Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Smith
Hi Jenna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Jenna but I go by DJ Free Skate on the radio waves. I host a show on KOOP 91.7FM called Four on the Floor that highlights early dance music with a particular focus on the disco scene spanning from the late 70s to early 80s. Our ethos and motto is “Your weekly disco dance party and everyone is invited!” which is very important to me. Even over the airwaves, in the absence of physical space, we can still promote inclusivity and kindness.
Before I came to KOOP I had spent years volunteering with various organizations in the Austin area looking to build community with others and to funnel my energy into. As a long time listener of KOOP radio, the idea of being a radio DJ lingered in the back of my mind for a very long time but I always assumed it would be difficult to get your foot in the door at such a cool, local institution. At the very least I assumed I would need to have some kind of experience or background in radio. Cut to 2023 when I found myself with more free time than before and feeling a little aimless. My partner has been involved with Fallout Theater for many years and seeing them pursue this creative outlet and nurture that community for himself left me wanting something similar–so I started to seek it out for myself and found KOOP! I feel, and I mean this with the utmost respect, that I found my kind of weirdos at KOOP. I’ve never been welcomed more readily by a new organization and truly value the relationships I am building there.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My biggest challenge was just building up that confidence. Letting go and trusting the process.
Feeling scared to try something new and put yourself out there is such a vulnerable place to be and I’m willing to bet that everyone can relate to that feeling in some way. As we get older we’re told that growth or starting something brand new is a young person’s game. I’m almost 40 years old and trying to be a disco DJ….there are NO rules. It’s okay to be scared but go for it anyway because there is also something to be learned!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My show is Four on the Floor is very special to me and I’m really proud of where it is going. Still only in the first year of doing this show but I’m hoping that next year I can bring in more guests from the community and spread the joy that I believe disco embodies. I am also doing more vinyl djing in the community which I am loving!
Aside from programming a radio show I wear several hats around the KOOP station. I co-lead our training team with Parke Ballentine who hosts shows The Mood Ring and Sweet Tea: Queer Life and Style in the South. Together, with our AMAZING team of volunteer trainers, we coordinate the stations training programs. KOOP offers volunteers the opportunity to learn about the broadcast arts and how to program a radio show. This a completely free program and the end result for many who join is a show on the airwaves! It’s a special thing and sharing knowledge is so important for community building.
I also aid in our election cycle each year. KOOP is a democratic cooperative, so we hold annual elections and invite community members to be a part of our Board of Directors or Community Council. Anyone can run for a position even if you’ve never volunteered at KOOP before!
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I would love to hear from folks in the community! Maybe you’re a DJ or a band with a disco-like sound or someone doing work in the community centered around music–whatever it may be, my inbox is open. You can reach out to me at fouronthefloor@koop.org or find us on Instagram @fouronthefloor_disco.
KOOP has such wide array of talent and subjects so there is a place for anyone who wants share with a broad Austin audience. For more information about KOOP and the show schedule you can go to KOOP.ORG.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://koop.org/program/four-on-the-floor/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fouronthefloor_disco/
- Other: https://www.mixcloud.com/FourOnTheFloor_Disco/
Image Credits
All photos taken by Scott Gardner
Four on the Floor logo by Mandii Smith
