Interview with... Paul Horne
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
Well, I'm The Rudeboy Paul Horne, a business owner AND radio presenter on BCR (Balsall Common Radio) Which is a self funded internet radio station based (strangely enough) In Balsall Common, although because we're an internet station, we have listeners all around the world. It's a station that really does provide something for everyone.
Tell me a little bit about your radio show.
Which one? I'm greedy (LOL) I host a show on Thursday evenings from 6pm until 8pm (which is repeated Fridays in the same timeslot) called 'Ska So Far', so I guess you can pretty much work out what sort of tunes that I play on that show. Everything from the original ska sound from artists such as Desmond Dekker, Prince Buster, Toots & The Maytals & Jimmy Cliff etc, through to the 2 Tone era with greats bands such as The Specials, The Beat, Madness & The Selecter amongst others - all the way to the present day scene with artists such as Death Of Guitar Pop and The Sunny Coast Rude Boys. My other show (that I co-present with my good friend (& awesome photographer) Neil Porter goes out Saturday evenings from 5pm until 8pm and is called 'The Greatest Hits of' - Each week we cover the greatest hits of a particular year or artist including sharing stories, stats & facts on our chosen subject that week. There's some great features in that show and it's very well received with some great interaction from our audience. I really enjoy hosting both shows and find it incredibly rewarding. I've even appeared at events for the station and occasionally host a special show if there's a need.
What is the best thing about working on your radio show?
That's easy! The music! I love ska, but enjoy a lot of other types of music as well. Plus the banter all the presenters have with one another. We have one chap at the station known as DJ KC, I always call him DJ KFC as he presents a country music show called Ranch Rhythms, which we joke is 'finger licking good'
What and when was your ‘big break’ moment?
That came in August 2024 when I was taking part in a podcast with (my now co-presenter) Neil Porter. I knew he was a radio presenter, and of course talk came around to his show - he really sold how much he enjoyed it, so I jokingly said do they want another presenter, but Neil said they did and to come to the studio with him for his show and see how it all works and gauge if I was genuinely interested. I agreed and ended up on the Mic with Neil during the show and it all went from there! The Station manager Liam loved the idea of the show (Ska So Far) that I pitched to him as it was different from anything else on the station at the time, so within a week of that initial meeting I was hosting my first show.
What is your most bizarre moment?
I think that must have been Christmas last year when I was hosting a festive special called Christmas So Ska along with a very special co-host - none other than Santa himself! Very surreal! (A lot of fun though)
Name one unusual fact about hosting a radio show.
You just never know who is listening and where they are in the world - it's strange to think this mad loon from Coventry is enjoyed around the world, I've even been recognised a few times which is a very surreal experience (for the radio show, not just that goldfish suit I've been known to wear for the 'day job' as a graphic design business owner). I'd have never thought that!
Are you owned by any animals?
Very much so! I have a beautiful big bear of a Newfador (half Labrador, half Newfoundland) called Amber. She's 8, but still like a big old puppy! She's the queen of the house!
Where is your favourite place to be?
Apart from the studio you mean? Well my favourite escape is the beautiful Isle Of Wight, it's very much my happy place and somewhere I'd love to move to someday!
What is your greatest accomplishment?
Becoming a parent! I say that without a doubt! They are both grown and flown the nest now though (blimey that makes me feel old) - Professionally though, keeping my then fledgling business running during the COVID years and subsequently winning the SBS and being presented my award by Theo Paphitis
Who was your greatest interview with?
Well it was pretty cool interviewing Santa during our Christmas show on Christmas Eve (laughs)
Who would you most like to interview?
There's so many! For the radio, it would have to be people like Jerry Dammers, Neville Staple, Pauline Black, Roddy 'Radiation' Byers - all those who've been involved in the Ska scene including those amazing tribute acts.
What is your next goal in life?
Keep presenting as long as they have me, and just make enough to pay the bills and be happy with life - I'm knocking on a bit now (laughs)
What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to become a radio presenter?
Don't overthink it - If you want to do it, then do it! There's always stations that want presenters - but don't expect to get paid for it, many of these stations are self funded so can't afford to pay any sort of wage! Have an idea for a show and really flesh out the idea when you 'pitch' it! Oh and don't just introduce the tracks, give some personality and facts, stats & stories - everyone loves a story - it's what makes people engage with presenters
How can everyone get in touch with you?
Well the BCR website offers the option to text or email the studio
Website: www.bcradio.co.uk
Email:
Or you can find me on various social media pages - or even via the Balsall Common Radio Facebook or Instagram pages
Finally and most importantly... What was your most embarrassing moment?
Hello...do you know me at all? There's been so many! My show on Thursdays is generally LIVE so anything can happen (and usually does). I've left the mic live, I've played the wrong track and I've got tongue-tied and made some classic fluffs - but you just laugh them off and carry on! It's all good in the end!
