With so much self-interest dominating the music business, it's refreshing to discover someone who is genuinely giving back to the community. Sagan Thacker, producer and DJ at Radio Active Kids in Asheville, North Carolina, is one of the few selfless souls truly making a difference.
As a teenager, Sagan grew up listening to artists like Dan Zanes and Laurie Berkner and was keen to find what else was out there. Armed with boundless energy and curiosity, they soon discovered countless talented children’s musicians receiving little or no exposure. Recognising this gap, Sagan set out to do something about it, not for financial gain, but to connect with great artists and help bring their work to a wider audience.
What makes Sagan so important is their willingness to play music that many broadcasters overlook. They don't judge artists by social media numbers, and remain refreshingly unimpressed by the hype and spin that often dominate the industry. Their formula is simple, play great music and support passionate creators. You don't have to be famous or well connected to be featured. Sagan is happy to reach out, spread the word and provide a level playing field which challenges the status quo.
They play music from a variety of genres, from post punk to country, and they firmly believe that children's music deserves great respect. Their music selection avoids the corporate money grab, showcasing intelligent music that doesn’t patronise its audience and instead treats young listeners with respect.
Sagan receives masses of music daily, utilising their master’s degree in library science to catalogue a huge number of songs while rarely letting a submission slip through the cracks. They are a DJ that really believes in their work, with a passion and enthusiasm for showcasing the musical and lyrical diversity of the genre, noting ‘there’s awesome new stuff coming out virtually every week'.
At its heart, Sagan's work is about celebrating the joy of life, while introducing the next generation to the social issues that shape our modern world. Their show doesn't just educate, it provides heaps of fun for listeners, entertaining with warmth, humour and imagination. Their enthusiasm for their craft is showcased in each and every broadcast.
Sagan Thacker is a rare breed. Their focus on joy, communication and community sets them apart in today's world. They possess a generosity of spirit that defies typical expectations, creating a programme that is informative, inspiring and refreshing. They provide magical moments for young listeners, while giving deserving artists opportunities they might not otherwise receive. Most importantly, they genuinely care about their audience, the musicians they support and the wider community. If we had more people like this our world would undoubtedly be a much better place.
I have to say their ethos has inspired me tremendously. It’s a great honour to review a DJ who cuts through the noise, with a big heart and a mission to educate, entertain and inspire. I take my hat off to them.
Sagan Thacker at Radio Active Kids – someone who cares.
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