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David Tardy, native New Yorker, composer and broadcaster, is the center of Warehouse 21’s teen tornado. As well as being W21’s resident techie, Tardy helps young people create their own radio shows at his Ground Zero Youth Radio Program (5 pm Wednesdays, Warehouse 21, 1614 Paseo de Peralta, 898-4423).
What's the process you've created for teens to produce their own radio shows?
I teach Santa Fe youth and teens how to record, produce, mix, host their own radio show. That includes actually creating their own music list, creating their own tags, also interviewing people within the community as well ... So, basically I'm just trying to create avenues for kids that may not necessarily exist in the regular classroom. I just want to give kids the avenue to be able to do something that they love to do. And that's very important to me.
How does your program fit into W21's goal of creating Santa Fe "youth culture?"
As co director, I'm really on a mission to create a community here, to create a space that the kids can come and just be themselves and discover who they are as individuals and connect with people and each other. We're getting ready to celebrate our 20th anniversary and I'm going to re-brand and re-launch a new Warehouse 21 that is really a community center for all ages. I think it's also important for Santa Fe youth to be able to connect with older Santa Fe citizens of all ages.
What is radio's place in today's internet-obsessed world?
I hope it will always remain a valuable and a meaningful platform simply because it gives our youth and our kids that are producing their own, that have their own show, a platform to actually voice what they opinions are—to voice issues that they feel need discussing. It gives them a chance to connect with local individuals and organizations that inspire them or they might have questions about. It's a blessing to be here. I mean, I wish I had a place like this when I was growing up because I practically would have lived here.
Santa Fe Reporter