I think I was a handy safety valve for some time. If people called up to complain about the safe and predictable nature of the station's playlist, someone could always tell them, 'Well you can always listen to John Peel. He plays strange discs.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Peel acknowledges his role as a contrast to mainstream radio, offering an alternative for those dissatisfied with predictable programming.
- In plain terms
- He accepted being the 'odd one out' compared to the station's safe music.
- What can you take from it?
- Embrace your niche role when it serves a specific audience need.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you define your role relative to others?
- Is being an alternative enough?
Another view
Relying on being the 'safety valve' can limit your own creative growth.
More from John Peel
(On the band Big Black:) Once a week I drive a nail through my foot to remind myself of the stupidity of not going to see them when I had the chance.
Permalink to quote #12 In earlier days there were times when senior management at Radio One seemed to be rather surprised that I walked upright and used knives and forks.
Permalink to quote #14 (After playing 'Higher State Of Consciousness' by Josh Wink for the second time:) I'm sure I'm not alone in thinking that sounded better when I played it the o…
Permalink to quote #11
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