Jazz, R&B and neo-soul are favorites of the Sunday morning disc jockey at WKNC, Kristin Jeffers. Jeffers, a senior in communication, said she has been a DJ at the student radio station since August.
Jeffers said she plays everything from jazz instrumentals to smooth R&B on her two hour program from 8-10 Sunday mornings.
“My uncle was a DJ a long time ago, and some of my friends got on staff, so I decided to try to get on staff,” Jeffers said.
She said she was mainly motivated to become a DJ because of her passion for music. Jeffers writes music and dabbles in musical instruments as well.
“It’s an escape that may be an avenue to a career,” she said.
Over the summer, Jeffers shadowed a DJ and learned how to run the board, select songs and do air breaks. She said she also went to class once a week to learn the manual, which is important because WKNC has a no profanity policy.
Jeffers said she likes to play music from her personal collection as well, as long as it fits within WKNC’s policies.
“Jazz is the foundation of what I like,” Jeffers said.
And Jeffers and her co-host share song selection.
“I have just started playing Josh Nelson,” Jeffers said. “Some of my favorites are Coltrane, Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk.”
Jeffers said she enjoys being able to explore different artists that still fit within the genre. She has even played new popular artists such as Robin Thicke and John Legend but usually stays away from Top-40 artists.
“I play their B-side or something I liked, not a top single,” Jeffers said.
A few local bands have also made their way onto Jeffers’ show like the Urban Sophisticates, a rap group with a full jazz band.
Even though Jeffers said she enjoys the type of music she plays, she would not mind getting a different time spot.
“I am hoping to change hours,” Jeffers said. “It’s so early in the morning; people aren’t awake.”