As we approach May, final exams are beginning and seniors are excitedly waiting for graduation. Very exciting times! I am a senior here at NC State, and I have a bittersweet feeling about leaving the Wolfpack. On one hand, I am excited to start my next journey in adulthood and see where that leads me. But on the other hand, I will miss NC State, specifically, WKNC – the place that I have called home for 4 years.
I first heard about WKNC from my dad. He was telling me that NC State has a radio station that plays metal and it automatically caught my interest. Once I was on campus, I went to the WKNC interest meeting and from there I applied to become a Chainsaw Rock DJ. From there, I became the Chainsaw Rock Music Director and later the Content Manager. It is crazy to see how much I have grown during my time at WKNC. I went from having a show from midnight to 1AM, to being on during prime time on Friday’s from 5pm-7pm.
I’ve gotten to see my show grow and transform into something that I want to do for the rest of my life. I went from being “DJ Saw” to The Saw, host of The Saw’s Butcher Shop where I play the heaviest metal on the planet. I then got to showcase my Local Butchers when I created the Bone Cruncher – an hour set where I played local NC bands. The sense of community that derived from this was so inspiring. I love playing music and seeing band’s reactions when they hear themselves on the radio. It’s such a surreal feeling.
While at WKNC I had the honor of emceeing the North Carolina State Fair and introducing Between the Buried and Me, emceed the first ever Chainsaw Presents show, attended and spoke at two CBI conventions, and had the honor of interviewing Myke Terry from Volumes, Dee Snider from Twister Sister, Trevor Peres from Obituary, and Andreas Kisser from Sepultura.
WKNC is what made my NC State experience. I am so thankful for the people I have gotten to meet and for the opportunities and experiences I created.
I want to thank my parents for always being my number one supporter and for always tuning into my set to jam with me. You have helped me way more than you both know.
I want to personally thank Jamie Gilbert for everything she has done for me. Thank you for believing in me and in The Saw’s Butcher Shop. None of this could have happened without you.
And finally, I want to thank YOU, the listener. It has been my honor to hand out beatings, and you kept coming back for more! Thank you.
If you want to stay up to date with The Saw, all of my information can be found at www.thesawsbutchershop.com
This isn’t goodbye, but a see you later. The Saw’s work is never complete.
Stay Metal,
THE SAW
