Chris is part of the commentary team at Oasis Fm - but can also be heard doing a show now and then!
Biog: Chris was born and bred in Solihull and had his first experience of radio with the BBC at Pebble Mill and Portland place.
He first came to Tenerife in 1988 on holiday with Club 18-30, and liked it so much, came back in 1991 as a rep.
After working in hotels for 4 years, Chris and his family opened the Snooty Fox cabaret bar, and a year later started Oasis Fm.
Chris is the MD of Oasis Fm and it's associated companies - Canarian Weekly and EmCan Media, and has a very simple viewpoint of the business: 'Give people what they want, play the tunes they want to hear, and enjoy it along the way.'
Chris is also the main organiser of the Tenerife Entertainment Awards so we grabbed 10 minutes to find out all about the awards.......
Q. How do 2007 Entertainment Awards differ to last year?
A. Actually quite dramatically! We're managing to make the awards a ‘stand alone' event, as opposed to them being an Oasis Fm event as people may think.
This year two major changes have been implemented, firstly, that all local British led press are getting involved even to the extent that the ceremony is being broadcast live on Power Fm, Oasis Fm, and Gold Fm. Secondly that like all major awards events across the world, and to prevent confusion for the public, we have initiated a nominations panel for the 2007 Tenerife Entertainment Awards, meaning that the public only have to vote for their favourite to win, and not to be nominated. The panel is made up of press members, agencies and columnists all involved in entertainment and media on the island, including the aforementioned radio stations, Island Connections, Tenerife News, Tenerife Sun, The Paper, Paul James Associates, Spotlight Management, Viana Shows, G.A.R. Entertainment, plus others, and all have been delighted to support the local entertainment scene.
Q. This year the venue for the awards has been changed to La Hacienda at Exit Palace – why?
A. Over the years including last year, people have always said ‘wouldn't be great to have an event big enough to warrant using Exit Palace.' Well with everyone's support, the entertainers finally have that this year, with a show planned worthy of the event.
Q. Many sceptics would say that the voting which began on Wednesday May 2nd is open to abuse, what would your response to that be?
A: Of course, some people will think that, but voting by text is simple. Our SMS system will accept as many texts as you wish to send, however, the beauty of the technology means that only one will be counted, we are able to eliminate duplication. All voting data will be available following the event if anyone wishes to view it. It's key if the awards are to have credibility that the voting is not manipulated and fair, plus all text income is being donated to the Martha Dos cerebral palsy unit in La Laguna.
Q. What will the event itself be like?
A. The Tenerife Entertainment Awards are taking place at Exit Palace on Sunday 27th May from 2pm, and will once again be hosted by Nathan Swift, who did a great job last year, and because as he is well known on the island, but, no longer lives here so he's neutral. The event itself will be spectacular due to the volume of production work being put into it for audio and visuals.
Q. Now there is one category, Best Band, that can't be voted for until the day, how will that work?
A. Last year worked brilliantly with the live performances from the Best Male and Female singer nominees, so we thought it would be great to change it this year and have bands. Technically it's very difficult and hasn't been tried by anyone before, but it will add a great element to the ceremony when votes will be cast by the audience and listeners to the radio stations and on-line for their favourite.
Q. What would your comments be to those who think The Entertainment Awards are just a ‘flash in the pan' and not worth supporting?
A. There are always sceptics and people who will not be happy with something to do with the awards, but I feel that last year's event proved the doubters wrong. Also, let's face it, it is us that are collectively supporting the entertainment scene to boost the local market and awareness of the volume of talent available, so we would hope that the awards are fully supported by both the entertainers and venues, as well as the public, as it's for them.
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