[As of 29 March 2005 Appalachian Trail Vaguely Folk Music Show is no longer being produced, however I may produce a similar program with a much stronger Christian music emphasis in the future.] Please read the following before submitting a recording for possible use on my radio show:

Guarding the Sonic Gate:
Thoughts on scrutinizing incoming recordings of music, including yours
by Steve Sedberry, producer/host
Appalachian Trail Vaguely Folk Music Show
11 Jan 2004

First, remember that I am also a musician, singer and songwriter. I am an unpaid, unfunded volunteer doing the best I can with very limited personal and community resources.

I have found that musicians and other creative people don't really want my opinion about their music; they want me to share theirs. This unreasonable expectation is universal, and is even demanded by some very obnoxious people who I try my best to resist and ignore.

I receive many recordings to review.
I spend several hours almost every week reviewing CDs. It's a never-ending job.
It's a job I really don't have time or equipment to do thoroughly.
Some of these recordings I find enjoyable but most I don't.

Some of the selections and even whole CD's are downright disturbing, featuring murderous, blasphemous hatred and cynicism, often veiled as erudition, sophistocation and art. Even auditioning such recordings harms my spirit. You can be sure that I will not knowingly play such mean-spirited poison for my beloved audience.

Another category I tend to spurn includes the ridiculous recordings which show contempt for people who are sincerely trying to improve human society and who are trying to nurture God's blessed creation, however ineptly. I value sincerity and I value sincere musicians who love their audience. This love shows in recordings as does its absence.

When good songs and performances are poorly recorded or poorly reproduced (often both) it's doubtful I will air the songs. I have several friends who have sent me such recordings but friendship does not change the quality of their recordings. Please don't expect me to play your music on WUWG just because you are my friend.

It is too much for any musician or promoter to ask me to share their personal value system.
If I like a recording, have space for it on my program, and am organized enough to keep tied all the constantly-unravelling loose ends of radio production I WILL play your music on my show. If I don't like your music I will probably not tell you. Why should I? I am not a paid critic. It would only make you dislike me. I am the guardian of the sonic gate of the public radio program that has been entrusted to me, that's all. And hopefully your music will improve. That's what I always hope! I try not to give up on anyone.

Imagine a world without my radio show. Would it be a better world? Remember I am one little guy on one little station in a very big world. Maybe I'll be the only one who likes or dislikes your music. Remember what that gracious gentleman from Deep Gap, NC has told more than one of us: Son, don't quit your day job.

Steve Sedberry
100 County Road 525
Newell, AL 36280-4312
USA

PS I wonder what to do with recordings I don't like. They are in my way when I don't remove them from my very limited space. There is the chance that someday my taste will again change permitting me to enjoy what I once disliked. This has happened in the past. It's a long shot, however.