Be entranced by Ben
February 25th, 2016
Adelaide Hills radio announcer Ben Goldfinch runs the popular Thursday night music program 'The Last Trance'.
An avid listener of radio since his early childhood, Ben attended Triple M presenter Sean Craig Murphy's radio school in 2013.
A sports journalist by day, Ben thoroughly enjoys his time volunteering at Hills Radio and is involved with two other shows at the station – sports program the 'Huddle' as well as regular AFL commentary.
The 'Last Trance' program showcases a range of electro dance music and includes old school classics as well as modern day hits.
“It encompasses all of my passions,” Ben said.
“I get to play my favourite trance music including the old school stuff which I really enjoy.
“Trance is a very emotional and uplifting form of dance music and it appeals to many people in this way having such a strong connection with emotions.”
The show has been on air for about a year and follows a format where he plays music through to late 80s and 90s before following his instincts in what he likes to call an 'electro mix-up' for the final hour.
“I love creating a positive uplifting vibe for people to enjoy, whether they are doing a work out, eating dinner or even cleaning the house,” he said.
“The feedback that I have received is that people particularly love the old school music because they don't hear it on mainstream stations a lot.
“I enjoy creating the sort of vibe that uplifts and energises people.”
Ben pitched the idea for the program to Adelaide Hills radio founder Chris Carpenter after he had been working on putting together a sports program.
“My first impression of Ben was that he was a very enthusiastic young person with an alternative way of thinking,” Chris said.
“I thought he was a bit out there – he has always thought outside the box.”
Chris goes on to say that Ben's creative mind has been a fantastic asset to the team, in more ways than one.
“He brought a Feng Shui expert into the station which was very interesting,” he said.
“But in all honesty he is a great presenter who works really hard – it is not unusual to see him here in the station late at night working on a program.”
Chris does not like the thought of Ben leaving the station but admits that it is a rewarding moment when he sees volunteers move on to bigger things.
“We are a training station and volunteers come in and master the skills and employers are finding our volunteers very attractive as potential employees,” Chris said.
“When I lose presenters or announcers it is actually quite rewarding – and very humbling. But I hope Ben doesn't go anywhere for a while!”
Program Director Tony Sander has also seen Ben progress over the past year and is constantly impressed by his work ethic and enthusiasm.
“He is incredibly enthusiastic and the passion that he has for radio and the dance music genre is amazing,” Tony said.
“He is doing a really fantastic job, I can see him going far in the industry – he just gets better and better.”
With the feedback from listeners regarding the show being overwhelmingly positive, Tony says that the overall vibe of the show is what people seem to enjoy.
As for Ben and his ambitions, the young gun was hired to be a wedding DJ at his first wedding, an experience he hopes to repeat.
“It enabled me to play around with my passion for music – which I really enjoyed,” he said.
“I also have a keen interest in podcasts so I hope to have my own podcast one day.”
But for now, Ben is more than happy volunteering at Hills Radio and says that it has truly been an invaluable experience.
“It is great to be a part of the Hills Radio team and it is a great place to learn in a big family type environment,” he said.
“People at the station are just so happy to help and as soon as you walk in the door you feel welcome and a part of the community.”
Hills Radio is on 88.9 FM and the 'Last Trance' program hosted by Ben is on every Thursday night from 9pm-midnight.
For more information about the show, visit the programs Facebook page: 'Last Trance on 88.9FM Hills Radio.
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