The importance of radio prep: Ultimate Aussie music and pop culture book out now

“These are the books I wished were in the studio when I was on air,” says Steve Woods as he thumbs through the latest volume of his For The Record series.

And, at more than 475 pages long, it’s his biggest book yet.

As The Days Go By compliments the two earlier releases Australian Pop Culture 1964-2017 and Classic Hit & Urban Myths, all lovingly compiled by Woods, a radio industry insider with more than 35 years’ experience, both on-air and in programming and management.

Woods, a former PD at the Triple M Network and Geelong’s K rock, wrote the books with both the on-air announcer and pop-culture fan in mind.

“Show prep is so important to keep the content interesting, compelling and relevant,” he says.

“A Content Director can only take you so far by providing a basic hour structure to your show. A format clock will give you a positioning statement, station strategy or simply a place to read the weather.”

“Many announcers are happy to read liner cards but can’t see why their shows don’t improve.”

Woods says years ago, he realised that the worst break in a shift was the one he hadn’t prepped for, or the one in which the content suddenly changed after the mic was switched on.

“The best stop down was the one I had put some thought into, prepared, considered and cross-checked facts so I didn’t sound foolish on-air.”

Yet, says Woods, he still hears prime time radio shifts in which the announcer candidly tells listeners that “Thriller was one of the biggest albums of the 70s,” or that they didn’t know Icehouse was once called Flowers, or that Cher wasn’t a ‘one hit wonder.’

The For The Record book series is designed to add some spice to back announcements.

The latest volume takes an ‘on this day’ look at extraordinary music trivia, TV shows and movies.

As The Days Go By includes a daily list of classic songs and albums that were released, details of major music tours and anniversaries of events like Rocktober concerts and Skyshow.

“It’s great for giving a stronger relevance to music that gets played regularly and giving it a new importance.”

Australian Pop Culture 1964-2017 has a dedicated chapter on each year, looking at amazing music trivia, Gold Logie winners, Grand Final singers, the most watched TV shows and more.

Woods says Classic Hits & Urban Myths is an A to Z list of the sometimes uncredited superstars who helped out musicians record their classic hits.

“Who knew Brian Cadd played piano on Russell Morris’ The Real Thing? That Neil Young had Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor sing backup vocals on Heart Of Gold? Or that John Farnham sang the chorus of Daryl Braithwaite’s One Summer?”

As The Days Go By is a compelling 365-day snapshot of the soundtrack of our lives, depicted through an Australian lens.

All three books can be found and ordered here.