-
10 Questions with ... Nate Mumford
September 1, 2015
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Promotions / swing at WRKI & WDBY/Danbury, CT, WPDH & WCZX/Poughkeepsie, NY, WBMX/Boston, MA and now WDAQ, WAXB & WDAQ-HD2.
1. How did you become interested in radio?
Back in the day, I was a musician that had to intern for credit, so why not intern for the people who play the music? While interning for WDBY, I was heckling Real World/Road Rules with my PD Joe Limardi and he asked me, "You ever think about going on-air?" After a potential promotional arrest (Shout out to my Mix Crew, too many to name), numerous naps, including an inflatable raft in the studio, and a near death experience, I think my radio bug was justified.
2. What led to Berkshire Broadcasting signing on 103.7FM Danbury's New Rock Alternative?
I have to give credit to my GM, Irv Goldstein. I like to think I'm the guy who gets told by his boss, "I want to do this," and I always respond with, "Yea, I can do that." After launching WAXB, a Classic Hits format two years ago, we discussed a couple back up plans, which included an alternative station. So when he said, "It's a go!" I already had the concept in mind.
3. Irv indicated when the station signed on that the station gives rock listeners under 45 a "real rock choice." Explain the music on 103.7FM and who the station is targeting in Danbury?
I'm not going to lie; we're in an interesting dynamic in Danbury. 98Q has been the heritage powerhouse and we don't want to disrupt the success we've had. Yet, there is a specific demographic that is not getting to hear THEIR music. We all get it. Zeppelin, Rush, Doors? They're great. But what about the newer music? Have you heard the new Alabama Shakes album? I am a sucker for Death Cab For Cutie. Where's that in Danbury!?! They can hold on to their classic rock, but I, as someone who is a part of the younger male demographic, want to discover my next favorite record. Also, Scar Tissue never gets old to me. There was a gap there and finally Danbury has something that has fulfilled that.
4. What is the station's coverage area as a translator signal?
I like to say we're the little engine that could. Working with WDAQ, WAXB and now WDAQ-HD2, I understand our limitations, but I don't let that knock us down. We have a phenomenal product that we have put countless days into, and that's all that matters. Can't get it at work? There's this thing called the internet - we got you covered.
5. Since you also are APD/MD/PM-drive at Hot AC sister station 98Q, what is a typical day like for you now that you have added PD duties of 103.7FM Danbury's New Rock Alternative?
Where do I start!?! I wear MANY hats. There hasn't been a day where I think to myself, "Ugh, I don't want to go into work today." But it gets interesting. At minimum, we're talking three overanalyzed logs a day, usually some piece of hardware breaks down, an air shift, and then helping sales with whatever they need. With all the running around, at least my calves are in shape.
6. What do you love most about working for Berkshire Broadcasting?
When I walked into an interview with WDAQ for nights, our then PD Chris Duggan said, "I understand the wall looks like it's from the 70s, but we get stuff done." I like that. I can go into Irv's office and say, "This needs to happen." Or, he can go to me and say, "So, do you want to build another radio station? How about Alternative?" and we can make it happen.
7. How sort of marketing are you doing to get the word out on the new station?
We have the traditional billboards, publications, a press release, etc. But my goal is to connect with our listeners through the music. Concerts and reflecting on those concerts through social media would be a future goal. Listeners can go on our Facebook page and say, "I had an amazing time at the XYZ show"' And we can say, "We did too." That would be amazing.
8. You have been in the market for 7 years. What do you like best about living in Danbury?
I like to call Danbury the Bermuda Triangle of radio, since you have NYC, Hudson Valley, Hartford, and New Haven. It's tough for us independent guys, but there's always something to go or do. That and I grew up just over the border in New York. Us "locals" joke that we either: A) Move to NYC; B) Live at home; C) Move to Connecticut. I made the move and can happily say that I spend numerous weekends in the city.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Music. My coworkers will be the first to tell you that, which is why I make a point to keep my door closed. I always need something in the background. That or my 2 pm coffee break. With all the work fires I have to put out daily, it's the little things in life.
10. What would surprise people most about you?
I have a degree in music. I graduated from Berklee College of Music and I can jam with the best of them.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
Playing drums. I co-coach a co-ed softball team that I probably take too seriously. I also love traveling around the Northeast. I plan a big Vermont trip with friends every winter, which includes me doing a backflip into the snow in my boxers. Seven years and counting.
Last non-industry job?
I worked for a half-off start-up marketing company called Froggll. Amazing guys. Worked in the kitchen on a folded table. I like to adapt.
First record ever purchased?
Nine Inch Nails / Pretty Hate Machine
First concert?
I saw Box Car Racer and The Used at Hammerstein Ballroom. My best friend's mother told us, "If you see any Women of the Night. Just. Say. No."
Favorite band of all-time?
Earlier I said I'm a sucker for Death Cab For Cutie. You know you can't name one. Here's a toast to Butch Walker, Pearl Jam, Hold Steady, Third Eye Blind and Alex Dezen of The Damnwells to name what I just listened to today.
-
-