Radio DJ and SPICKS & SPECKS wunderkind MYF WARHURST discusses showbiz with FRANCES STEPHENSON.

Need to know who wrote that song you can’t get out of your head? Curious about the name of a local folk singer’s fourth album? Desperate to find out the name of the cleaner who swept the floor of the office of the personal assistant to the second production manager on an obscure foreign one-hit wonder’s fifth B-side flop? It would be difficult to find a question that the Myfanwy Warhurst encyclopaedia wouldn’t have an entry on. From breakdancer extraordinaire to street-press editor, from Triple J announcer to television celebrity, it seems there’s nothing Myf can’t do.

Spicks and Specks has really made you into a public figure. How have you handled that?

It’s not too bad actually. It’s kind of weird. I don’t get recognised in the street much. ABC viewers are a respectful bunch.

Where do you get all that music knowledge?

You just accumulate it. I grew up around music – I had three older brothers who were all into music – so I had no choice. I also played piano for years until I went to uni, and when you work in a radio station it just sinks in after a while. People are amazed and say that I know lots of stuff, but at the same time I should. It’s been my life. It’s embarrassing for me when I don’t.

You’ve had a number of embarrassing moments – you couldn’t remember the name of Smells Like Teen Spirit and also sang a You Am I song while on air. Everyone does that kind of thing, but what is it like to have to watch it time and time again?

That was one of the early shows. I was really nervous, and there were cameras everywhere, and lights, and the audience… I’ve never watched that again. I couldn’t put myself through it. And I’m never going to live that singing down. I can’t imagine it would have been pleasant. I can’t sing in tune and I don’t have a very good voice at all.

Who’s been your favourite guest so far?

I think Murray from the Wiggles, the one who wears the red skivvy. He was unbelievable on his contemporary Australian music knowledge. He’s also really quick – although no one is as quick as Alan Brough, who’s amazing.

What makes Alan so good at it?

He’s faster on the buzzer than I am! He’s got a hot buzzer hand.

Do you think we’ll ever see you breakdance on Spicks & Specks?

I only had one move! That was a primary-school competition between students! I could only do the head-spin and the worm, and the head-spin is illegal now so I couldn’t do that one (plus, I don’t want to break my neck); and I can’t do the worm any more because I’m too big and fat.

I’m sure commercial radio and TV stations have tried to poach you. What makes you stay with the ABC?

I feel very loyal, because when I grew up we didn’t have anything except the ABC and one commercial network. I’d always feel very connected to the ABC. I think a lot of people feel like it’s home in a way. I don’t feel like I need to be anywhere else – and I haven’t got a lot to complain about. I’m generally a pretty happy soul actually.

The Spicks & Specks Interactive DVD Quiz is out now through Hopscotch/Roadshow.

Comments (3)

1. Written by natedog, on 30-08-2007 15:39 , IP: 124.171.133.48 myf is a babe!

2. Written by megan, on 05-09-2007 12:05 , IP: 61.88.131.144 myf is a babe, she rocks!!  Wooookachaa!

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