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10 Questions with ... Butter
December 5, 2006
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Please outline your radio career so far:
WJJM A-F/Lewisburg TN
WCIL/Carbondale IL
WGFX/Nashville TN
WRVW/Nashville TN1 How would you describe your first radio gig?
Well it was like being a kid in a candy store, except it was a radio station. Incidentally I still got cavities. I started when I was a junior in high school. It was a small station that had a live trading post and a ditz for a station manager. A hair salon called in to give a deal on a hair cut and shampoo and she gave a way a "blow job." I think someone conned her into selling Duck Butter once as well. I worked there five years, wouldn't trade it for the world.
2 What led you to a career in radio?
When I was kid, I turned lights on and off all the time. I'm told when I was really little I would stack couch cushions to be able to reach the light switches, I was obsessed with anything I could turn on or off or buttons I could push. I also enjoyed taking things apart (putting them back together, not so much). My future as a DJ solidified when I got my first karaoke machine at age ten; I took that apart too. I think my mom still has the tapes to prove it.
3 How'd you get the nickname?
My PD was hungry one day, and I think he was craving Reese's Pieces. Somehow Tommy Butter happened. It was either that or Tommy Taco. Obviously he was hell bent on it being Tommy and something food related. I liked Butter, and dropped the "Tommy" part immediately.
4 How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
It's a little weird here. I mean, we have four country music stations. Even in the country capitol of the world, I still think that's a little odd. Of course, the one in our building is the best, hands down. There's a couple stations in town that don't know who they are and I'm sure not going to name any names. I don't want them to find out they don't know what they're doing. It's more fun that way. I will say its cool being at the only Top 40 in town. You know you're doing something no one else is doing, and it's nice to know we ran the other one out of town ... LOL
5 What is your favorite part of the job?
Sleeping in. Ha! Actually, it's hard to say. I love what I do, so I can't really nail down my favorite part. However, I do enjoy making listeners the stars and being part of putting new and exciting music on the radio.
6 What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
I love Sweet Tea, actually everyone knows that. I'm a pretty open book and can't think of anything people don't already know.
7 Could you give us a little insight into your on air staff?
You couldn't ask for a better staff to work with. It has to be the best team ever assembled, me not included. Woody and Jim are geniuses in their own right. I don't know where Madison gets all her dirt, and I hope never to be any of it. Ryno is our afternoon guy, and he's a pro's pro. I have never met a more gifted jock than this guy. He flies by the seat of his pants every afternoon and always delivers a flawless show. It's an honor to follow him everyday. Last and certainly not least is my PD Rich Davis. I wouldn't be here today without him. He hired me when others thought he was crazy (and still do). I've had some good PDs in my career; hands down he's the best and it's my hope to have him as my leader from here on out. It's an honor to call him friend and mentor as I've learned a tremendous deal of lifelong radio lessons from him. Thanks Rich!
8 Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
I have two, actually. One is Gerry House from WSIX. That man is the Letterman of radio. Seriously the only DJ to make me laugh so hard I had to pull over on more than one occasion. Too bad I'm in the same building as him everyday and he doesn't know he's one of my radio heroes. I also admire John Garabedian. I've listened to him nearly every Saturday of my life, I was thrilled to be on his show a few weeks ago, even though I screwed it all up. Thanks John. I hope to be as old as him one day and still have a kick ass show. LOL
9 What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?
Radio has been a constant in my life. The industry has faced so many changes over the years, whether through consolidation, MTV, 24 hour cable news or the internet, but to this day, it is my belief that radio is still the first source for info, entertainment, music, news and more. In the war to be first in everything media - radio remains on the front line.
10 What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
That the letter W is really spelled 'double u' and should be pronounced that way. Oh, and always have fun. If it ever becomes un-fun it's time to hang up the headphones.
Bonus Questions
For someone vacationing in Nashville, what one thing is a "must see"?
Well there's the naked statue on Demonbruen, you can go play hang the Christmas wreath on something, and also the big hill they call Love Circle as it's the highest point in town and you can see our entire beautiful skyline. Good photo op to have Nashville as your background or just go make out with your honey. Do with it what you will.
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