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Meet the DJs- Indrani, “indrani gets next to you”

While WRFL wants to encourage social distancing at this time, there’s nothing wrong with Indrani getting next to you over the radio waves (or our digital stream, for that matter). WRFL wants you to meet DJ Indrani. You can tune in to indrani gets next to you on Tuesdays from 4-6pm.

How long have you been a WRFL DJ?

Four years!

Do you have any frequent guests or co-hosts?

I do not. I’m way to raw on my show, and really can’t imagine being that way with someone else in the studio.

Why did you join WRFL?

I’ve listened to the Delilah show since I was a baby. I always wanted to be able to keep people company in the same intimate and honest way she does. When the opportunity to be on air arose, I snatched it, and I feel like i’ve been able to live that dream!

What do you play on your show?

Mostly classic and deep cut soul. Emotional, sappy, beautiful soul. I sprinkle in some funk, gospel, and blues occasionally. During the talking breaks, I share my stories and encouragements with listeners. It’s usually just preaching about self-care and relationships and corny stuff like that. But people need to hear it. Perhaps the most accurate description of my show was from a friend making fun of me: “She plays all this sexy music and then comes on air all hot and bothered”. Yeah. That’s it.

Why do you play what you do on your show? What sparked that interest?

Soul music is literally the root of all music we listen to today. It had a huge cultural impact on everything from the civil rights movement to the sexual revolution. It makes you feel things like nothing else can. And yet so few people even know what it is! I took it upon myself to share these amazing artists and their work. As for what I talk about, it’s just a practice of radical vulnerability. I share my whole heart with the public, because i feel comfortable doing so.

Who are some of your favorite musical artists?

Soul artist: Al Green (my show is named after one of his albums)

Soul group: The O’Jays

Artist in general? Man, it’s hard to say. i’m on an old-school country/80s power ballad kick right now. But Jackson Browne and Bad Company are my go-to/

What’s your process for planning your show?

I have never planned my show, and never will. I just dig for new (old) music as often as I can, and bring it to the studio. If there’s any sort of theme or pattern, it’s just based on how I feel that day.

What do you do outside of WRFL?

I live in a tent in the red river gorge, and work at a coffee shop out there as well. I do a lot of hiking, and I assume I will be roped into climbing soon. I’m also in the process of becoming a doula and starting a non-profit birth support service. I go to church.

Do you have a favorite memory of something that happened at WRFL, either during your show or at a WRFL event?

Wherever I go, if I speak to someone, they immediately recognize my voice and say “I love your show!”. It’s kind of a miracle.

What other WRFL shows/DJs do you like listening to? Why?

I love Rev’s Vinyl Interiors because he’s always doing something different. Blue Yodel #9 is fun because it reminds me of home. I always appreciate other DJs playing soulful music, even if it isn’t “soul” per se. You can tell that there’s emotion in the music and that’s all that matters. I feel like we’re afraid to engage with that kind of music most of the time.

Do you have a “Most Interesting Phone Call” story from your time as a DJ?

I recently had a listener call in and say he had proposed to his girlfriend to one of the songs I played. It was Otis Redding’s “That’s How Strong My Love Is”. We talked for several minutes about that song and how it was so powerful that it literally moved him to propose. It was beautiful.

Can you share a story of an interaction with a listener of your show?

I off-handedly mentioned on air that i was broke and trying to save for gas. Someone called me and said he wanted to send me a check to help with gas, so he asked for my full name. Wouldn’t ya know it, a few weeks later, there was a check from “Gary” in my mailbox and I filled up my tank. I truly can’t believe how loved it made me feel. My listeners are the best.

What do you want listeners to take away from your show?

Don’t be afraid to feel everything. Be vulnerable. Be introspective. dance, have fun, sing loud. There’s nothing in the world more valuable than true intimacy. Whether that is with another person, or even more so with yourself. So love others, and love yourself.

What do you hope for the future of your show?

My show may be coming to an end because of the distance. however, if I am able to keep commuting, I would love to dive deeper and really hype up the music education aspect. I want more variety and excitement on my show, musically speaking.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

It’s truly a privilege to have two hours a week where I can get next to the people of Lexington. This show is my therapy. It’s my vacation from the world. It’s gotten me through so much. I’ve learned about an incredible genre and era of music, and been honored to tell that story on the radio. I’ve learned even more about myself and about life. Quite honestly, this show one of the best things that ever happened to me. Thank you for being part of it. And remember to do something to make someone else smile; maybe it’ll make you smile too.

Tune in to indrani gets next to you on Tuesdays from 4-6pm on WRFL.

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