EP41 - AUDIO DOCUMENTARY MAKER - Kaelyn Spike

Radio presenter and audio documentary maker. Kaelyn created a documentary about the Chelmsford skateboarding scene, around Central Park between 2020 and 2023. Kaelyn is a skateboarder, so the subject was personal for her. Skate scenes are always in flux, and this was a busy time for the scene in Essex. Why do creative people gravitate to skateboarding? Or does skateboarding make people creative? Being a female skater is hard because you don’t feel fully included. Especially when a WhatsApp group was created just for the male skaters at the skatepark. Kaelyn tackles this in her audio documentary. Is it fun to be mean as a 15 year old? Kaelyn is studying radio and podcasting at Point Blank Music School in Hoxton, London. She captured the atmosphere and sounds of the skatepark with field recordings to bring the documentary to life. The field recordings bring the time and place to life, let you imagine you are there. Learning skating language and the terms - it’s an international language! How the audio documentary let Kaelyn go deep into her thoughts and feelings from the time at the skatepark, allowed her to address issues, and get closure on them. Documentaries about the human microcosms of society, like the skatepark, can be fascinating for outsiders - all of this microdrama and dynamics are happening everywhere in all groups of people. Sangita is intimidated by skaters. Kaelyn has an eclectic music radio show on CCR Radio (Chelmsford Community Radio). Why is 90s music so hot right now? Essex music is amazing. Doing work experience at a radio station, and leading to a future career. Big up Paul Dupree. The power of a great audio book or documentary, like watching a film in your mind. Tips for interviewing people. The creative podarpillar. Cheese dreams. Are radios more important than toasters? Edging with the toaster. Kaelyn's Evening InterludeAre You Creative? recorded by Adam at Lawker Media, Chelmsford, ESSEXEdited by Nick HearneArtwork by Alpaca AntennaDon't forget to like, subscribe, share and all the good stuff.Follow our Instagram for latest news and behind the scenes photos  Send comments, questions, or suggestions for fascinating creative people in Essex give us a shout on our Instagram Thanks to NGDA for their support