Some people know which career path they want to follow from an early age but, like many youngsters, Iona Masson wasn’t sure what she wanted to be when she left school.
“I lost interest by fifth year,” she said. “I had two highers in computing and art but felt ready to leave.”
Iona, 21, decided to go to college to study, and after completing an NC in media and PR she soon realised she wanted to get involved in the music industry.
She added: “I have always had a love for music but hadn’t always known if I could get a career involved with it.”
After completing a HND in radio at Aberdeen College she moved to Glasgow to complete the HND music business course.
After completing her studies Iona got a part-time job at Cadona’s as a receptionist but shares her love of music at night through her radio show which she broadcasts from the comfort of her Aberdeen home.
“Being a long-time listener of an independent American radio show, I became friends with the show owners in Tennessee, and as I have a wide taste in music they asked if I wanted to give it a shot.
“They liked what they heard so I got a weekly slot.”
Iona’s show features a mix of big bands and local bands and all kinds of genres, from punk to classic rock and metal.
“I only ever play songs that I enjoy listening to as I feel this reflects me and I feel like I can share the songs with listeners,” she said.
“If it is a new band I like to give a bit of background and information so that listeners can get more of an insight into what they are hearing.”
Iona doesn’t tend to listen much to mainstream radio shows, but she does enjoy the laid-back Mike Davis on Radio 1.
“I would rather choose my own music than listen to a station that plays the same song five times a day,” she said.
“I believe in not being a ‘sheep’ and having my own opinion. I think that’s the good thing about being on an independent station.”
Iona has discovered that there’s more to being a DJ than simply playing music.
“I also enjoy interviewing people as well – it’s a change from just hearing my voice – and get different views on the music scene.
“I also feel playing local bands and advertising gigs is a way of helping people out, gaining new friends and bringing together the punk and rock community.”
Iona hopes that one day she will be able to turn her passion for radio into a full-time career.
But she has also has a few other ideas.
“I feel like I want to do a hundred different projects, but there just isn’t enough hours in the day.
“I make my own clothes and would like to start selling my designs.
“I would also like to put on gigs in Aberdeen, start my own label and learn to play bass.
“I feel my head is bursting full of ideas – I just need to start getting them all on paper.”