The Soundtrack Of Do Radio

When we first started shaping Do Radio, Jon Kaye was maybe the most cynical voice in the room.

Not because he didn’t believe in radio or the idea we had—he was deeply passionate about both—but because he knew how much work it takes to make something real.

Given the Technology strand ‘Tomorrow’s World’ by David—a subject Jon was less than comfortable with—he decided that the best way forward was to present the series himself.

For context, Jon had never presented a radio show ever before.

He threw himself into it with total conviction, overcame his doubts and fears, and it’s fair to say he is an absolute natural.

He has a truly magical voice and a warmth and confidence that immediately puts the guest and the listener at ease.

And the questions he asks draw from his guests an honesty and vulnerability that is rare to hear on radio these days.

But, that was only the start of it.

It turns out Jon was also a music producer.

A casual throwaway comment, during one of the team calls about Jon making the music for the station, was enough of a spark for Jon to attempt a demo of a soundscape to present to the team.

A week or so later, Jon nervously delivered his first soundscape ‘Tomorrow’s World’ to the team.

It blew us all away.

It was so powerful, so beautiful, so magical.

It touched us all so deeply.

It crystallised our vision for Do Radio and pulled everything together.

There were even tears.

Upon hearing it, David said to me, “I’ve had some moments with Do over the years, but that was possibly the most powerful.”

From that point onwards, Jon went on a mission to give Do Radio its sound.

Not just the music.

The atmosphere. The energy. The heartbeat.

And he delivered beyond measure.

He worked closely with each producer, and worked tirelessly to ensure every show has its own soundscape.

A score that reflects the spirit of that conversation and the essence of the show.

It’s not filler. It’s not stock music.

It’s part of the fabric of the station.

That’s Jon, through and through.

You see, Jon’s story isn’t just about music, or presenting.

It’s about bravery.

It’s about daring to step out of what you know, even when what you know has made you successful.

Jon’s CV reads well. Private equity. 100-hour weeks. Cambridge degrees. Building businesses. Serial entrepreneur. Retiring at 40.

From the outside, that’s a life “made.”

But inside? The question for Jon was different. Is this it?

Jon’s answer wasn’t to chase more.

It was to step into less.

Less certainty. Less comfort.

But, more creativity. More curiosity. More risk.

He dared to swap the thing he could do with his eyes closed for the thing that might just open his eyes again.

And the result is evident for you to hear all across Do Radio.

And between the sounds, the harmonies, and the melodies of the music, there’s another reminder here. One we all can heed.

Creativity isn’t safe.

It’s stepping out into the unknown and trusting that something new will come.

Jon’s story, the music of Do Radio, and Do Radio itself is proof of this.

You can hear all of the Do Radio tracks at Jon’s Bandcamp page here

You can also hear some of Jon’s other work on Spotify at these links:

Spotify

Spotify