Name: Rachel Bennett
Position: Community Engagement Director, DJ
DJ Shift: Femme FM, Rotation shows
Year: Senior
Majors: Film & Media Studies, American Studies, Theatre Minor
Hobbies: Making zines, enjoying art in all forms, adventuring
Jacob McCabe: What made you want to join KJHK?
Rachel Bennett: Well, I had known about KJHK in high school, and I thought it sounded really cool. Then in freshman year of college, I was introduced to the Music Director at the time, and it all started from there.
JM: And you’re a senior, so that means you’ve been here a long time.
RB: I know! The time flew by.
JM: Do you remember your first day, and how you felt?
RB: My first time meeting KJHK staff was at my first all-staff meeting. I was covering the Femme FM show, but I had never been trained before, so it was pretty stressful. But I made it through.
JM: Do you have a favorite song or artist currently?
RB: My favorite sub-genre right now is twee pop, or indie pop, if you can call it that. It’s all about being sweet and cute, not worrying about seeming cool, which I appreciate. As far as artists go, two constants in my life are Pavement and Jawbreaker. They were my introduction to indie music a long time ago.
JM: Do you sing while driving?
RB: Of course I do…who doesn’t? Usually when I’m alone, or with one or two friends, where it becomes a contest to see who can sing the loudest.
JM: If you had to classify yourself, would you say you’re a hunter or a gatherer?
RB: I’m a gatherer through and through. Literally speaking, I’m a vegetarian, and I love to appreciate nature. Metaphorically speaking, you could say it’s because I like to collect things, and I’m quite observant.
JM: What’s your favorite restaurant in Lawrence?
RB: Oh, that’s always a hard question. I really like the pad thai at Zen Zero, and I love the house salad at Wheatfields.
JM: If you were a kitchen utensil, what would it be?
RB: I’m a whisk. No follow-up questions.
JM: Fair enough. Who is your role model?
RB: There are so many women I consider role models, so it’s hard to pick just one, but it will always be a woman. For one, I look up to Naomi Yang, a musician, filmmaker, and general artist. She makes a big impact on a lot of people. And even in the local setting, too many badass local ladies for me to list.
JM: Lastly, what do you want the listeners to know about you?
RB: If I had to pick, I’d want a stranger to know that I’m always there to talk. I want to have as many experiences in my life as possible, so I’m always up for a good conversation.