Karene Daniel is KCRW’s April Volunteer of the Month!

Where did you grow up and are you an only child?

I grew up in LA, and I have one younger brother, Chris.

What is your current occupation?

Apart from volunteering, I work at a small business in the valley. I get to do a lot of interesting things for my job, such as traveling around, but a lot of my day to day work involves photography and photo editing.

What is your fantasy occupation?

My fantasy occupation would be to have a music show on KCRW, of course!

When did you first discover KCRW?

I first discovered KCRW when I was around 7 or 8. It was usually on during our drive to and from school. And as a teenager living without cable TV, I’d always have it on when I was at home. Thanks to Nick Harcourt I will always claim that I knew of the the Shins two years before Garden State came out. So there!

How did you find your way to our station for volunteering?

I always wanted to volunteer, but I was focused on following the traditional going to college and getting a job path. But once I realized that wasn’t going to work out, I thought I ought to give volunteering a go. So I sent in an application and a little bit later, here I am!

What’s your current volunteer position and how long have you been at it?

I work the front desk and I try to sub for music shows as often as I can. I’ve been doing it for about 8 months or so.

Favorite volunteer moment?

I can’t really pick a favorite, but I always enjoy being in the studio during the shows.

If you could get on the mic and say one sentence on the air, what would it be?

I’m not sure. I’d love to have a silly catchphrase though… or something like… “And we now continue with our two hour long tribute to Royksopp.”

What song have you hit repeat on lately?

Todd Terje – Inspector Norse. So catchy and happy!

Favorite book, movie?

It’s so hard to pick a favorite, I’m currently listening to The Happiness Advantage, which has been really interesting. As far as movie, I can’t really say. I rarely watch movies. But I can probably offhandedly recite all the Arrested Development episodes.

Favorite thing to do outside the station?

I like to play around with my camera and study languages (whenever I can). But for now, I’d like to consider myself a devout bedroom DJ.

What does KCRW mean to you?

Growing up around KCRW, it means great deal to me. As a kid, it was my escape from suburbia and my introduction to all types of music. It always made a great impression on me, and I still can’t believe I get to be a part of the station. It may sound cheesy, but it’s true.

Karene, what can we say? For every volunteer that has ever coughed, sneezed, had an emergency, or decided to play hooky, you’ve been there to keep the radio machine well-oiled and at full steam. You are the consummate volunteer’s volunteer and we thank you heartily.