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10 Questions with ... Kevin Cruise
November 14, 2006
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NAME:Kevin CruisePOSITION:MD/AfternoonsSTATION:KUUUMARKET:Salt Lake CityCOMPANY:Millcreek BroadcastingBORN:Mission Viejo, CARAISED:St. Louis, MO
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
WVRV/ST. LOUIS; WGTZ/DAYTON- from part-time to morning show producer to swing shift (using the name: MIKE D.); KUUU/SALT LAKE CITY - mid-days, Music Director, then afternoons.
1. What got you into radio?
I always had this idea of being in the music industry. For years I played in bands and was involved with music growing up. My grandfather was a drummer and a very big influence on me musically. It came down to a choice of trying to make it as an artist or being involved in another way. I always hoped radio would be my "in" with the entertainment industry. I loved Top 40 when I was a kid and thought how cool it would be to be on-air. I wanted to be that kid that was on-air in the town he grew up in (St. Louis). Many people tried to deter me from radio, but once I got in I was hooked. It's like a drug!
2. To date, what is the highlight of your radio career?
Easy - Summerjam 2006 ICE CUBE on stage said "I wanna shout out to U92 and my homeboy KEVIN CRUISE". My jaw dropped when I heard a legend say my name in front of thousands of people. I will never forget that moment in my life.
3. What makes KUUU unique in the market?
We are the only rhythm station in SALT LAKE CITY. How more unique can we be? Plus, we're extremely West Coast. Many people are surprised to hear that when I tell them how West Coast we really are. Look at our play-list and you'll see we keep it gangsta.
4. You're the APD, the MD and you do afternoons. If you had to choose...airshift or programming management?
Tough choice...If I was strictly programming I could focus more attention to the smallest of details. However, being on-air gives me the chance to hear what listeners are requesting and finding what areas could help the air-staff. Although I wouldn't mind being off the air. I know it would help me feel less stressed on the busiest of days.
5. What was the draw in coming to the Salt Lake City market for you?
The first draw was a job! I came here straight out of college. My original plan was to stay through the Olympics and then move to another market. I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time, and have since worked my way up through the ranks at KUUU. This company is smaller than most - it is not uncommon to see the owner walk through the building on occasion. It's nice to have a family to come to every day. Plus, I have become an avid snowboarder. This city is gorgeous; yet, SALT LAKE CITY has an unusual stigma because of the heavy MORMON concentration. It's one of the best kept secrets in the world. If everyone knew how great it was to live here we would be extremely over-crowded.
6. Any trouble adjusting to life in SALT LAKE CITY?
It is a culture shock at first, but I've been here for six years now. It has been difficult for me to find the good restaurants, but it's also been fun trying different places. The city is definitely growing...fast! I believe great things are going to happen for this city in the next ten years. Plus, it's becoming more progressive - especially in the city - and less people have close-minded views.
7. What's next for Kevin Cruise?
This is a scary thought, and sometimes I don't know what's next. I would love to move to a bigger market, and at the same time I would love to work closer with the artists. Does that mean record promotion? I don't know the answer to that yet. For now I just take it day-by-day. I wouldn't mind doing event promotion either. I think it would be cool to work for a big movie studio throwing premiere parties, etc.
8. Who do you consider your mentor(s)?
Every person I speak to in this industry has given me advice or taught me a lesson. Whether it be a happy lesson or not, I've learned a lot from jocks, to record label reps, to sales people.
9. If you could be a contestant on ANY TV reality show, which would it be?
I'm not the biggest fan of reality TV. Can't I just be on "The O.C."?
10. Who's the all-time best BOND?
SEAN CONNERY...how could you even consider someone else?
Bonus Questions
Bonus #1. In a couple sentences...what, if anything, is Radio missing right now?
Leaders. I know there are programmers who pride themselves on being the first station to play the hot new single from "X" artist. That's good and everything, but I feel like these rhythm stations are just playing crap instead of finding the records that matter. We definitely did not have the hits in Rhythm this summer that we should've had. Radio, and rhythm stations in general, are finally getting back to playing the artists that make a difference. Radio needs leaders that will take this medium to the next level. Radio needs leaders who are willing to say this song is not what the format needs. We let Pop take over this year, and my hope as a leader in rhythm radio, is to bring Hip Hop back (sorry I had to steal the line JUSTIN). Let's find the hot new artists like MIMS, DJ UNK, ACAFOOL, etc. Leaders in this industry will find the independent artists that will make a difference for our listeners. Play the songs that matter - don't play something just because it's "so and so's record". I'm tried of hearing "this record is an event" and then it does nothing. We have played more independent artists than ever before, and these artists are more of an event than any big A list artist. If we lead them to the good music they'll stay. Don't buy into the hype!
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