The Weekly DJ: Preston Cornish
This week, I had the opportunity to interview Preston Cornish, who is a very dedicated and talented DJ. Learn more about his show and be sure to tune in on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9pm until 12am!
How long have you been a DJ at WPLS?
Since my freshman year, so a little over a year now.
Do you have a name for your show?
Mainstream Radio.
Where did you come up with that name?
I took it from the amount of hating that Fox News puts on the mainstream radio. I decided I would call it Mainstream Radio and then play all independent music that nobody had ever heard of before. People still ask me about it all the time. I tell them that I play nothing but Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Katy Perry and Jason Derillo.
What kinds of music do you play on your show?
Most of what I play sort of falls into the indie rock/pop overall genre. Some of my favorite bands include Delta Spirit, Yeasayer, Washed Out, White Rabbits, and Friendly Fires. I also play some folk and bluegrass from time to time. For example, the Infinite Stringdusters. I like to mix it up between 90s alternative and 90s independent music. I also like to play unsigned artists from blogs whenever I can.
I noticed that you just referenced a current event a few moments ago. Do you do that often?
I used to do a lot more talking during my show last year. I talk about things I see on TMZ and the New York Times website. I’d say that my show is about 90% music and 10% me talking.
What sets your show apart from other shows in terms of creative and interactive things that you do?
I have more knowledge of unsigned bands and up and coming acts than other shows. I try to have a good mix of unestablished indie bands like the Shins and Vampire Weekend. Tonight I played P. J. Simas and Cap City Blue. I also try to keep the show pretty lively and I don’t have a lot of talking segments. When I do talk I try to keep it relevant to music or interesting pop culture stories. And I have a beautiful radio voice.
What is the best concert you’ve ever been to and why?
Dan Deacon at the 9:30 Club in DC. He played with an ensemble which he doesn’t normally do. He’s a pretty great artist, and he only charges $10 to $15 for tickets. It’s just an incredible dance party, and he gets the audience really involved in the music. He actually comes out into the crowd and is face to face with his fans. He lets fans run onstage and dance right next to him.
If there was one band or artist that you could see right now, who would that be?
Iron & Wine. But I am seeing them in three weeks at the Orange Peel in Asheville.
