Tune In: Toni Pipicelli, NOVA 96.9

20 July 2010

TMN talks to Toni Pipicelli, NOVA 96.9's Music Director extraordinaire about monkeys in the 'Love and Money' campaign, Salt n Pepa and her aspiration to host Eurovision if radio falls through.

What are you loving about your station this week?
Apart from the awesome music, I am loving having the listeners and celebrities work for Merrick, Dools and Ricki-Lee for ‘Love and Money’, It’s been such a fun campaign. In fact we even got Bubbles promoting the show. Merrick, Dools and Ricki-Lee are his new adoptive parents for the next year.

Who’s been the best guest you’ve had on the station and why?
Oh there have been so many. Salt n Pepa would have to be my favourite of this year. I was looking after all their interviews for the network and by the end of the day I think I became the new member of Salt n Pepa. Very fun day.

Which track have you personally championed and helped break it?
Some of my personal favorites this year are Adam Lambert Whataya Want from Me, Paramore’s The Only Exception, and Opposite of Adults Chiddy Bang. All tracks had something special and they all crossed over to other networks.

Why do you work in radio?
Why live in reality when you can live and play in radio? It’s so personal and so instant. I have been obsessed by radio from the age of three when my dad bought home our very first radio/cassette player. I couldn’t wait to hear the countdown each weekend and get the latest music. It’s not everyone that can say they get excited about making new selector clocks. Yep, that’s me.

If you weren’t in radio, what would you be doing?
Hosting Eurovision, running tours to Eurovision or making great coffee.

Track record:
2001-present: Nova - Started in promotions then to Assistant music Director to Assistant program Director and now music Director
1999-2001: GWR – Bristol march, Breakfast producer
1997-1999: TTFM – Assistant Breakfast producer/promotions