Name?
Peter Merrett.

Job Title?
I am the Music Manager, looking after the musical content and all musical styles contained in our grid.

What is that position all about?
My position here is to actively persue music from here within Australia and for overseas. Believe me this is a wonderland of different styles and sounds. For one person to cover so many genres of music that is broadcast on PBS is impossible as there is not enough hours in the day to not only find but to then listen to, oh the thought of it promotes brain meltdown.

So my time is spent searching, aquiring and liasing with different artists and labels from here and abroad. Announcers come to me with "wish lists" and ideas as to what they would like, no l think that should read "can't live without" but it is for our loyal listeners. Part of or actually a lot of my time is spent dealing with our loyal labels/distributors and allocate to the appropiate announcer and issue a copy into the station's library.

I also over-see the logistics of interviews within the categories under my care, and supervise voilunteers to the music department. This position has helped give me an even bigger appreciation of the music that is out there that unless we play nobody will here simply because it isn't commercial enough. That is something that l think we have an obligation to make good and present as best we can, exactly what we are about and that is "THE MUSIC".

To be honest there are times something might not measure up but is my opinion final, no it isn't and thats what l like about my position l have at my disposal experts. Yes our announcers are experts in what they present with passion and an obvious love of the music. My job here is hard to define because l don't get to see the faces of the listeners when something l have sourced for a show blows them away and like me they say "WOW".

When did you start at PBS?
Let's see l think it was in 1996, yes definitely then. It was at a low period for me as l had just left the radio station l had started with. When l arrived Lisa Palermo interviewed me in the on-air studio to see what l could do. Unfortunately for Lisa l had brought along half a forest of playlists from the previous six years, plus music , books and records. Couldn't come unprepared could l?

Lisa was then introduced to my baby, my passion, one in search of a new home "The Maltshophop". Space on the grid is tight and l was asked to be patient so l filled in my time volunteering here and later in 96 Roots Co-ordinator Dave Ray needed to stand down and asked me if l was willing to take on a "Easy Job", hey why not l thought ,it can't be that hard could it? It has it's moments but is highly rewarding working with some of the best announcers in this city who really know there stuff. I still hold this position and at times l would say are stressful but for the majority of the time is pure enjoyment.

What brought you here?
That is a one sentence answer really. "I wanted to be at the best, and that was and still is the station that satsifies all musical tastes and particularly the blues".

Actually Dave Ray invited me as he used to listen to me on air at 8-00pm at that other station where l would finnish at 10-00pm to drive home listening to the ledgendry PBS show "Blues Avalanche". How could l turn down the invitation from a man l had listened to for years marveling at what he played, wondering what it would be like to be "big time".

I have not been let down because PBS has the best listeners, people out there who know their music and let you know if you make a mistake but are also quick to compliment you if they like what you have just played. I think my music brought me here.

Interests and other comments?
I just want to say thank-you to PBS and the listeners who have made me so welcome over the years now because you have allowed me to become part of the best musical family in Melbourne where l can play my old 45's on air. What more could a rabid Doo-wop fan ask for? If you have ever thought of doing this, then get of the couch and have a go, you will never regret it.

My activities over the last three years have changed and now revolve around my family (all grown up, yep l am that old ...shock horror... lucky you can't see me) and of course my music. This is my absolute passion, one that never ceases to move me, maybe it is my inner rhythm ahh l don't know., all l do know is that l can come here and put my two passions together. Radio and music. It doesn't get better for me than that.

As the Chords wrote "Life is but a dream Sh-Boom Sh-Boom. Maybe the world needs more non-sensible lyrics with blow harmonies to make us feel better/ Keep your harmonies tight, sing in tune and tune into the Maltshophop for your weekly helping of Rhythm and Blues vocal groups.