Culture, customs and folk music are neglected in lockdown from the point of view of two Bayrischzeller.
In order to bridge the time until the end of the pandemic, they play together on a web radio.
Bayrischzell -
Folk, room and brass music are neglected in the Corona period - at least that was what Michael Freyermuth found in the first lockdown.
The 51-year-old from Bayrischzell has therefore come up with something against the cultural dreariness: his web radio “Bayrischzell Volksmusik” has been online since the end of March and plays traditional folk and brass music.
Martina Röpfl, who sings in Dreigsang with her family in Bayrischzell and plays violin music in the Röpfl group, moderates programs on culture and customs at the station at regular intervals.
In an interview, Freyermuth and Röpfl reveal what potential listeners can expect when they tune in, how the work is financed and which topics will be taken up next.
Ms. Röpfl, Mr. Freyermuth, how much work is there in having your own radio station?
Freyermuth:
I volunteer around two hours a week for ongoing operations.
The music comes from ready-made playlists and runs through automatically.
Sometimes there are also special programs in which I have conversations with personalities from the region.
Overall, the effort is limited - also thanks to Martina's commitment.
Röpfl (laughs):
I do a new program for each month, which is then broadcast daily at 10 a.m., 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. until the end of the month.
I need a few days a month to prepare - but I do that on the side.
I have to research my verbal contributions on culture and customs first.
I enjoy that too, but it's not my new job.
In addition to making music, I am also a costume tailor.
How did the idea for a Bayrischzell radio come about?
Freyermuth:
The Laut.fm website gives you the opportunity to run your own web radio station free of charge.
I enjoy that because I can use it to make music accessible that is sorely missed by many these days - so Corona was the trigger for the idea.
And how did you, Ms. Röpfl, find your commitment?
Röpfl:
I used to be a primary school teacher - I was particularly enthusiastic about local history there.
When I talk on the radio about weather rules and - as planned for February - for example about light measurement customs, it reminds me of that time.
I am already closely connected to folk music.
And I sometimes write articles for magazines, so I'm also practicing research.
Combining all of this in one broadcast on web radio was an obvious choice.
Michael knocked on me a few months ago.
I was immediately enthusiastic about the idea.
Of course, I also do this on a voluntary basis.
Incidentally, I choose the folk music pieces and songs between my stories myself.
Folk music and an internet radio - does that fit together?
Freyermuth:
Sure, older people find it more difficult to operate or do not have the right device at home.
But many still manage or are shown it.
And there are also younger listeners who are currently missing the cultural-traditional.
We have around 500 listeners per month - a decent number for a local web radio station.
But for me it was never about long range, because I don't earn anything with it.
... but you pay on it in the end?
Freyermuth:
Yes, I paid 500 euros for the music collection that is continuously played.
Every 30 minutes, advertising is played for around 30 seconds, but according to.fm, this is how the provider finances itself - I don't see any of the money.
But that's not the point either.
The aim is to maintain customs and culture - that is a matter close to my heart.
Röpfl:
For my part, I have no costs - except for my time.
But recently, for example, a new recording device became necessary in order to be able to record the contributions.
Michael then cuts a show with the music.
The interview was conducted by: Jonas Napiletzki
The web radio
can be downloaded free of charge from laut.fm/bayrischzell-volksmusik, treffpunkt-bayrischzell.de or the associated app.
You can also read
about the first CD from Fischbachauer Dreigsang and Schlierseer Unterleiten-Musi.