Darcy Holden: Driving a radio dream

Darcy Holden. Image: South Coast FM

In young Darcy Holden, Tim Smith sees a prodigious radio talent.

The former Triple M Melbourne Breakfast host tells Radio Today “I think Darcy will have an incredible future in the Australian radio industry.”

“His abilities in the areas of production, programming, station branding and all ‘round radio ninja skills annoyingly make him as close to the full package as anyone I have ever met.”

“Darcy is living proof of the importance of community radio when it’s done well.”

High praise indeed for Darcy, who was just eleven years old when he began volunteering for 3mFM (now South Coast FM), his local community station on Victoria‘s south coast.

“That was because I talked too much and I wouldn’t leave my parents alone about this whole radio thing!” Darcy tells Radio Today.

“With lots of guidance from our fantastic then-manager Wendy Williams, I started my show and just immediately felt this natural connection being behind the mic.”

“The immediacy and intimacy of radio just can’t be replicated anywhere else, and I absolutely adore that one-on-one connection radio gives to the audience.”

“Add in talking about their world in their town or suburb, playing some great music and now I’ve got everything I love about a medium.”

Initially, Darcy was supported at the station by his grandfather, Bill. Together, they hosted Spotlight with Bill, a show which highlighted a particular genre, artist, album, decade or year.

Within a few short years, the name of the radio station wasn’t the only thing that had changed.

Darcy had grown into a consummate radio professional – his voice well-known to local listeners across the Bass Coast and South Gippsland. He also became the station’s production manager.

But last Saturday saw the end of an era.

After a decade of hosting The South Coast Mix on Saturday Afternoons, Darcy hung up the headphones as he prepares to chase his radio dream in the big smoke.

Joining Darcy on air was Tim (pictured above), who now resides locally and is also heard on-air at South Coast FM.

Together, they reminisced about the highlights (and lowlights!) of the past decade.

Tim says Darcy’s radio skillset belies his age.

“He’s now in his early twenties and comes with the on-air experience and sensibility of presenters well into their thirties.”

During his time as an RMIT student, Darcy has been able to combine his radio studies with his South Coast FM commitments.

The station says that whilst Darcy’s radio production expertise has been put to good use over the past six months, the time has come for him to spread his wings.

Last year, Darcy was part of a hand-picked group of students to develop a suite of radio programs through a special collaboration with legendary Melbourne youth station SYN FM.

The initiative gave Darcy the opportunity to immerse himself in the world of radio broadcasting, gaining practical experience while promoting Melbourne’s cultural scene.

Whilst young in years, Darcy is the embodiment of old-school manners and professionalism.

In farewelling her young colleague, fellow South Coast FM volunteer Shana Bremner said “I will always remember being completely in awe of your passion and confidence at such a young age. You’ve always been so impressive – your eagerness to learn and then your generosity in sharing your knowledge with others has made you the perfect colleague and you will be very much missed.”

Darcy says he has loved every minute of his ten years at South Coast FM.

“The friends I’ve made and support I’ve had is beyond anything I could have ever imagined. And I’d still be there if home wasn’t 200 ks away now!”

“It’s time for me to try and sneak my way into the industry somewhere. Does anyone know of any vacancies for 21 year-olds that won’t shut up??”

*Images: South Coast FM and Shana Bremner