts?
During the week – yes. I try to go out at weekends only. When I first started I was burning the candle at both ends and got really ill. So I had to chill. But I am known for the odd all nighter! Well I’m a sucker for a little party!
Do you still try to glam it up even though no one will see you when you are on air?
No way! I look terrible when I’m on air!! I put make up on when guests come in though!
Do you like the music you play off the Choice FM playlist, or would you prefer to choose what you play yourself?
I really love the Choice FM playlist. But yes I would like to get some more garage, grime, jungle and house music in there, but I understand how radio listening works and you have to give people the hits.
How much creative input do you get to put into your show?
We do it all! Our producer is brilliant at understanding what we want to talk about on air, and suggests loads of stuff, but we aren’t at all scripted. People always think we are! We recently did a video to Estelle’s ‘American Boy’ – it was called ‘Cockney Boy’. That idea came in the middle of the night. I have a pen and paper by my bedside for ideas.
Is it easy to work with your radio ‘husband’ Martin [Lucy’s co-host is Martin Jay]?
Yes and no. We are very different in everything – thoughts, background, ideas, but I think or hope that is why we work well. It is hard when you are put together with someone, but as time goes on it gets easier. We do have our moments though! And I’m always the one to make the bloody teas!
Is it true that people in the radio industry are cutthroat and very competitive?
That is a bit cliché. I believe that if a presenter is good enough they keep their job. When you’re not good enough someone else will come along. It’s up to each individual to keep on top of their game. But I can be very competitive and so are a lot of my colleagues. We have all worked really hard to get to where we are!
How true is it that radio jobs are not very well paid?
When I started it was crap! Now I’m good though.
What can a graduate expect to earn when starting out in radio?
Totally depends on what they do, but with no experience you can’t expect any pay unfortunately.
What would you be doing if you hadn’t become a radio presenter?
I would be a fitness instructor or work on a record label. I used to work at Warner Music in marketing when I was just presenting at weekends, which was totally invaluable experience.
A day in the life of a Choice FM breakfast presenter:
What time do you get up?
4.30am
What time do you go to bed?
10pm
Have you ever been late?
Yes! My alarm messed up (well I messed up my alarm). I felt so sick in my stomach and couldn’t sleep properly for weeks.
What do you eat for breakfast?
Loads and loads – like toast, veggie sausages, hash browns, and porridge.
Does your job end when the show ends?
No way, we have adverts to record, prank calls, podcasts, meetings, and preparation for interviews. I’m usually out of the building between 12noon and 2pm
