User:Rockulusmaximus

The radio show is approximately one hour and fifty seven minutes long. The reason for this is that at 10pm the news is broadcast and lasts for about three minutes. The show then kicks in straight after this point and is aired locally in the Caithness region until midnight when the station then switches back to Moray Firth Radio. They are based in the Highland capital of Inverness. During the show there are three 'features' included. The first one is called "Sonic Shake" and showcases a classic rock song usually from the Sixties or the Seventies. For the debut show, the "Sonic Shake" track was the epic and classic "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin from 1975. What a way to kick off this series! "Sonic Shake" aims to happen on the 10:30pm mark, but I usually overrun by a minute or so. The remaining two features are "Reinventing The Wheel" and "Flowers On A Razor Wire". The latter is aired at 11:30pm and centres around Gothic rock music in all of it's varying forms. Gothic music has evolved and been in the music scene for many, many years now and as it enjoys the imagery of being underground, doesn't really get the attention that it deserves. Being a fan and someone who has enjoyed listening to the many examples of Gothic music, I felt that it would be an interesting education for those who find the sub-genre mysterious and unknown. Plus it is a fine excuse if one was needed, to play some mighty fine Gothic rock moments! If you were able to tune into the show at this stage of the proceedings, you might catch songs by H.I.M. or Uninvited Guest, maybe The Ghost Of Lemora and Killing Miranda, or The Mission UK and Nightwish, The Vision Bleak or The 69 Eyes. The "Reinventing The Wheel" feature highlights of the concept we call the cover version. There are soooooo many of these cover versions that it was an ideal way to isolate an example of a band or artist trying their own take on a familiar or unfamiliar track. This feature is aired at the 11:00pm point of the show. There are so many of these that I'm looking forward to having some fun with this feature. Already I'm looking at Gemini Five's version of the Eighties pop classic "You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)", or the moment when Ozzy Osbourne did a duet with Miss Piggy (of "The Muppets") and they tackled "Born To Be Wild". But if I was to list all the cover versions that I knew, then my life would stop as I found myself glued to this keyboard typing one example after another for many years to come! In between the three features I play all sorts of rock-based music, starting the show with the more commercial and well known content. This may include Bon Jovi, Nickelback, Meat Loaf and that sort of thing. As the show progresses and the time is later in the evening, I get heavier and more outrageous, and so does the music! Heehee... As I type this, I've already played Trivium, Opeth, The Meads Of Asphodel, In Flames and more, plus I have my eyes on playing Slayer, some interesting 'Black Metal' and progressive bands, and other more brutal sounding outfits that are promoting their proverbial wares. As a general overview of this rock show, I try to feature as many different styles of rock that fit within the context of that particular playlist. Rock is such an interesting and diverse scene that it's interesting and easy to cast the net wide, and to play tracks by many different bands. This doesn't apply to just bands on record labels and that have the luxury of financial and marketing support, but those bands that are climbing up the ladder of success, hungry for what glories and rewards they can indulge in. I place a lot of respect and admire those unsigned bands that struggle on in a scene that is often crowded with impossible amounts of competition and hurdles to clear, as they take on the journey to succeed.

The show accommodates, on occasion, an interview here and there with bands or people with a story to tell that are associated with the world of rock music, and the idea of competitions is something that is not far away as I type this. Giving something back to the listener for their time and attention is what it's all about.

Regarding the interview, I am a fan of live radio and the excitement and sometimes unpredictable nature of the beast with what the concept of 'live radio' brings. On the 4th show, I interviewed Aaron Stainthorpe of the band My Dying Bride to discuss an upcoming CD release and generally to discuss his band and artwork. This was carried out over the telephone completely live and is something that proves most entertaining for all concerned.

Finally, it has to be noted that Rockulus Maximus could not happen to the level that it currently operates, without the help and support of "Raven Street Studios" who are completely responsible for this glorious website and for bringing to life Max Black, the rockin' rabbit who just so happens to be the number one fan of the show! Max has some ambitious notions which are more than likely going to come to fruition over the next few months. Watch out for more Max Black! At this stage, the station still only broadcasts locally to the region and isn't available online, but it seems like there is a demand for that to happen. Thank you for dropping by this website and reading all about "Rockulus Maximus". As my Gran would often say, "You never know what's around the next corner."