KZSM 104.1/KZSM. org welcomes the return of a show that first aired at the beginning of 2023. From 6-8 p.m. Mondays, you can escape to a “Melancholy Tea Party,” hosted by Mark Decker.
“I came up with the title after recognizing the lyrics that I felt compelled to listen to most — songs that were slower tempo in nature, with many in a minor key, and the lyrics largely represented broken or hampered relationships,” he recalls. More upbeat songs do bring variety to the playlist, and the music reminds listeners that everyone experiences difficult times, so they are not alone.
In addition, the creative format of the show offers escape by weaving the songs together to form a story that will take listeners on a journey into the realm of the imagination. “I’d like for [listeners] to be able to listen to the program virtually non-stop and have it enrich their lives to some degree,” Mark explains.
While the previous version of “Melancholy Tea Party” mapped out that imaginative journey by carefully coordinating the playlist, the new version invites listeners to a virtual table by creating characters to converse about the music, and about life. For example, in episode three, the character “Monolith” explained that relationships sometime have issues, but the songs support keeping your head up through it.
As Mark explains, “’Monolith’ is a deepvoiced (albeit noticeably synthesized), ultra-serious character that tends to talk about how things are wrong but offers advice on how to work through it.” “The Bee,” in contrast, is a fun-loving mischievous character who waves a “wing” at troubles and just wants to party. More characters will be joining the tea party in future episodes, including the pedantic, plodding “Professor,” who will contrast the frivolous Bee, who only wants to flit from flower to flower.
Like the Mad Hatter’s table in “Alice In Wonderland,” Mark’s tea table always has “plenty of room,” both for you and for new imaginary guests. “This world has too much negativity and it seems to get worse by the day,” he comments. Whether you’d like to consider life’s difficulties or just escape for a couple of hours, join Mark for tea Mondays at 6 p.m.
If you can’t solve your problems, a meager escape for a couple hours, I feel, is just what the doctor ordered. Come to think of it, new character: “Doctor Decker”... coming soon.
