On The Spot – [V] Presenter Search 2012 Finalists Interview

Thanks to Channel [V], we had the chance to interview the 2 finalists for the [V] Presenter Search 2012, Bridget Hustwaite and Marty Smiley. Check our interview below:

BRIDGET HUSTWAITE

First of all, thanks so much for your time Guys.
No worries J

1)     What can you tell us about your background?

I recently completed my Diploma of Visual Merchandising in Melbourne, where I have been living for the past 18 months but I’m born and bred in Ballarat, baby! But now I don’t have a lot going on with my life, apart from this little old Presenter Search we have going on here. What else, obviously I love music, and food, I really like food. And sleep. Have I mentioned I love music?

2)     Why the interest on becoming the new [V] Presenter?

I’ve never really had a desire to crack into the TV Industry, but secretly I’ve always dreamt of entering this competition. Ever since Mum and Dad got Austar/Foxtel installed back in 2002, Channel [V] was always my favourite. The parents didnt really get why I’d always want to watch music videos for hours on end, but I’ve always loved watching the channel. I really think if it wasn’t for Channel [V], I wouldn’t be so obsessed with music. I know a lot of people entered this competition for hopes of exposure and using it as a stepping stone, but for me it’s more about working for these guys. This is it, this is really the only channel I want to work for. Channel [V] have always promoted this awesome way of life – being yourself, living life, and spreading the love of music. There is an incredibe culture around here, and something I would kill to be a part of.

3)     What the audience can expect from you if you are the new [V] Presenter?

Look, I do have quite a mouth on me, let’s just say that. People think I look sweet and lovely, which I am, dont get me wrong (clearly I’m also very funny). But I can be very blunt and when I feel it is needed (always) I will drop a few f bombs here and there. And not to hold tickets on myself, but I have pretty good taste in music. And by good I mean random. From Foster the People to Xavier Rudd to Justin Bieber to Foals, viewers can expect a nice mix of mainstream and alternative music from me. Being a viewer myself, I’m really just a normal girl who is genuinely passionate about sharing music with people and checking out live gigs/festivals, so ultimately, the audience really can expect someone that they can relate to!

4)     Do you have any tv presenter or personality that might inspires you for this role?

Just looking at past presenters and their journey, particularly Yumi Stynes. Yumi won the Presenter Search over a decade ago, and I remember watching her on whatuwant and Room 208 as I was growing up. Shes hilarious and not afraid to say it how it is, and doesn’t mind a cheeky pash with Robbie Williams! Another person who has been incredibly inspiring is the most recent winner of the Presenter Search, Billy Russell. Billy won in 2009 and was just like me, a normal kid from country Victoria who loves music. He also had hardly any experience, but what really made him stand out was the fact that he was doing this for the right reasons. He actually watched Channel [V], and never tried to be something he wasn’t. To see how far he has come in the past three years really has motivated me to just go for it and not hold back. Billy has been great throughout this whole process, giving advice and being super encouraging. He also introduced me to the wonderful world of Laser Cats.

5)     Which one has been the hardest part of the competition so far?

There have been a few tough challenges, one in particular was during the Top 20 week where Billy quizzed us. It was at the end of a very long day and everyone was a bit frazzled, and we were given a quiz to test our music knowledge. Everyone struggled on this one, I probably would have only got 4 out of 10 right if I was lucky. It’s also been a bit difficult at times when I would doubt myself and compare myself to the competition. At first I thought I was at a massive disadvantage having no presenting experience whatsoever, but now I almost see it as a benefit. I think if I won, it would be a really fulfilling experience from both ends. Obviously, I would be living the dream, but everyone at Channel [V] would be instrumental in showing me the ways and training me to be an awesome presenter ;)

6)     Working in a music Tv channel as a presenter might give you the opportunity to meet some bands and singers. Who would you like to meet and why?

I’d love to meet The Presets. These guys are absolute legends in my eyes, and I’m so excited that after a 4 year break, they are dropping their next album in September. So it would be pretty sweet to chat to these guys and see what they have been up to during their time off. I would also love to meet Britney Spears, she was my idol as a young girl and shes had such a crazy career, it would be really interesting to actually sit down and have a chat to her. Then I could decide for myself if she really is a headcase.

7)     Have you been in any [V] Guerrilla Gig? What do you think about it?

I went to see City and Colour/Dallas Green play at the State Library in Melbourne about a month ago. It was freezing and raining, but there was still so many people. I didn’t get to see much of him (vertically challenged/short) but he sounded unreal! I also remember when Kisschasy played at the Bendigo Railway Station before GTM back in 2010. I think the whole concept of a [V] Guerilla Gig is awesome, it’s so random and unexpected but it can make someone’s day. Imagine being a stressed out uni student heading to the library to study, and all of a sudden Dallas Green is there, strumming away at his guitar! Nice!

8)     What is your forecast for the Australian music industry?

Dude, things are looking good! We only need to look at Gotye and Kimbra’s current domination of the world as an example. But it’s also really exciting to see all these up and coming bands on the rise. A few personal faves include The Paper Kites, Snakadaktal, Gold Fields, Emma Louise etc. It’s an exciting time for Aussie music!

Thanks for your time and good luck!

MARTY SMILEY

1)     What can you tell us about your background?

‘Rapskallion’ is my favourite word. Hommus is my favourite dip. ‘Biggie Smiles’ is my rapper alias. ‘McFly’ is my nickname. I hate getting called ‘Martina Hingis.’ Music is best experienced through my ears. I dance like a Gazelle. I get my afro-like hair from my Mum. At my age (21), my Dad was a TV technician. I want to be TV Presenter.

2)     Why the interest on becoming the new [V] Presenter?

I don’t care if it’s clichéd but it’s been my dream to work in music television since I was 15 years old. I’ve been chasing down this dream since I first saw U2 and Pearl Jam (U-JAM) perform together at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. I entered the [V] Presenter Search to get my shot at it! I want to share music with people on a grand scale and interview artists in a way no one else is.

3)     What can the audience can expect from you if you are the new [V] Presenter?

Freestyle rapping. Spontaneous outburts of dancing. Beatboxing at the most appropriate times. A wide knowledge of music, pop culture and Drake. Lots of Beliebing. No Directioning. Bit of a Monster, rarely a Barbie. Get ya head around those references! WHAT WHAT!?

4)     Do you have any TV presenter or personality that might inspires you for this role?

Andrew G. If the foundations of his career were built at Channel [V] with hair that long, then surely theres a future for me in Television.

5)     Which one has been the hardest part of the competition so far?

Leaving my interview of Stonefeild with a massive crush on one of their band members… I hope that day will come again when our eyes will meet again and she can call me Maybe. Or Marty.,, Hopefully she calls me Marty.

6)     Working in a music TV channel as a presenter might give you the opportunity to meet some bands and singers. Who would you like to meet and why?

I wanna meet Blue Ivy. Jay-Z and Beyonce’s child. I just figure if she likes me, her parents will keep me around. Besides wanting to have a play date with the world’s most gangster baby, I’d love to meet Drake and run a muck with him for a day.

7)     Have you been in any [V] Guerrilla Gig? What do you think about it?

Unfortunately, no. Everytime they’ve come to Melbourne and Channel [V] announced last minute I’ve been stuck somewhere. I really wanted to see 360 and City and Colour. They would have been insane [V] Guerilla Gigs. If I get this job, this is a side of the work I would really love- Live music presenting!

8)     What is your forecast for the Australian music industry?

It’s all double rainbows of success at the moment. Pray for more rain, consistent sunshine and the continued rise of Aus Hip Hop!

Thanks for your time and good luck!