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10 Questions with ... Jason "Roach" Hines
August 9, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
WRUF/Gainesville 1999-2003; WHHZ/Gainesville 2003; WRXW/Jackson 2003-2005; KKZR-FM/Little Rock 2005-2006, KXNA 2006-2010, WXJZ/Gainesville 2013-2014, WBGF/West Palm Beach 2014-2015, KXNA-FM 2016. I have been OM, PD, APD, MD, Mornings, Afternoons, Nights, and Sales. I have worn many hats at all of these stations.
1. After working at KXNA New Rock 104.9 The X from 2006-2010, what led you back to the station to do mornings?
Jackson called me and asked me if I wanted to do mornings again, which I jumped at the chance! Afternoon drive on New Rock 104.9 The X was one of my favorites in my career.
2. What is it like working for Dave Jackson?
He is amazing. Hands down one of my favorite PD's I have ever worked for. The man knows how to program the music and is always helping talent become better daily. His approach to radio and managing people is the way it is supposed to be done. We have no corporate suits and ties to worry about. No one looking over my shoulder telling me what to do. He lets me be myself on air, gives me creative control, and we have a trust built up that can't be broken.
3. Tell us about The Roach Motel Radio Show.
I started calling it by that name back when I was doing nights at WRXW/Jackson, Mississippi in 2004. The PD that hired me was Sam Blythe and he wanted a single name for the night jock. "When in doubt consult The Rolling Stone" he says. So he opens the magazine up and comes across a Papa Roach article and says can we call you Roach on air? I went with it. Later that year I was watching Leno on the TV and in his monologue he rambles off how he couldn't stay at the Bellagio and how to stay down the road at some "roach motel." Light bulb went off and I started calling it that ever since. I went down the hall the next day and stole the bell from the secretary and so it began.
4. What are the benchmarks of your show?
The show is music intensive and I am all about breaking new artists. Jackson and I look over what is worth giving a shot and I play it. I try to be all about the music. Stick to knowing about the artists and providing some entertainment. I really enjoy the fact that when people are tuning into the show during the AM drive that they are going to have some music to wake them up and punch them in the face.
5. How has the show changed from when you were doing PM-drive New Rock 104.9 The X?
Well it is a hell of a lot earlier than I am used to that's for sure. I have worked in the market before so I know the people and the community. I really try to do my afternoon show on my now morning show. I have more freedom to make decisions on what music fits and what might need to be changed out. That is refreshing so take heed lounge chair programmers sitting behind a desk from who knows where! The show is evolving every day and the fans that used to listen to me on that station are excited that I am back. So I am just giving the people what they want. The feedback thus far has been phenomenal.
6. What is your show prep routine?
I try to keep up with the newest trends and music. Every day I am constantly reading up on bands, entertainment, and news. I try to talk to the people, not at them. Make them feel a part of the show by paying attention to what is going on in the community and providing some fun along the way. Just be yourself, get your set list, and content ready to go. I am just here to play rock n roll man.
7. What sort of things makes The Roach Motel Radio Show unique?
Well everyone is welcome that is key. I do my best to make my listeners feel like they are a part of something. Welcome them into your home so to speak; haven't they welcomed you into theirs? Or car...or wherever the hell they are listening. I want the listener to really believe that they are a part of my life, just as much as I am a part of their lives. I try to bring a lot of rock attitude and just general fun. Radio needs to get back to adding personality to the airwaves, that compliments the music, not overrides it.
8. Who are some of your favorite on-air personalities?
Man this is a tough one! One for sure is my Uncle Harold. He was on the air for 20 years and even had Charley Steiner as his sports guy while on air in WV. How cool is that?! Plus he got to be on the legendary CKLW! As well as WAKY and WKLO while working with Jim Brand and Bill Hennes. I even have a Solid Gold WKLO vinyl record with him in it and JJ Wright and some other guys. Brother Love Bill Herald is also pretty awesome. I have chatted with him and the others a few times and love listening to the old stuff. So you could say that radio is literally in my blood. I also got to work with JoJo Kincaid while in Gainesville and that dude is high energy! There are many others that I have left out, but they know who they are.
9. What is it like working for Butler Broadcasting?
It's great! Like I said freedom to do what you know. Total creative control because we have done it together before. I mean how many stations have a freaking 30 foot scissor left station boombox vehicle that people can see for miles?!
10. What would surprise people most about you?
I am a fossil collecting nerd. I literally go hunting for megalodon teeth, mammoth, mastodon, and other ancient beings. Finding something that is over millions of years old is pretty freaking cool. Did it as a kid and have been hooked ever since. I also have a huge sports memorabilia collection including game worn jerseys and autographs.
Bonus Questions
What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your 15 year radio career?
I am always being myself, no one else. Sometimes that is hard when you are an entertainer. I do my best to portray my true self on-air.
What is the funniest experience that ever happened to you in radio?
Man there are many! One time a listener came out to one of my live broadcasts with a can of freaking RAID! Chased me all over the damn place. I had to kindly suggest that the name is either "bugs or drugs" you do the math. Or it is the smoking kind or stomping kind. Needless to say I escaped!
Welcome to the BIG 4-0! How did you handle turning 40?
The Roach Motel Strippers Included. Seriously, I went out with a bunch of my friends and had a good time. I really celebrated a week later when I checked out Big Data, Against Me!, Taking Back Sunday, Wu-Tang Clan, and Cage The Elephant in Jacksonville, FL! Meeting RZA was pretty effing cool. Plus I love the Cage The Elephant guys so it is always nice to see them.
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