Presenter releases his own seven inch EP

A community radio presenter has released an EP record to raise funds for a community broadcaster – on seven-inch vinyl.

Colin Fribbens, who goes under the name of Marrs Bonfire and presents a Friday evening show on Exmouth’s Bay FM called the Smart Set, has realised a life-long ambition by releasing his own record.

It is being sold to raise funds for Bay FM, which plans to launch on 106.4FM at the end of March. Its licence means it cannot take advertising or sponsorship on air, so it relies heavily on donations and fundraising to survive.

“The idea came from my show when I said on air I’d like to do a record, and lo and behold my listeners came to the rescue. Icarus, Mordecai and Crystal, who all tune in to the show online, and I got together at Icarus’s studio in North Tawton to record the tracks.

“The songs we chose are all psychedelic tracks from the late 1960s, my favourite musical era. I’m thrilled with how well it came out, and I’ve achieved a lifetime’s ambition by appearing on a genuine vinyl record!

“I’m also really pleased that we’ll be helping out Bay FM, with all the profits from the record going to the station.

“People have asked me why we decided to release a record on vinyl when the music world is so digital these days, but there is something warm about vinyl, you can pick up an LP or single and it has a romantic feel about it.

“But of course, we’re catering for all kinds of music lovers here, and if you buy the physical record you also get a download code so you can have a digital version of the tracks on your computer, mobile phone or MP3 player.”

Marrs added: “Some people have asked where the name of the band came from. I’ve got a scooter covered in green question marks in the style of the Riddler from the 1960s Batman TV series, and have always liked the imagery. And it also sounds like a ’60s band, like The Electric Prunes or The Chocolate Watchband.”

Bay FM’s station manager Andy Green said: “I think the record is a really good idea, I’d say it’s unique for an EP to be raising funds for a radio station. It’s great for Bay FM, with us not being allowed to have sponsorship or advertising we welcome all the help we can get.”