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10 Questions with ... Martin Bandyke
September 26, 2022
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I graduated from the University of Michigan in 1976 with a B.A. in radio, television, and film, and from there I worked at brick & mortar record stores in the late-'70s and through the 1980s. I launched my radio career back in February of 1983 when I began co-hosting the late-night "Dimension" program on WDET-FM, the National Public Radio station in Detroit. I started working full-time at WDET when I became AMD in 1990, started hosting the midday shift in '91, and then became MD in 1995. I have been the morning-drive host on Ann Arbor's 107one (WQKL-FM) since January of 2006, and I also host the Fine Tuning show on 107one Sunday afternoons.
1. How did you become interested in radio?
I grew up listening to awesome AM and FM Detroit radio stations like WKNR, CKLW and WABX, marveling at the music and becoming inspired to be a DJ.
2. You have been at WQKL for 16 years – how have things changed over the years? What has remained the same?
We still focus as always on playing a wide variety of music on 107one: pop, rock, AAA, alternative rock, bands that lean folk, blues & Americana, etc., etc. These days we play a lot of artists who weren't around 16 years ago, but we also play a lot of songs from artists who have stood the test of time and are just as vital today as they were years ago, including David Bowie, Tom Petty, Talking Heads, The Police, and many others.
3. What is your approach for the morning show?
Focusing on the music and the artists, first and foremost -- I work in one of the coolest, smartest cities in the known universe, and our listeners share my passion for the music and want to know the latest about the artists we play. I also interview lots of guests from the cultural scene along with leaders of non-profit groups who do stellar work throughout the Ann Arbor area. I also do lots of ticket giveaways and include news, traffic, and weather updates, so hopefully we keep our listeners supplied with great music and all the essential info they need to get through the day.
4. Do you have any regular features on your show?
I do frequent interviews with Russ Collins of indie-arthouse/concert venue the Michigan Theater; Matthew VanBesien, President of University Musical Society; Pam Smith, President of United Way of Washtenaw County; Jennifer Spitler, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County; Rich Retyi, Events Manager of the Ann Arbor District Library; and Patrick Dunn, Managing Editor of Concentrate webzine. I also have a music news segment weekdays at 8:20am, plus the Thursday morning Pet-of-the-Week adoption segment with Wendy Welch of the Humane Society of Huron Valley.
5. What has been your biggest career highlight know that you have been on the air for 40 years?
A few things come to mind! I executive-produced four CD compilations of exclusive on-air performances when I was at WDET, including the likes of Coldplay, Los Lobos, Sonic Youth, Cowboy Junkies, Angelique Kidjo, Suzanne Vega, and Patti Smith. Interviewing Elvis Costello and Bryan Ferry a couple of times each is right up there as well...and meeting the Rolling Stones several times was also pretty cool.
6. I hear you have a famous relative. Can you share who it is? Did you get invited to the wedding?
Jack White is my first cousin, and I couldn't be prouder of what he has accomplished in his stellar career! He recently and famously got married on-stage to Olivia Jean at Detroit's Masonic Temple Theatre, but unfortunately, I couldn't make the show that night. The station will soon start airing 40th anniversary shout-outs to me from a whole bunch of musicians and longtime morning show guests and beginning in January of 2023 on Fine Tuning I'll play all 1980s music through the date of my 40th anniversary, which is February 21, 2023.
7. Do you represent the station at many events?
I host a number of events throughout the year, including the summer concert series Sonic Lunch, presented by Bank of Ann Arbor; the Ann Arbor Summer Festival; the Chelsea District Library Song Fest; and Walk & Wag, the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Humane Society of Huron Valley.
8. Best advice for any young folks who might want to get into radio?
Learn everything you can about all types of music; be willing and able to work the tough shifts that others avoid; and be nice to everybody.
9. Are there any organizations in the Ann Arbor area you like to support both on-air and off?
Humane Society of Huron Valley, Food Gatherers (the Washtenaw County food bank and food rescue non-profit), The Ark (non-profit roots and acoustic music venue) and the Michigan Theater (non-profit indie-film and music venue).
10. If you wanted to completely change careers today, what would you do?
I would be a film editor.
Bonus Questions
Last non-industry job:
My first job after graduating from U of M - I was a delivery person (aka gopher) for the W.B. Doner ad agency from late 1976 until 1978.
First record ever purchased:
First album purchased was Surrealistic Pillow by Jefferson Airplane
First concert:
Donovan and Janis Ian at Detroit's Masonic Temple circa 1967
Favorite band of all-time:
The Beatles
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?
Hanging out at home with my lovely wife Kim Silarski and our four feline children -- Alison, Suzy Q, Lixa and Bonbon.
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