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10 Questions with ... Jeff Morad
November 5, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
WERG/Penn State; WKPE/Cape Cod; KIMN/Denver; and WEQX.
1. What was your favorite station to listen to growing up in Erie and what did you like most about that station?
The station I listened to most was actually across the lake in London, Ontario. FM96 had some very chill DJs; they played nothing but the best new music and exposed me to The Tragically Hip. I was obsessed with the midday host, Leigh Robert.
2. What do you remember the most from when you first started working at WEQX?
I remember coming over to the station for my interview and to record a mock show. When I first pulled up the station, I was like "screw you Google maps, this 200-year-old Victorian house cannot be a radio station!"....it sure was. I let myself in, poked around looking for anybody to greet me and eventually found myself upstairs where the studio is. I ran into Amber Miller, who was MD at the time, and told her that Willobee had asked me to come over for the interview. She informed me that he was gone for the day and perhaps I should just carry on with the mock up show, so I did. My thoughts were, "wow, what a great place when the boss skips your interview...that's pretty freaking relaxed, pressure's gone!" Apparently that lack of pressure showed in my aircheck and Willobee called me in to take over the night shift.
3. What has been your biggest challenge since being promoted to PD?
Being here for potential employee interviews. No, just kidding. I would have to say that the biggest pressure is to keep this place true to what it is and what it has been for the past 29 years....don't eff it up now, Jeff!
4. What do you love most about working at WEQX?
The fact that I can bring my dog, Kokee, into work with me each and every day.
5. There are not many radio stations today like WEQX. How do you describe "The Real Alternative" station?
This place is like a little tiny family here. We even recently renovated a spare room into a bunk room so that we could spend nights here. I think it's pretty unusual that people would go out of their way to actually make it possible to spend MORE time at work???
6. What may surprise people most about WEQX?
The surprising thing is that there are no surprises. What you hear is what you get. We are thrilled when people go out of their way to stop by for tours and each and every person who steps inside the house (studio) says that it's exactly what they pictured in their mind. It's rare for that response because usually radio people hear "this is nothing like what I expected."
7. What's your music meeting like and how much new music are you listening to each week?
We have been thinking about taking our music meetings out to the public cause they are so much fun! Kim (Music Coordinator), Keller (afternoon drive) and I spend at least two hours every Tuesday locked in the music room listening to and debating everything that has come our way in the past week. Most conversations are hilarious, others are heated....either way, we feel like we come away with some really solid adds for the week.
8. WEQX has always been a leader in breaking new music. What are some of the bigger songs on the station this year that may surprise people?
Surprise picks include Polyphonic Spree-"You Don't Know Me" and The Features-"This Disorder". These are two tracks that I can't believe didn't garner more success elsewhere. We have been long time supporters of both groups, thusly following their progression and they never cease to amaze us. Mind blowing when you catch them live and the perfect sound for alt radio! Get on them people! :)
9. You goal is to see 100 concerts in 2013. What are your top shows from this year?
The Features, Phish (of course), Terraplane Sun, Robert DeLong, Matt & Kim at Lolla, My Morning Jacket, Conspirator at Mountain Jam and Portugal. The Man at Pearl Palooza. BTW, I'm at 89 as of 10/29...I've got this goal on lockdown!
10. Sadly, WEQX founder/owner Brooks Brown passed away at the end of August. I've spoken with Brooks many times over the last 20 years and know how passionate and active he was with the radio station that he built 29 years ago What is your fondest memory of Brooks?
I will always remember Brooks by the stories that have been shared by a million of his friends and family members...the crazy stuff. But, my fondest memory of him will be the way he always started off our conversations by asking about my fiancée, Mallory and my family. He always needed to know how they were doing and genuinely cared about their well-being. You knew Brooks was hard and tough, but it was this softer side of him that I will always keep in my mind.
Bonus Questions
You love to make up nicknames for people. What are the nicknames on your staff?
I cannot share these nicknames for fear of legal retribution.
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