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10 Questions with ... Emily Conti
May 18, 2015
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1. How did you become interested in radio?
When I was a senior in high school ('09) 106.3 FM went from playing Alternative music to Top 40 hits seemingly overnight and without warning. Not too long after, another Alternative station switched over to Top 40. I felt like Alternative stations were disappearing from the airwaves and I wanted to know why. So through those events, I became interested not only in radio, but ratings as well.
2. Who are your mentors at WERS?
Jack Casey, Beau Raines and D Simpson.
3. Tell us about the other positions you have held at WERS.
News producer, staff photographer, on-air host, and within the last year ... Music Coordinator!
4. How would you describe the music on the station?
We have a great mix of Alternative, folk and indie. And even though we are constantly adding new music, we maintain a balance so anyone at any age can relate to and enjoy the music we play. We like to focus on local music as well ... music that you might not hear anywhere else! Being a part of the Boston music scene and our community is extremely important to us.
5. How are the music meetings conducted?
We typically meet every week, every other when things are busy, to discuss new music and potential adds. Between meetings, we send each other new music and look for feedback, so it's collaborative effort and there's always a discussion going on. The conversation also goes beyond that, however, because it's important to me that each Music Assistant has an experience relevant to what they're studying and eventually want a career in ... I feel like that's part of my responsibility. Some want to go into artist management while others want to go into marketing, and I see these meetings as an extension of the classroom where they can get advice and real-world experience.
6. What new bands are you most excited about?
Leon Bridges and Seinabo Sey!
7. What is your typical day like?
If it's a Tuesday, when I'm on-air and in the office taking calls, it's busy. Yet no matter what day of the week it is, I almost always end up at the station in between classes and such, even if it's just to pop in. But every day you can find me answering e-mails, requesting and/or scheduling mixes, and reviewing new music.
8. What is the best advice someone has given you so far?
Dream big but set realistic goals. My dad is the one who tends to reel me in and remind me to take everything one step at a time.
9. Where do you see yourself in five years?
If I stay in radio I would love to continue to work as a Music Coordinator/Director or in marketing development. If I stray, I would love to work in artist or tour management or festival marketing. I've also been entertaining the idea of grad school, earning a Masters in music business. So, we shall see!
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ...
Talking to my mom! There's always something entertaining going on, whether it's at work or my grandma's independent living complex (where the absolute best stories come from). She always has a hysterical story to tell so if I'm having a rough day I can always count on her to make me laugh, which is the best.
Bonus Questions
Last non-industry job:
Working in visual merchandising at a retail chain.
List first record ever purchased:
Whatever record DJ Kool's "Let Me Clear My Throat" was on (it might have even been a single) because I was OBSESSED with that song and would lose my mind whenever it came on the radio. I still do, ha!
First concert:
Smash Mouth. It was the mid/late-'90s and I was on vacation at Universal Studios with my parents and I didn't know much of what was going on until they played "All Star."
Favorite band of all-time:
The Beastie Boys. LCD Soundsystem is a close second. And then the White Stripes ... it's hard to choose just one!
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work and school?
I love to cook and to balance out that obsession I have to love running too, ha! I also love getting out, hanging with friends, and of course catching up on The Real Housewives! Any chance I get to relax, I take it.
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