Specialty Show Highlight: Wanderlust with Gabby Silva and Sam Ramsey

On-Air Talent – Gabby Silva and Sam Ramsey
Program Director – Melissa Bond
Editor – Mark Alvarez

Wanderlust, taking you above and beyond – throughout all corners of the planet, gracing listeners with sounds from all over to satisfy and culture those who lust for something more than what you could find close to home. This is the message I received when speaking with the hosts of KTSW’s Specialty Show: Wanderlust. The duo consists of Texas State senior Gabby Silva, a soft spoken advertising major with an underlying love for art, and freshman Sam Ramsey, an ambitious and musically in tune electronic media major who someday hopes to write and direct in a variety of fields.

Upon meeting the two, the chemistry was evident. Their bond off the air was charismatic, so there was no question to why their on-air personas have been upheld with such genuine enthusiasm. Silva spoke about the show, stating that originally it was something she had done on her own. However, shortly after meeting Ramsey at one of KTSW’s Lunchbox events while working promotions, she brought him into the studio to be her co-host. Initially, Ramsey asked to sit in as Silva brought Wanderlust on the air, having his DJ shift just before hers, but soon there after he’d return as part of the show.

“It’s fun to be by yourself in the studio sometimes, but I wanted a co-host in the studio; someone to talk about the music with and bounce off of,” Silva told me as she slowly sipped her coffee. “I thought if it would be a little bit more fun for the people to listen to.”

The twos’ diverse and welcoming tastes in music met with great impact. They began collaborating and researching artists from all over the world ranging from Russian Rappers to Punk Rock Europeans. Together, the two became a force that if unanimously intrigued would set their sights at artists’ origins and feature all styles of music.

“If we have a favorite artist that we have been listening to during the week, we’ll go ahead and play from where they’re from.” Silva explained.

“And then we find other music from there and put it on.” Ramsey added.

Along with researching artists, these DJs contribute with their own knowledge to keep the show fluid and refreshing to the ear. Together they join to bring an authentic take to groups around the world, relating and discovering in the process a vast range of musical culture.

Silva intends on entering the marketing field upon graduating from Texas State next fall. However, her love for music and art continues to drive her, as Wanderlust continues to provide listeners with a unique musical experience.

“I purely do this because I enjoy the music so much,” Silva said. “I love it so much. I love being in the studio.”

Ramsey, just a freshman at Texas State, expressed his devotion to KTSW which has brought him much recognition. A dual specialty show host and also a DJ on the station’s Local Show, Ramsey portrayed an interest in directing music videos. Something he found by working with KTSW and has provided him insight into.

“Listening to music and playing music on-air gives me tons of ideas,” Ramsey told me. “I get all these ideas and images in my head that would be great to direct. Music is very much a muse to whatever my art may be.”

Gabby Silva and Sam Ramsey have stepped up at KTSW, placing time, effort, and creativity into their show and everything they do. With their sights set on success, there is no telling where they’ll go next. Surely, for some time here after, we will be hearing more from these two as they take listeners on many musical journeys to come.