MetaChat - Radio Mecha DJ Drive

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18 January 2008

Radio Mecha DJ Drive Hi there. As you may know, Metachat has an internet radio station.

But we don't broadcast as often as I'd like, and I think we need some new DJs. →[More:]

It's a very low-key gig, and open to pretty much any reasonably-active member. We'll help you with the technical end of it, if need be, but it's not too tough. And I can say from personal experience that the Radio Mecha includes appreciative fans of a wide variety of musical styles.

So, if you'd like to become a Radio Mecha DJ, or if you'd just like some more information, please let me know via comment or email.

(Also: if you've done a Radio Mecha show before, and especially if it's been a while, please consider this a personal invitation to come back.)

post by: box at: 10:23 | 53 comments

I have tried to set it up on several occasions and I can't figure out why I can't, but I can never connect. I have been on irc with people going step by step through the setup with me, and...nothing. Eideteker broadcast a set for me once, and that was a lot of fun.

posted by gaspode 18 January | 10:40

I have absolutely no idea what's involved technically, but I got a bunch of cds here and might be willing to give it a try.

posted by JanetLand 18 January | 10:45

I would love to do this but am most intimidated by the technical aspects!

posted by crush-onastick 18 January | 10:45

I've thought about doing it. I'm not DJ-savvy in terms of putting together great mix tapes, but I could probably do some hour long shows on a couple of themes. I'd be interested in knowing how it works. Email in profile (I think).

posted by DarkForest 18 January | 10:46

i'd love to try it sometime, but i'm pretty sure that my isp still blocks all ports typically used for webcasting - they view it in their t.o.s. as being akin "running a server". it might be more trouble than it's worth.

but it would be fun.

posted by syntax 18 January | 10:50

I would love to hear you on Radio Mecha, JanetLand, based on preferences you have stated here from time to time.

And I'm also interested, but I am not sure that my anemic laptop would be up to the task. Could you post the basic requirements, box?

posted by initapplette 18 January | 10:55

gaspode (and, on preview, syntax): the irc folks are probably more tech-savvy than I am, but if you'd like to give it another try (or, alternately, if you'd like me to rebroadcast something for you), just say the word.

JanetLand, crush and DarkForest: If you're using Windows, it's not too tough--basically just installing a Winamp plugin (alternately, here are some OSX instructions).

posted by box 18 January | 10:56

init: as far as processor speed and whatnot go, I don't think you'd really have to worry at all--pretty much any modern computer (wild guess: say, a Pentium-II or better) ought to be able to handle it. More likely to be a sticking point, I think, is your connection speed. Any kind of broadband connection would probably be just fine, but I don't know of anyone that's successfully broadcast from a dial-up one.

posted by box 18 January | 11:00

I've been toying with the idea of DJing - MuddDude and I have created some great setlists together that I think some bunnies would like. What about broadcasting from a laptop connected to a home wireless network? Or should I plan to do this from the computer connected straight to the router?

posted by muddgirl 18 January | 11:06

I use an older version of winamp as my mp3 player, 2.92 I think. Hopefully it would run the required plug in. I'm on a DSL connection. Not sure if it meets the upload speed requirements. I'm on Win XP. Some of my stuff might end up being vinyl rips.

posted by DarkForest 18 January | 11:08

I've broadcast (broadcasted? I told you I wasn't an expert) from a laptop connected to a home wireless network with no problems. Come to think of it, I also use an old version of Winamp (and, although the plugin says it requires Winamp 5.x, I believe that anything between, say, 2.5 and 2.9.x will also work--just not Winamp 3).

And I believe that other folks have broadcast successfully over DSL connections.

posted by box 18 January | 11:16

So do you just play your set list locally through winamp, and the plug-in uploads to the server? Does the local mp3 bitrate matter?

posted by DarkForest 18 January | 11:21

Nope--if I understand correctly, the plugin converts it all (and I mean all--my collection includes a lot of high-bitrate VBR mp3s, and the occasional lossless file) to 64kbps .mp3.

posted by box 18 January | 11:24

ME ME ME ME ME.

It'll make me feel better about myself ever since I stopped doing my podcast :\

posted by stynxno 18 January | 11:34

Yay!

I like enthusiasm.

posted by box 18 January | 11:35

I could probably do it. I'd be happy to give it a go, anyway.

posted by goo 18 January | 11:39

What's the protocol for scheduling a set? Do we contact you or seanyboy when we have one ready and work out a time? Or just post an announcement thread?

posted by goo 18 January | 11:44

There's a page on the wiki where we set dibs for specific times, but basically it's just first-come, first-served.

Rules of thumb: Limit sets to no more than 3 or 4 hours at a time, be mindful of the number of listeners and/or other people waiting to broadcast, and be sure to post an announcement on the front page before broadcasting. (And, while I must admit that most of my broadcasts are spur-of-the-moment, I think that announcing things in advance often means a bigger audience.)

posted by box 18 January | 11:49

How do the finances of mecha radio work? I recall seeing something sidebarred about that.

posted by DarkForest 18 January | 12:15

About 15 or 16 months ago, we had a fund drive (seanyboy did all the heavy lifting), which involved taking PayPal donations from Mecha members, and then paying in advance for the hosting. Last I knew, seanyboy was going to take a look at the finances, and see whether it was about time for another one.

posted by box 18 January | 12:17

Okay, I'm in, but I guess I still don't understand exactly what to DO. I have Windows XP, wireless DSL, and winamp, and I know how to make MP3s from cds. After that, I need handholding.

posted by JanetLand 18 January | 12:23

I'll try. But I'll cry if no one listens. I worry that my music might veer between being too pedestrian and too unlistenable.

posted by DarkForest 18 January | 12:28

I think it could be fun, but I'd definitely need some handholding. All I've managed to do is set up a last.fm playlist from my profile so I can listen to tunes at work.

posted by sperose 18 January | 12:30

1. Download and install the Shoutcast plugin for Winamp.
2. Check your email, where you'll find that I've sent you further instructions, including a login/password.
3. Use Winamp to play your chosen songs. Open up the Shoutcast-settings window (this step will make more sense when you get there) As you start playing the music, click the button in the Shoutcast window to begin broadcasting.

(I'd be happy to provide more detailed information, either in-thread or via email. And if you pop into #bunnies, there's a decent chance that you'll find someone who can also assist you. That's the gist of it, though.)

DarkForest, check your email. I also sent emails to most of the other folks who asked about broadcasting. goo and Stynxno, I didn't see email addresses in your profiles--if you want to get in touch with me, though, I'm garlic at the gmail.

(Also, DF, I think I have the same problem. Try not to worry about it.)

posted by box 18 January | 12:41

Thanks for the instructions. I'll try to put something together in the next few days and schedule it on the wiki.

posted by DarkForest 18 January | 12:53

I would play more often, but I can only do so when everybody else is either at work or asleep. It's a drag to put together a set and be the only one listening to it.

posted by bmarkey 18 January | 13:01

I can definitely relate. Since you mention that, though, bmarkey, now's a good time to say that, provided it's not something I find utterly repellent, like skinhead modern country music or something, I'd be happy to broadcast the occasional set for people. If memory serves, other folks, including ones in non-US timezones, are equally willing to do so.

posted by box 18 January | 13:07

provided it's not something I find utterly repellent, like skinhead modern country music

Oh, nice! Way to steal my show idea!! Now everyone's gonna wanna do that!

posted by JanetLand 18 January | 13:24

Don't worry, JanetLand--nobody can compete with the depth of your collection of skinhead modern country music.

posted by box 18 January | 13:31

man I would lovelovelove to do this, altho I have a strong suspicion that our eclectic weird blend of indie-pop/techno/'80s new wave/lo-fi/folk/jamband/disco would probably incite someone to download themselves through the connexion, beat me soundly with a router, tie me up in fathoms of USB and coax cable and leave me, weakly struggling, whilst Erasure's 'Oh L'amour" plays on endless repeat in the background.

DAMMIT! at some point we've GOT to get the intertubes fixed at chez lfr.

posted by lonefrontranger 18 January | 14:04

indie-pop/techno/'80s new wave/lo-fi/folk/jamband/disco

Oh, I dunno, lfr, I wouldn't be surprised if that mixture turned out to be wildly popular. If you decide you want to give it a shot, drop me an email.

posted by box 18 January | 14:08

Hm. I could play a couple hours of Duran Duran as long as jonmc promises to listen in.

posted by deborah 18 January | 14:09

I don't think you could play a couple hours of Duran Duran (hmm--unless they're half-hour-long 12" disco remixes or something). The quote below is from the LoudCity guidelines.

In any three-hour period, you should not intentionally program more than three songs (and not more than two songs in a row) from the same recording; you should not intentionally program more than four songs (and not more than three songs in a row) from the same recording artist or anthology/box set.

posted by box 18 January | 14:15

Nope--if I understand correctly, the plugin converts it all (and I mean all--my collection includes a lot of high-bitrate VBR mp3s, and the occasional lossless file) to 64kbps .mp3.

To expand on what box said: the converting happens while you are playing your playlist in WinAmp. None of your music files is actually changed on your computer. You install the plugin, set the settings (this controls the bitrate going out), enter the password, and start playing.

Yay, more DJs! I don't get to broadcast as much as I'd like to, but it's a hell of a lot of fun.

posted by BoringPostcards 18 January | 14:48

Sounds like you have plenty, but if you want another, I like playing DJ.

posted by Melinika 18 January | 14:51

Thanks, BP--that's a good, and important, clarification.

And we always need more DJs. If you want to give it a shot, Melinika, my email's in my profile.

posted by box 18 January | 15:03

/massive derail

pssst, box, in regards to your comment at the tailend of my MHA thread, yes, of course, you are correct as well. I recall reading the particular Farriss Bros. interpretation I mentioned in some ancient edition of Rolling Stone / godonlyknowswhere, so...

I have seen several interview/article versions of how Mediate came to be, with I think all of them claiming that song 'means whatever you want it to mean' as it truly was composed on-the-spot as a throwaway track - but of course the video was an obvious (and admitted) homage to Dylan's SHB, with the disjointedness merely adding dimension to their theme(s)... exceedingly meta, if I am understanding the references / terminology accurately.

I think I should also add something about plates, beans and Vikings here...

posted by lonefrontranger 18 January | 16:04

I've been meaning to DJ again for ages. I have been rubbish in the last few months. I need to get back into it. Mmmm, maybe I'll put a set together tomorrow for sometime next week.

posted by TheDonF 18 January | 17:08

Thanks box! I've got all I need here to give it a go.

posted by goo 18 January | 17:18

i'm all for it but i think i'd like to get nicecast or whatever to expedite matters and the bulk of my digitized music is on the old comp that i'm pretty sure would not be able to capably handle it. Still, send me any specs, as i think i may be trapped this weekend and maybe will try and give it a go.

posted by ethylene 18 January | 19:54

Limit sets to no more than 3 or 4 hours at a time

Waitasec - I thought it was two hours max. This was a limit set a while ago when people (like me in particular) would do 3+ hour sets. If we are going to get more people 'casting (and I'm all for that), 4 hour sets may infringe upon others' playtimes. I'm not shaking my fist here, just inviting discussion.

Also - to new 'casters - make sure your ID3 tags are complete with artist name and song title. Something like "08 - You and Me and Rainb.mp3" isn't allowed, as there isn't enough info here to credit the artist (or whatever). WinAmp 5.5 has an auto-tag option that works most of the time.
Posting playlists in the announcement thread is never frowned upon, just remember you can't announce any specific songs before they're played.

posted by Zack_Replica 18 January | 22:01

You're right, Z_R, that the guideline used to be two hours. And, honestly, I was probably the biggest supporter of extending that time. My reasoning is that, while it's indeed true that DJs are sometimes frustrated that someone's monopolizing the airwaves, it's also true that the radio isn't broadcasting nearly as often as I'd like, and the second problem seems bigger to me than the first.

You're also right, though, that with more people DJing, the first problem might become more prominent. In any case, it's not written in stone, and I, too, would welcome further discussion.

posted by box 19 January | 00:26

I would be up for being involved in this.

posted by chrismear 19 January | 10:46

Why don't we set a limit of three hours, and see how it goes from there? I choose three because two is sometimes too short when people are enjoying a good set, and four maybe too long to keep listeners. I don't know. I can't recall how long shows go for on regular radio.

To get wishy-washy on this, I suppose we could always do a 4 hour max., and invite feedback on what other dj's (and also listeners) think. Does it cut too much into others 'casting time? Do listeners get bored after a specific length of time? Are other dj's able to actually get on to play their sets in a specific timeslot? MeCha peeps are global, and perhaps a couple of long sets would cut into a casters time that they're able to do it (ie. I want to do a show for people in the UK, which is 8 hours ahead of me. A couple of people doing long sets eliminates that window).

Then, this is why we book time on the Wiki. hmmm. Just thinking out loud. Any ideas?

Oh, just thought of this... what do people want to hear? Theme shows? General ones like "the 70's", specific like "political songs from Central America"? Spoken word? Interviews? Radio plays?
People have vast amounts of stuff on their computers that they may not think to 'cast as maybe people won't like it, and perhaps setting up an area on the Radio Dibs page of the Wiki could allow people to post suggestions to shows they may like to hear. That way they and the dj's could see what was suggested and what times have been booked to play it. I think it'd be a neat challenge every now and then to try a theme show that someone else suggests. (Like I need more of a challenge with creating posters for all my shows. yeesh.)
What do people think of that? Good/bad/worth a try?

posted by Zack_Replica 20 January | 05:03

Ooh, I think that adding a suggestion page to the wiki is a great idea. I don't suppose it would come too close to the idea of taking requests? Nah, probably not.

Also: I think I've communicated with everybody who expressed an interest in DJing. If I've somehow unintentionally missed you, though, please send me an email.

posted by box 20 January | 14:53

I went ahead and created a suggestion page on the wiki. Definitely on the quick and dirty side, so please feel free to improve it.

posted by box 20 January | 15:13

Edited the Wiki: New link on home page to the Requests page, links on both the Requests page and the Dibs page linking to each other, expanded text on the Requests page.

posted by Zack_Replica 20 January | 17:33

Awesome--thanks, Z_R.

posted by box 20 January | 19:03

I've wanted to jump into the Mecha DJ thing since the beginning but never dipped my toe in the water becasue I'd have digitze some songs first, which seemed like a hassle. But now that I've digitized six or seven thousand for my MP3 player it suddenly doesn't seem so complex. I'd like a piece of this action, please.

posted by Slack-a-gogo 20 January | 23:41

I would like to DJ too! You'll love my stuff... until Bon Jovi comes on.

posted by halonine 22 January | 17:22

How active is "reasonably active"? This sounds like a lot of fun, so I'm definitely willing to hold off until you know me a little better.

But I'm really interested. I have a Mac, though, so it looks like it'll be a little harder. I'm definitely willing to put the work in, though.

posted by mosessis 25 January | 11:46

A note to everyone who is thinking of setting up their WinAmp to do a show: I've updated the MeCha Wiki with a new page that is a step-by-step walkthrough on how to configure the Shoutcast plugin so you can broadcast. I've included some tips on the page as well.
What I'd really like is for people who aren't sure how to set this up to go to the page and see if it all makes sense. Let me know if any sections can be made clearer and I'll edit them, and everyone benefits.
Hope that this helps, and happy 'casting!

posted by Zack_Replica 26 January | 16:38

Perhaps I can make this wee linux box broadcast, that could be fun.

posted by jjb 26 January | 22:33

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