Nana Mex - From Downunda Thunda to Global Thunda Network

Nana Mex is well remembered and loved among the independent radio community for her 'DJ Nana Mex's Downunda Thunda Radio Shows' which began in the early/mid 2000's and broadcast from her adopted hometown of Carnarvon, Western Australia - 'where the bush meets the beach'.  Her fan base grew as she played the best of Australian and New Zealand independent artists to all who cared to tune in.   Tune in, they did.  Through her unwavering support for AU & NZ independent musicians, friendships were forged and everyone became extremely fond of 'the Nana' and the tracks she talked to us all about and played for hours - not to mention her various, intriguing and sometimes humourous views on world affairs!.  A buzz had begun and Nana Mex wanted to help to promote those she referred to caringly as 'her muso's' even further.  Having had enough experiences through several years of learning curves and hindsight (aint it grand?!) in the world of internet radio, Katherine "Nana Mex" Juestel forged an idea. 

 

Nana Mex was the founder of Downunda Thunda Radio (DTR).
In the words of Phill Gottschalk (current DTR Director) "... we are all appreciative of the foresight and commitment of 'Nanamex' for spearheading the creative.".


Based on Nana Mex's ideas, Bill Hawkins became involved with her concept in an attempt to help to take DTR further and DTR was consequently registered in Carnarvon in 2007 (see: ASIC).  A short time later,  Nana Mex hired Phill Gottschalk as web designer and later invited to become General Manager to help to bring in sponsorships.  From that point DTR was now intending to make enough money through sponsorships to support itself. Due to potential issues with Centrelink (Nana Mex being an invalid pensioner), Nana Mex made the decision to sign her directorship over to Phill Gottschalk in good faith and took on the role of advisor and volunteer co-ordinator.  One year later; Due to irreconcilable differences with the directors of Downunda Thunda Radio Pty Ltd and the direction they were taking, Nana Mex was left with no option but to resign her advisory, volunteer coordinator status from DTR in early November 2008, with the stipulation that she retain the rights to the name Downunda Thunda along with cosmiccloudsradio.com.au [see *footnote], a project begun in conjunction with Greenehouse Productions.  Her resignation was accepted in full and as written. 

The all Australian volunteer 'Downunda Thunda Team' Nana Mex had put together also left DTR in support of their volunteer coordinator and good friend, Nana Mex - in their minds, the original 'Downunda Thunda' DJ and creator.
Still believing in AU & NZ independent artists as strongly as ever, Nana Mex felt as though she had let her 'Thunda Team' and independent musician friends down.  However, with the support and encouragement of her Downunda Thunda Team and some sage advice offered by several good industry friends, Nana Mex took stock and a deep breath, and decided to take the plunge just one more time.  The ideas department, heart, ribs and backbone managed to find it's collective legs and took a step forward.

Enter Global Thunda Network. (Special mention to team member and Blues DJ, Sonny Walker for a great name suggestion.)
 

Global Thunda Network was born in late November 2008 and officially launched in February 2009. [EXTRA! EXTRA! - READ ALL ABOUT IT!]
November 2009:  The GTN website has had well over 200,000 hits since it's inception.  With mounting featured artists and AU & NZ independent music to burn (or in this case 'to stream'!),  GTN has become a recognizable force for AU & NZ independent music.  Great sponsors and supporters, sensational independent musicians and nothing but great music from all genres playing 24/7! - and it continues to grow!
 

Nana Mex's Motto's for Global Thunda Network:
"In 2009 - We're gonna shine"
"In 2010 - We'll do it again"
"Onwards and Upwards".

 

Where ever Nana Mex goes, so too does her loyal Downunda Thunda Team follow.
Head to www.globalthundanetwork.com to catch the wave for Australian and New Zealand Independent music.

 

[*footnote: On November 26th 2009, it was discovered that there had been an oversite by both parties and cosmiccloudsradio.com.au had not been transferred to GTN in November 2008. Rather than informing Nana Mex of the oversite, DTR simply decided to take the site back. Global Thunda Network now runs www.oceaniawavesradio.com.au to showcase the ambient, new age, jazz and world artists who have been promoted through GTN in the past year. As we wave goodbye to the Cosmic Clouds Radio website after a year and more of promoting the artists, we are proud and thrilled to announce a greater project to encompass Global Thunda Network's world, ambient, jazz, new age and easy listening artists not only from Australia and New Zealand, but now also branching out to include all Oceania regions and also extend the invitation to all Asian cultures and countries.
To double our excitement, we are ecstatic to announce our new affiliation with superb independent music promoter, IMGlobal©.]


Global Thunda Network
(Unincorporated /Non For Profit/ Non Charity Business - ABN: 42 608 108 810 )
World Wide Independent Music Portal
Transcending Borders and Racial Divides with The Universal Language of Independent Music
www.globalthundanetwork.com | www.myspace.com/globalthunda
Co-founders:
Katherine "Nana Mex" Juestel (Volunteer Coordinator)  info @ globalthundanetwork.com
Donna Greene (Public Officer) donna.greene @ globalthundanetwork.com