Russian is taking over our radio waves. Russian Radio on WRFL is the best source to hear Russian literature and music. And the current DJ behind the show is Eric Maines. Eric also currently serves on WRFL’s Advisory Board.
You can tune in to Russian Radio with Eric Maines on Thursdays from 4-6pm on WRFL.
How long have you been a WRFL DJ?
Almost a year now.
Do you have any frequent guests? What’s your dynamic like?
The Russian Reading Class from the Modern and Classical Languages department comes in every week to read Russian literature in Russian and in English. They’re an awesome group of people who like to have fun with what they read.
Why did you join WRFL?
Weird Al got his start on college radio, and I knew I wanted to do something similar when I got to UK.
What do you do on your show?
It varies from week to week. I always learn something new when I pick a weekly topic for Russian music! Sometimes I play obscure classical compositions, while other times I play underground Russian indie artists.
Why do you play/talk about what you do on your show? What sparked that interest?
I come from a Russian family, so Russian culture has always been a part of my life, and I’m happy to share that with the listeners of WRFL!
Who are some of your favorite musical artists?
They Might Be Giants, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Christian McBride, Woody Guthrie, and Weird Al are some of my tops!
What’s your process for planning your show?
Every week I come up with an interesting topic that I think people would like to learn about. Before the show (usually starting Monday/Tuesdays), I do as much research as I can about the topic, and compile a playlist that is a good representation of what I am researching. When I read stuff about certain topics on the air, I actually have a notepad in front of me because of all the info I find!
What do you do outside of WRFL?
I’m a Computer Engineering major here at UK, but I’ve been playing guitar for 10 years and I’m currently teaching myself the piano!
Do you have a favorite memory of something that happened at WRFL, either during your show or at a WRFL event?
Every time I step into the station or go to a WRFL event is so memorable! The people at the station are so kind and awesome. I feel so lucky to be able to be around such amazing people! You guys all rock!
What other WRFL shows/DJs do you like listening to? Why?
I absolutely love Generations of Jazz, and Down the Hatch.
Do you have a “Most Interesting Phone Call” story from your time as a DJ?
Whenever people call in and give me compliments about the show, I always tell them I’m glad at least one person besides my mom is listening!
Can you share a story of an interaction with a listener of your show?
A listener called in when I was playing Slavonic Church music, and told me how much he loved the harmonies being sung. He said he had no idea what they were saying, but he thought they were beautiful. I was so glad that he enjoyed that, and that I made his day better with my show!
What do you want listeners to take away from your show?
An appreciation for other cultures, even if they aren’t Russian cultures, which is so important in life. If that doesn’t suit your fancy, I’d hope you learn something interesting about Russian music, or maybe just make a bad day get better by listening to the show!
What do you hope for the future of your show?
I want to keep finding new areas of music to explore with in-depth conversations about Russian music and culture. I’d definitely like more live guests to get to know. Experts like professors and community members would be great additions for rich information!
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I’m always thankful for all of the listeners who tune in to my show, and WRFL. If I can make just one person laugh or happy with my show, I know I’ve done a good job! I also want to give a shout out to the MCL department and Anna Viktorovna! Without them, this show would not be possible, and everyone in the MCL department is so kind and knowledgeable, especially with the reading selections for Russian Radio.
Listen to Russian Radio on Thursdays from 4-6pm.
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