| Music MARSTON Written by Nick Thomson
Chris Marston is one of the first names that come to mind concerning local radio – and for good reason. The Norfolk man provides a soundtrack of conversation and music to both weekday drivers and Sunday morning risers. Chris’s invaluable insight into both the profession and field of radio in general is fascinating. I caught up with the Heart radio presenter, to really get to know the man behind the voice…
So, Chris, how did you get into presenting? When I did my paper round as a
boy in Long Stratton I always had my radio with me. I marveled at how all that entertainment could possibly come out of a little box, so I guess I’ve always wanted to be a radio presenter. Later on, I pestered a couple of local
radio stations to go in for free and make the tea, put the records away and help the DJs on their shows. Then I landed a producer job on (the then) Radio Broadland, and I was on the ‘inside’ at last. In 1991 I was offered my first show and started to cut my teeth as a presenter on the weekend overnight shows, when only my mum, dad and a few milkmen were
listening in. From there I took on my first full-time show hosting evenings. Now I’m on Drivetime
material for the show. When I arrive at work I have a quick hug with one of my best friends, Angie from Breakfast News. She is normally leaving for the day just as I’m arriving but we always have time for a quick catch up. I can have anything from 50 to 100 emails waiting for me when I get in, so I’ll have my second cup of coffee of the day while I wait for my computer to boot up. Then I start to prepare the show ready for going on air at 4pm. I listen to new songs that we get way before release date so I know what I’m talking about. We watch new videos on YouTube and footage Heart has shot on the red carpet at film premieres. I leave work just after 7pm and either head home for a TV dinner or cook with friends Come Dine with Me style.
Where would you like to be in ten years time? I would still like to be on the radio. It’s in my blood, and I still get the same excited feeling
I still get the same excited feeling walking into my studio everyday that I had back in the early ‘90s when I first started.
Gigs in the City
Foals / Kids in Glass Houses /
Klaxons / Jimmy Eat World / Goo Goo Dolls / Deftones /
We Are Scientists / Athlete / Ellie Goulding / Skunk Anansie / Yann Tiersen / Imogen Heap /
Seth Lakeman / Stornoway / Gallows / Anberlin /
Laura Marling / Whole Lotta Led
and Sunday Breakfast on Heart 102.4FM. I also provide holiday cover across the Heart network, broadcasting to 7.1 million listeners across the country – an absolute dream come true!
Who would you like to present with if you could choose anyone? It would have to be Holly Willoughby or Christopher Biggins. Holly has a wicked sense of humour and loves her food and wine, just like me. Not only that, but she is absolutely gorgeous, and it would be such a pleasure to share a studio with her. Biggins has that amazingly loud laugh. I would just sit there trying to make him laugh throughout the whole show. I know he spends time in Norwich now and again – so who knows!
For full listings & online bookings go to:
www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk 28 Fine City Magazine 2010
Tell us about a day in the life of Chris Marston. Because it takes me a few hours to chill out and wind down after a show, I find myself going to bed about midnight, so generally I’m a late riser. I have a cup of coffee with some toast and Nutella. Then I’ll decide what to wear. If I’m meeting guests at Heart that day I will go smart casual, but generally its just jeans and a t-shirt – you can’t see me on the radio so it’s ok! I always walk to work through Norwich City Centre. I may take in the preview screening of a hot new movie on the way, but I like to do a bit of people watching; this is always guaranteed to give me some great
walking into my studio everyday that I had back in the early ‘90s when I first started.
What do you do in your spare time?
I have a big love of food and wine so will get in the kitchen and try a new recipe with a glass of vino in hand. I am one of those people who collect cook books but only ever do one or two recipes from each. There’s always family and friends to catch up with. I love watching TV shows like CSI Miami, Top Gear, Come Dine with Me and……………erm, Corrie.
If you weren’t a presenter what would you be? I think it would be a career in food or wine. Maybe own a vineyard with a really nice restaurant attached.
Who is the most influential person in your life? It would have to be Grandma Marston. Sadly no longer with us, but it was her zest for life and moral values that have had a huge impact on the way I live my life.
What piece of advice would you give to any budding presenters? The best piece of advice I would give is to just be yourself. Listeners want to hear someone who is both relatable and entertaining.
To advertise call 01362 288084 CHRIS
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