Let me start with an appreciation shout out to Brant Hansen, one of the morning show hosts of Way-FM.
Scanning the radio one morning (over ten years ago might I add), I came across 88.7 Way-FM Nashville. The host was talking about his undying love for toast, while then shifting topics to shred on the accordion. This was none other than Mornings with Brant. After becoming a member of Club Awesome with the theme song talking about five different kinds of nachos, I was hooked.
I often called in, made it on the air a few times, and was even featured on a recap episode at the end of the year talking about how I was thankful for running water and electricity (I was in middle school at the time).
Brant I just wanted to point out, that if it weren’t for your show, I don’t believe that I would have been involved with the music industry as much as I have. I wouldn’t have volunteered for the Newsboys while they were headlining for WinterJam after Michael took Peter’s lead man spot. I wouldn’t have made networks and continued to work with contemporary Christian artists. I wouldn’t have toured the country with a world-famous DCI group. I can see God’s work done here, and I’m glad you were part of that plan now that I’m able to look back on where it’s taken me. So, thank you.
Now that you know a small part of why this tee is so important to me, let me share how I acquired it.
It was a BarlowGirl concert waaaaaaay back a long time ago to where I can’t remember the year. Way before I started becoming involved with the music industry…
I remember taking one of those church vans to Clarksville, Tennessee to a church venue. I remember meeting Katie Green at the outdoor bar-b-q, along with Jeff Brown and Matt Austin Shuff (way-fm people).
Funny though, I don’t remember much of the show.
But what I do remember is priceless.
I was at the radio’s booth set up, where volunteers and a few Way-FM folks were manning it. I went up and talked to them about their merch, told them how this radio station has impacted my life involving strengthening my faith. They encouraged me to buy something to help spread the message of how impactful this station can be (branding is everything).
I was in middle school, and I got to go to this concert that was free (I don’t have any money). They looked at me, and one of the workers standing in the middle humbly said “take one.”
I was stunned, confused and thankful all at once.
It means a lot to me now, as it did then, I know now that it was grace that was shown to me through these volunteers/workers. To listen to my story and recognized its truth (as I’m sure they experience daily).
I walked out of the sacred place filled with contemporary music, walked on the bus and sat down and told them how I got the shirt. Immediately one of the other kids (slightly older than myself) jumped off the bus ran back inside to tell them the same story hoping for the same offer.
He came back empty-handed.
Way-FM has been an impact on my life, and I’m excited to share any and all stories. I’m proud to say that I have a tangible, wearable memory of where it all started.
Thank you Way-FM, over a decade later and it’s still fits.
God Bless,
Lorna.
Living Noteworthy 