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10 Questions with ... Zachary "Mayhem" Wellsandt
May 8, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started as a mixer/social media guy/overnight jock on KEZE (Wired 96.9) in Spokane in 2006. I took a spot on KQMV/Seattle as a mixer and social media person in 2008. Worked my way up to overnights, then to the morning show as a 4th person/stunt guy. Moved back to Spokane in 2011 as APD/MD/afternoons on a new Top 40/Rhythmic station on my old signal, KEZE (HOT 96.9).
1. What got you into radio?
I was a club/concert DJ who knew that radio was my natural, next step. I figured why buy advertisement on the radio, when I could get paid to advertise my dj-ing by doing mixshows and what not.
2. Was there a defining moment when you went from music fanatic to thoughtful programmer or was it more of a evolution?
It's been a 10 year learning experience between programming dance floors in clubs and now a station. I can't say there was a specific moment, but I can tell you that my first (and third) PD's voice (Maynard) is always in the back of my head when I'm scheduling music, or dj-ing a club "Is that a hit? Bang the hits. That's not a hit, dude."
3. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Sparky the fire dog. Seriously. As I got older, I really thought I would go into computer programing, and so did the rest of my family and friends. Then I started DJ-ing and my whole world was consumed - quite the shocker when I dropped my computer classes and quit my full time job to dj and intern at a radio station. I'm very happy with my strange turn in life.
4. Spokane is a Top 40 rich market. How does KEZE stand out?
Exclusivity. Music, concerts, promos,- our rhythmic leaning station cuts through the portion of shared music that four or more stations have in the market. We get to play some MAJOR records from artists like Drake, Rihanna, Tyga or Lil Wayne, that our competition can't, but we maintain a fairly pop image. We have also made sure to really do our part in helping with some great events and concerts - like the sold out Tyga show. Listeners know that we are here for them AND the city. It helps a lot to have so much experience in the building as well, people like Brian Paul, Ken Hopkins and Michael Newman are such great resources.
5. What about Spokane might surprise people unfamiliar with the city/market?
That, yes, there are half a million people in the market. We're a pretty big, little city.
Oh, and we put tarter sauce on everything.
6. What's your favorite song on the station right now?
I'll give you two, I can't choose. Rihanna - Birthday Cake and Gotye - Somebody That I Used to Know. How awesome is it that Rhythm radio can span such a wide range in music right now? Take it back to the whole southern snap era of 2006 - how do you keep a station sounding fresh, and dynamic - especially in a market like Spokane? I absolutely love the duality of the format right now.
7. When I'm not at the station, I'm usually ___________ .
I'm allowed to leave the station??
I like to spend time with my family and friends. Much of it involves eating. I also like dj-ing clubs and bars - you can find me dj-ing an all vinyl night called "Miyagi Mondays" at a little bar downtown every Monday. (I miss vinyl servicing...ahem...)
8. Would you rather be a judge on Idol, The Voice or X-Factor?
The X-Factor, simply because I want some V-neck advice from Simon Cowell.
9. Sushi and sake or pizza and beer?
The sake goes in the beer, everyone knows this.
10. Who's on your staff at KEZE?
- Mornings: Justin in the Morning w/ Jubal Phone Scams on the 20s. (Justin Barnes & Jubal Flagg)
- Middays: Kinley (Shannon McKinley)
- Afternoons: Mayhem
- Nights: Demetrius Phillips
- DJ Hype on the Mixshows
Bonus Questions
What's your dream hologram concert?
The one where Tupac steps out from behind the curtain like the Wizard of Oz. I refuse to give up hope.
I'm afraid of heights and swarms of insects. Do you have any phobias?
Malls full of Beliebers. Not safe.
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