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10 Questions with ... Twisted Todd
October 6, 2015
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
WTPT 1999-2003, WNNX (99X Atlanta) 2003-2004, WTPT 2005-present (in my current position since 2007)
1) What was your first job in radio and early influences?
I grew up listening to local radio and just found myself longing to get into the business. I went to college to become a school teacher but ended up in broadcasting. I had a difficult time getting internships in radio because all the positions would be filled when I started my summer breaks. I finally caught a break and worked all day as an extra hand at a big station event in the early days of 93.3 the Planet. That got the attention of our then program director and the rest, as they say, is history.
2) What was the defining "radio" moment that made you realize "this is it?"
When I finally got my first full-time gig (the position I currently hold) after eight years as a part-timer.
3) How long have you been at WTPT (93.3 The Planet) and what makes this station so unique?
A grand total of 15 years. I think we resonate with our listeners in ways few other stations do. Our devotees are called P1s and they can register a P1 name on our website and it becomes a handle in a fairly tight-knit community.
4) You have the dual role as MD and afternoon host. How do you balance your time so both roles are effective?
Very carefully! Ha ha, no seriously, I just try to manage my time and plan accordingly using whatever resources I have available to pull it off.
5) Your sister station is WROQ (Classic Rock 101.1). How do you differentiate yourself from WROQ musically?
We tend to be the more current side of a two-sided coin of rock. We do play a handful of classics we share with our sister station, but never more than two an hour. The majority of our golds come from the '90s mixed in with songs from this century (or millennium).
6) What's your take on current Active Rock music? Is it as good as six months or a year ago, better, or about the same?
Honestly, I think Active Rock is in a pretty bad slump (and has been for a number of years) with a few exceptions like, most recently, bands like Ghost who are actually bringing something different to the table. We need a new movement in rock. There hasn't really been a major rock movement since grunge and nu metal of the '90s.
7) There's quite a buzz out now on the band Islander who hails from Greenville. When did you first become aware of these guys locally?
A few years ago before they were signed they contacted me about getting some airplay on the now-discontinued local/regional unsigned show, which I hosted on the station. Mikey, the singer, told me that Sonny from P.O.D. was on the track he was sending, to which I thought was a big line of bull since bands tend to name-drop to make themselves look more important. I listened to the track and, when I heard the second verse, was shocked to actually hear Sonny's unmistakable voice.
8) Here's another music question. Name THREE great new Rock bands you like and why?
Ghost! They're dark and have that evil shtick but I love their new record! Volbeat. Not really new, but they're another band bringing something different to the rock realm! Islander. They're hometown heroes (at least the singer is at this point) and they're out there living the dream!
9) How much does The Planet use social media sites like Facebook and Twitter to interact with its listeners?
We're all over Facebook! Posting stories, pics, vids and sharing our experiences with the listener! We're a bit slower on Twitter since our audience tends to be much more active on Facebook.
10) Finally, I've heard you're an accomplished rock bass player. How long have you been slapping the bass? Also ... please share some of your best musical highlights.
As of this month, I have been playing bass for 22 years. I have played in numerous local bands and have opened for a handful of national acts but nothing compares to actually sharing the stage with Skillet last August (2014) to perform their "Monster" hit with the band in my hometown of Simpsonville, SC!
Bonus Questions
You're stuck on a deserted island and you only have five CDs with you. What are they?
That's a tough call. It probably varies but, as of right now, I would have to say Fables from a Mayfly: What I Tell You Three Times is True and Arrows and Anchors by Fair to Midland, Gretchen Goes to Nebraska by King's X, ...And Justice For All by Metallica and Monolith by Kansas.
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