Beyond the Voice: Michelle Bedford

Which shows do you DJ?

On The River

When did you start volunteering at the station?

January 2024

How did you first hear about KAXE?

I learned of KAXE while still living in Philly. KAXE had done a couple of different interviews highlighting my family (who had moved to Bemidji) and their art careers. I was impressed with the conversations and KAXE's commitment uplifting the arts and culture in Northern Minnesota.

Your favorite recent album or artist?

DYAN's 2025 album Midwest and song "Pray to Me" has been playing on repeat for months.

Who got you into music?

Oh man. Wow. That's a loaded question haha. My dad is BIG into listening to music. He listens very deeply. He is a lover of jazz, classical, and music with deep meaning or interesting key changes or rhythms. He would rent dvds about different jazz musicians that we would watch together. Though, this question would also not be fair to name my mom, who would enter her art studio to paint with the flowy-fun sounds of Motown blasting, Stevie Wonder, or James Taylor. Our family went on LONG road trips so we always brought with us our cd collections of music from ALL over the world, folk music like Peter Paul and Mary, Joni Mitchell, and rock like Pink Floyd. My older sister also became very interested in music and culture from the 60's and 70's so that was a big influence for me too. I also grew up in a musically gifted town. Music was throughout my school day, my community, and literally all around me in the best of ways.

Most memorable concert or festival?

My first ever Winnipeg Folk Fest in 2023 (and every one thereafter.)

Tell us about your favorite KAXE memory.

Favorite fellow on-air DJ at KAXE?

Oh, there's so many. I'm so grateful for all of you.

What hobbies do you have outside of DJing?

I'm a painter, but also a writer. I just started writing my first book this last year! I love trying out new things like skiing and skateboarding (learning both as an adult!) I'm a GrlSwirl Ambassador for surf-skating and I'm entirely obsessed with studying my dreams. I'm now also a Regional Rep for the International Association for the Study of Dreams.

What's a musical ick for you?

Oh this is a mystery to me. I have never thought about this, but I'm sure I have them. I will be observant to the next time this comes up for me to find out what mine are!

Prince or Dylan?

haha Dylan

KAXE is turning 50 in 2026! Why should KAXE exist for another 50 years?

Omg! For the arts, the culture, and the community to name just a few! I am so grateful for you KAXE.

Michelle's Playlist

In honor of KAXE turning 50, we asked our volunteers to send us a playlist of songs that help tell their musical story.

1. Olalla, Blanco White
2. Carry on with Me, Junius Meyvant
3. The Balance, The Moody Blues
4. Lunita, Danit
5. Tierno Amor, Alturas Music
6. Time is On My Side, Irma Thomas
7. Blowin’ in the Wind, Peter, Paul and Mary
8. A Change Is Gonna Come, Sam Cooke
9. All I Want, Joni Mitchell
10. Cruisin’, Smokey Robinson
11. Break Free (Rolling Stone), Susto
12. My Salty Jente, Easy Giant
13. Pray to Me, DYAN
14. Stir It Up, Bob Marley
15. I Say A Little Prayer, Aretha Franklin
16. Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye, Bettye Swann
17. Rag Child, Allison Russel
18. Don’t Kid Yourself Kid, Heavy MakeUp
19. You Sigh, Charlie Cunningham
20. Chintamani, Celine Dessberg
21. Vento, Peia
22. Coming Home, Leon Bridges
23. Never Fade, Jack Johnson
24. You Don’t Own Me, Lesley Gore
25. Sirenita Bobinsana, Orka
26. I’m Getting Ready, Michael Kiwanuka
27. Hymn To The Soul, LAOR
28. In The Wind, Lord Huron
29. Into The Mystic, Van Morrison
30. Lebanon, Ondara
31. Tell Him, Ms. Lauryn Hill
32. Deep In Love, Bonny Light Horseman
33. Sherwood Stroll, Funkmammoth
34. Ready To Run, First Aid Kit
35. Days Go By, May Erlewine, Woody Goss
36. Gambia, Sona Jobarteh
37. Demain il fera beau, Etienne Coppee
38. Fanusa – Acoustic Mix, Saro Tribastone
39. Hold On, Yola, The Highwomen
40. High Road, Sir Woman
41. Coyote, My Little Brother, Pete Seeger
42. Greetings, Hamza El Din
43. Water Flow, Klyne
44. Chakra, Fakear
45. My Journey To The Sky, Sister Rosetta Tharpe
46. Lua Soberana, Sergio Mendes
47. Back To You, Benjamin Gordon
48. We’re All Going Home, The Wanderer
49. Here Comes The Sun, Richie Havens
50. Saucy Sailor, Steeleye Span