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10 Questions with ... Samantha 'Sam' Sloane
July 1, 2019
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I discovered my love of radio during my years at Emerson College in Boston, and quickly became part of the WERS 88.9FM on-air team. During the summers back home in Florida, I worked at Cox Media Group as part of the Event Crew for WSUN and WPOI. Both would give me the experience and confidence to land my first full-time job in Vermont as part of The Point!
1. How did you become interested in radio?
Well, I've always had a passion for music. I remember going to school for acting and thinking, "What song did they play in class?" rather than focusing on memorizing lines! It wasn't until I started to become involved at WERS, though, that I realized I could combine my love of entertaining and connecting with others and my love of music. And it was in radio!
2. Who were/are your mentors?
There have been so many people who have helped me along the way and many more to come, which I appreciate so much! As far as specifically radio mentors, Jack Casey, Jenna Pulido, Zeb Norris and John Mullet have been huge in guiding me in the right direction. I cannot thank them enough!
3. You wear several hats at the station. Tell us about that.
Phew! It's plenty busy and plenty fun. One of the great things about where I work is that the whole team knows everybody, so we all have our main responsibilities, but also can and will help where we are able. Right now, I am mostly involved in programming and promotional duties, but if Arty in the mornings needs help or Laura in traffic has a question, I'm there! And I know they are there for me as well. :)
4. What do you like best about your job?
I love the people I get to meet, whether that's new friends in co-workers, fun clients to collaborate with, or listeners with something to say. I also love connecting the dots of music history and seeing how it has evolved into what it is today. Like how Thundercat has sampled the Brothers Johnson, or how Tame Impala is turning the psychedelia of the '60s on its head. It's a joy to experience the journey of music in real time and turn a listener on to a song they may not have heard otherwise.
5. What new artist are you most excited about?
I love The Beaches. All my punk-rock, girl-band dreams realized. I'm also really excited about the ladies rising in the industry -- Kali Uches, Maggie Rogers, Lizzo, to name a few. They are having their time to shine and I can't wait to see what's next!
6. The station has a broad reach in Vermont and the surrounding area. Tell us a bit about that.
Not going to lie, it's a little bit of a struggle! There are many mountains to get our signal over in Vermont, and towns we want to reach. It can be a lot to juggle. That being said, it just pushes us to be on our A game, and it's fantastic that we are able to reach the majority of the people in the state through our converted house of a station.
7. How much interaction do you anticipate you'll have with record labels about music?
I love hearing new music and suggestions, so if that means labels want to contact me, then absolutely! I can't always guarantee that something will be played on the station, but my ears are open and willing.
8. What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you? The worst?
Best: Always trust your gut and be yourself. It's gotten me far, brought a lot of joy to my life, and helped determine what is best for ME. Thanks Mom!
Worst: I don't even remember ... which I guess is a good thing? Throw that bad advice out the window!
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ...
It sounds silly and obvious, but food. Yes, food! No matter how busy I am, I literally have alarms set on my phone to remind myself to eat and a packed lunch box of snacky foods that I can take on the go. If you aren't fueled, then you can't execute and succeed! That was another great tip from Mom. :)
10. Last non-industry job:
Bartending, even though I still don't know how to make any drinks. Let's just say that didn't last long!
Bonus Questions
First record ever purchased:
Hmm... I was hugely into Daft Punk growing up (and still am), so it could have been their Discovery album.
First concert:
The Fratellis at The Paradise Rock Club. It was my freshman year in college and the first time I ventured out into Boston on my own. I remember thinking, "Wow, look at me! I'm adulting!"
Favorite band of all-time:
David Bowie and Iggy Pop. "Heroes" and "I Wanna Be Your Dog" are classics!
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?
Put me in the ocean, on a boat, in a bathing suit, with a good book and family and friends? Done.
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