XM LIVE Programming Director Emma "Red" Wilson with Reggae legend Maxi Priest at XM's Washington, D.C. studios.

As music enthusiasts and collectors have begun to turn on to digital satellite radio, word has spread like proverbial wildfire about the diverse programming that often includes vintage concerts, as well as other exclusive live broadcasts. All the more enticing is that, on the whole, these offerings are presented in their entirety without commercial interruption. Two of the more prominent sources for these recordings and simulcasts are XM LIVE and SIRIUS Sessions. Although both bring live music to their audiences, their respective methodologies and content vacillate wildly, ultimately submitting something for seemingly every possible taste.

This time around we are going to spend a few quality moments with XM LIVE's Program Director, Emma "Red" Wilson. Her passion to feed the requests and desires of each and every one of her listeners is immediately evident from XM LIVE's eclectic play list — which consists of exclusive and rare live performances from every conceivable musical genre. Another indescribably sweet advantage for tapers and traders alike is XM's exclusive rights to the BBC's legendary vaults — including new artists and performances, as well as the classics. Within her answers to our 20 Questions, "Red" takes us behind the broadcast console and reveals what goes into airing 168 hours a week of vintage and new exclusive concerts by everyone who is anyone in music from yesterday, today, and even tomorrow's superstars.

So with bagels toastin' and hot java brewin', Crutchfield Advisor caught up with Ms. Wilson early one mid-July morning at her Manhattan apartment. As you'll read, although Wilson readily admits to having not been raised on radio, with her adventurous spirit and candor comes a much needed breath of fresh air.

Q: What is your official title at XM LIVE, how long have you been there, and how did you get the gig?

A: I am the program director of channel 168, XM LIVE, which I have been doing since November of 2002. Initially, I was with XM's Youth Talk channel. This was also around the time that I was involved in presenting, or what you Yanks might call "hosting," a kids game show on the Nickelodeon TV network called "Scaredy Camp." As I recall, it was shortly after we'd wrapped the Shriek Week shows — which aired around Halloween — that I was approached about becoming the PD [Program Director] of XM LIVE. I'll back up a bit and mention also that on the Youth Talk channel, we always would incorporate a variety of diverse sounds. At the inception, we realized that the subsequent generations will be quite adept at multi-tasking. They can listen and participate, as well as soak in new and perhaps unfamiliar things, such as music. Plus, the fact that I have a TV background also lent to a more sonically visual performance from me.

Q: If I were to look in your CD player right now, what would I find?

A: You'd find Tegan & Sara. I consider this motivational music. This is another thing, people send me CDs or I will hear something from girlfriends of mine and I use that as a springboard, if you will, into directions that I will take XM LIVE. This is because it is often the live performance that really represents a musician — not the studio album. This is especially true of new artists. So, I will make a few calls and because there are no "vintage" Tegan & Sara concerts, we will try and get one of our own.

Q: What are some of your most treasured and/or influential (?) live musical experiences?

A: My first concert was Abba on the Super Trooper tour. My dad took me because I was too young to go on my own. There was Elvis Costello in Central Park, not that I even had a ticket, but I had a blanket and we sat in the park and listened. That was in the early-to-mid '90s when he'd just reformed the Attractions. I got a bit closer to him however, when I sat two seats down from Elvis at Burt Bacharach's final performance at Royal Albert Hall. Then there was also Screamin' Jay Hawkins at the Palomino Club in Los Angeles. I also got to see Ella Fitzgerald at the Hollywood Bowl, which is definitely etched in my psyche. As a fan, I still remember the feeling of saving up the fifteen dollars to go see a club show, then you buy your ticket and just anticipate the show date. Remember that? That was fun, I miss that. I miss the passion, I guess. That is why it is so refreshing to hear from music fans and collectors who are so passionate about the shows that we play on XM LIVE. If someone takes the time to contact me, I am inspired in the same way that I was back then. I once dated a boy who had Tom Jones' signature tattooed on his leg. I don't mean small initials. It was the whole thing, the size of your hand ... Anyway, that is what I want to re-kindle with listeners.