Recently, I was invited to appear on Radio Študent’s ‘Sleepless in Slovenia’ show, hosted by Canadian in Slovenia – Chris Lee. This was a particular honour for me, because back in 2007, I had somehow discovered Radio Študent, and since then had often listened to the station via their website, whilst I was still living in the UK.
On Air at Radio Študent’s secret base
I had been drawn to RŠ for its mix of people speaking Slovene – which gave me a feeling of connection to the country whilst I was not there – along with a varied and interesting mix of music, something that seemed to be in short supply on most other Slovene stations.
Click to listen to the episode.
Even the setting of the RŠ studio had a certain clandestine cool to it. Located in Ljubljana, on the top floor of a seven-storey student-housing block, it felt like a secret lair, reminiscent of a London pirate station. The socialist-era tower was buried deep within a student residential complex, and you would never imagine that such an influential arm of Slovenia’s media emanates from this unremarkable location.
Looking down and out from RŠ’s top floor location.
We took a tiny elevator, which serves only the studio floor and its offices, and was covered almost entirely in stickers. Arriving on the top floor, immediately the aroma of tobacco-smoke hit me. Not the tang of a fresh cigarette, but that of ingrained smoke that has cured and covered every surface for decades.
Going up: taking the exclusive studio elavator
A hive of creativity, colourful posters and flyers of past festivals, gigs and RŠ events plastered the walls. I loved the variety of designs and hungrily devoured the artwork – inspiration for future BREG designs perhaps.
Much more than the typical student radio stations I had been used to in the UK, Radio Študent is known for its high-quality programming and holds an important status in Slovenia. Established in 1969, it was borne out of political unrest during ’68 as an outlet for students’ alternative independent journalism.
Indeed, according to RŠ’s history page due to “the variety and range of its contributors, many innovative cultural, political and social initiatives have sprung from the activities of Radio Študent in itself.”
It has remained a beacon for political commentary, culture and an excellent mix of music - both Slovene and from further afield.
It was a pleasure to speak with Chris – who skilfully interviewed me about my Slovenian origin story, thoughts on life in Slovenia, and BREG, whilst Arne our producer sat opposite, in the adjacent room, separated by soundproof glass, queuing up jingles, fading out tracks, and ensuring a highly professional level of broadcast.
Host Chris Lee, and producer Arne in the studio
A big najlepša hvala to Chris and the Sleepless in Slovenia show, Arne and Radio Študent for the excellent and interesting experience.
Listen to my appareance on the Sleepless in Slovenia show here.