4ZZZ: Community Music.

4ZZZ Radiothon runs from Tuesday, July 30 to midnight Sunday, August 4.

Brisbane’s independent radio station, 4ZZZ 102.1FM, has been supporting and diversifying the various cultures of Brisbane for nearly 27 years now. They’ve fostered many a band and shown Brisbane a good time through various Market Days and other events. They’ve managed to keep their heads above water, through all the listeners good enough to subscribe and keep Triple Z alive. Who better to explain the role of Triple Z, than Sam Kretschmann, the station’s promotions and advertising coordinator.

Why should people subscribe to Triple Z?

“To support an alternative to mainstream media, and keep alive something very rare: originality and diversity. Without it, we’re all zombies!”

But what does Triple Z do for me?

“You get discounts at heaps of places around town. All the cool record shops give you 5 to 10 per cent off. Discounts to gigs. Only subs can win prizes that we give away over the air, and 4ZZZ links you to your community. Plus 4ZZZ plays more new and interesting music than any other radio station in Briz. Damn straight!”

And why should we subscribe during Radiothon?

“To get FREE stuff! Everyone who subscribes wins a prize. And not a shitty prize either. There are 900 CD packs being given away over six days. Just listen in to hear one that you like, ring up and pledge a subscription to get it. It’s easy and you go into the draw for your choice of the major prizes, which are really something this year. The band prize is worth over $3000 and the electronic artists/DJ prize is also worth $3000! Check out the details in the advert on page four, or just tune into 102.1 FM to hear all about it. Most importantly though, subscribing to Zed keeps the station on the air. It costs us heaps to run the station, about $4000 per week. Most people are volunteers and we only get money in from our subscribers, 4ZZZ events and a bit of sponsorship. If you listen, you should subscribe. 4ZZZ Radiothon runs from Tuesday, July 30 to midnight Sunday, August 4.”

I hear Market Day is coming up? What's the story? 

“Bananageddon - 4ZZZ Market Day is locked in for Saturday, October 26 at Davies Park West End. It will be massive! Six areas, three bars, market stalls etc. It will be an all-ages and licensed event, with over 60 local, interstate and international acts. I can’t wait to let people know the line-up. But you will have to wait until August, heh heh!”

How can people get more involved at the station?

“Market Day needs volunteers, especially for the bar. Give us a call during office hours (3252 1555) and put your name down for a three-hour bar shift. You get into Market Day for free and you get a few free drink tickets too!”

How's the saving for the sound system going? Are the Ecky-thumps doing well?

“Yes! We have put about $5000 in the Sound System account but we need more. The next Ecky Thump is set for Saturday, August 31 the 31st at the Jubilee, with the System Corrupt crew coming up from Sydney! We would like to be able to buy a system and a trailer to push it around in by summer...renegade parties. HERE WE COME!”