Q&A with WTJU Business Manager, Tracey Crehan
By WTJU
On the occasion of her November 6 birthday, meet Tracey Crehan, AKA DJ Nowhere Girl! Tracey has been WTJU’s business manager since July of 2022, and recently celebrated her one year anniversary co-hosting WTJU Rock program, Fantastic Expedition (Fridays, 2 – 4 p.m.). We asked Tracey a few questions.
What drew you to working at WTJU? Music and radio! I really wanted to get back into working in the arts and I had a business background from working in other departments at the University of Virginia. Through my role as WTJU Business Manager, I have a front row seat to the music world again, bustling with activity and musical immersion.
How long have you been a DJ at WTJU? Since early 2023, when I started hosting marathon shows.
Did you have any idea you would become a volunteer DJ when you were first hired on staff? I initially asked to be trained in the studio so I would have a clear understanding of the equipment and could help DJs with tech issues, as a staffer. DJ Zostress kept training me and encouraging me to try new things, like submitting ideas for marathon shows. I loved curating the shows, but it took me a long (long!) time to feel okay about being on mic and running the board. A slow burn, but I am glad I worked up the courage to try the new things.
What do you love about working at WTJU? I come from a compliance, finance, and data background at the University. My obsession with keeping data tidy, our finances clean, while making sure we are in compliance with everything related to UVA, is great for my brain. And hopefully helps the station at the same time.
What do you love about DJing at WTJU? The deep dives into music with an inspired and curious community of DJs who accept and encourage me for the weirdo I am. We cheer each other on through music, Vinyl Takeovers, marathons, marathon programs, Promo Player sessions, and get togethers. It is the BEST!
How would you describe your process of building programming for Fantastic Expedition? Oooof. It isn’t pretty, or as organized, as I would like. A few weeks before I have a show, I start building a playlist from music I am presently loving (including old favorites), music I have come across through friends and fellow DJs, and music through publications/websites. It tends to get unruly and massive quickly. The week before a show I pay attention to any album anniversaries, (very) new releases, and any tributes I would like to make to artists who have recently died. Then the editing begins, which can sometimes be painful. But at some point, the playlist reveals itself! I need to remind myself that with every show it does, in fact, come together!
What is your biggest gaffe in the studio? Hmmm. So many to choose from! The old DJ nightmare fodder of long stretches of dead air (DJ nightmare dreams are real and we all talk about them) or not catching a whispered curse word in a song. Or the time I unknowingly leaned on the turntable’s “Reverse” button while cueing an album and played an intro to a song by Love, backwards (and the amount of time it took for me to realize it was playing backwards was extra, too – Why does this sound funny?).
What is a favorite moment from being in the studio? My first folk marathon show, “The Mystery of Shelagh McDonald”.
If you could interview anyone on air, dead or alive, who would it be? I am terrified of interviewing people on air. I would rather be in the room while someone else did the interviewing and be a lurker. So if somebody wants to interview Ty Segall, I’m your silent (creepy) heavy.
What are your passions outside of radio? Having outdoor, food-related, live music, and big city adventures with my two kids, sweet friends, and dear family. I have gardens out at my home in Sugar Hollow that I therapeutically cherish tending. I just started training for the Charlottesville 10-Miler and weightlifting. I love sauna + (quick) cold plunges and going to the hot springs in Bath County. I like to make miniatures, like Detective Lester Freamon in The Wire.
Why does WTJU matter? The pure, unadulterated curiosity of the DJs creates an exciting and inviting world that sparks further learning and exploration. Turning on the radio draws me into a world I love. I think our listeners would agree. These sounds that we send out into the ether help people find straight-up happiness and comfort in the simple experience of listening.
Happy Birthday Tracey! WTJU, its listeners, and supporters, are so lucky to have you!
