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10 Questions with ... Josh Venable
June 3, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started at The Edge in Dallas when I was in high school. I called every day for three months and begged George Gimarc for a job. After getting annoyed enough I guess, he relented. I made copies and hook tapes for callout, drove bands around and everything shy of sweeping the floor. In 1994 I took over The Adventure Club which led to overnights, nights, Music Director. etc. Then went to L.A. in 2008 to KYSR to be MD/afternoons. Back to Dallas to be PD in 2011. Started as PD in Tulsa in 2013.
1. What led you to The Edge in Tulsa?
I loved the idea of working for a smaller company. After talking with friends who knew the station well and hearing nothing but good things, it seemed logical after being laid off by Clear Channel.
2. After working in Dallas for most of your career, what has been your biggest adjustment moving to Tulsa?
My office is on the 55th floor.
3. What may surprise people to learn about Stephens Media Group?
Shouldn't surprise anyone but working for a small company is pretty fantastic. I work with fantastic people here and couldn't be more proud of my air staff.
4. What is your favorite part of your job?
I've always liked making mixtapes. When I was a kid I'd make them for girls to make them like me. Darren Rose and I were talking the other day and he said "Really that's all working in programming is...making a really long mixtape."
5. What is the most challenging part of the job?
Balancing rock and alternative
6. How are you able to keep The Edge rocking enough with so many pop records at the format?
Thankfully there are some good rock records out right now. Royal Blood, Chevelle, Three Days Grace. Of course having a deep gold library helps as well.
7. What makes The Edge unique?
Nineteen years and still going strong. Tulsa is far cooler than most people know. We get tons of good shows passing through and The Edge has always been there to support them. Big college population and the kids dig the new music.
8. How are you using social media to interact with listeners?
The usual ways I guess. Facebook and Twitter are great for setting appointment listening. We do a lot of secret contests just for social media friends and followers.
9. What would surprise people most about you?
I front a Smiths and Morrissey tribute band called Panic www.facebook.com/panicindallas.
10. What are you most passionate about?
Music. It's always been about the music. Since I was in high school, REM, The Cure, The Smiths, U2, Blur. Wait, music, Star Wars and Twin Peaks. That's the right answer.
Bonus Questions
Tell us about your record collection and how frequently you add to it?
It's close to 17,000 or so. That's vinyl and CD combined. How much do I add? Record Store Day this year soaked me for a good amount of cash for sure. I go out about every two weeks looking, I guess. There are some good stores here and I'm always in Dallas playing shows or practicing so I have my old haunts when I'm there. Right now is more about filling in holes in certain band collections. The other day I got a Boo Radleys promo I'd never seen before for a buck. Score!
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