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10 Questions with ... Crystal McKenzie
November 14, 2022
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started at a high school radio station then ran GOD SQUAD on WNDE at age 17 and got a shot to do a weekend radio show on WFBQ. That aircheck took me to Orlando, where I hosted middays on WBJW, then to Raleigh to do mornings with Jeff Cohen. I moved back to Indy to work for WZPL in the 90's then out to California in 1996 to co- host mornings at Arrow 108 in Sacramento. From there I moved to San Francisco and worked for Bonneville at Z95.7. From there it was time for satellite radio, so I went for the gig at XM and got it. That was based out of Washington DC. My own national radio show was a very big deal. Then they came in for the first round of layoffs and I moved back home to Indy. I have since worked for WTDY Madison as a news co-host for Sly in the morning then landed at WFBQ doing middays following the Bob and Tom show. Now, I am happier than I could have imagined here in my hometown of Indy at WTTS Indy doing a format made for me.
1. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
I loved WIFE in Indianapolis. The WIFE good guys always fascinated me. My parents were big fans of country music, so I have to admit that we listened to WIRE at home. My radio teacher at Ben Davis HS in Indy was Dana Webb, one of their personalities so I became a HUGE fan of that station and all that they did. I think I decided to be a radio personality at the WIRE picnics. Watching the DJ's having so much fun at work was appealing to me, even at the age of twelve.
2. What got you interested in the radio business?
Ben Davis High school in Indy is a story unto itself. The radio program has churned out several radio and television personalities. Scott Hoke from the Mecum Auto Auction is one of my classmates, along with the voice of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Dave Calabro, and Bob and Tom's Kristi Lee. They were passionate about the program. I put on headphones and heard my voice for the first time over music and decided it was going to be my life. The teachers were all very influential in making that happen.
3. How does it feel to be back in Indianapolis? What's the biggest change you noticed in the market?
What I have noticed as far as change is concerned, is that Indy is GROWING by leaps and bounds. We are becoming more than just a sports city. We are experiencing great art in the market and better options for food etc. It's becoming a more world class city by the day. Hoosiers are using technology in a different way than when I hosted middays at WZPL in the 90's. I know the auto industry remained faithful to terrestrial radio, so people are still with us in the car. I think being LOCAL is the most important content on the air right now.
4. You are a world traveler having visited 20+countries. What's on your list to see next and why??
Great question. My guy Tim and I are going to Hawaii in December for some downtime in Hilo on the Big Island. Completely cut off from the world might be a bit worrying in this day in age, but we do love to get away from the everyday grind of the internet. One thing about traveling for me is it takes me out of my comfort zone on a regular basis and that can be a good thing. I wore a veil over my head in Dubai because it's what the locals do. Tim dressed in the dessert clothes and the two of us had the time of our lives. I have not been to Germany yet and it's on the bucket list for next stop in Europe.
5. You've been in different formats in your career. What do you like about being in Triple A?
It's world class music. I am a huge fan of all things Americana, Alternative and Rock. I can't believe I haven't done this format earlier in my career. It's the music that is in my own heart and soul. It's a perfect fit.
6. What artists are you most excited about this year?
The Heavy Heavy excites me. A small band out of England making their way across the US playing their Sunny California sounding songs. They ended the tour at the world-famous Troubadour. Loved watching them go from the CBS Morning show on the East Coast. Stopping here in Indy for a show in our Sun King Studio 92 then selling out shows all across the country, to the Troubadour and Jimmy Kimmel on the West coast. The music industry is as exciting as it can be after the pandemic. There are loads of bands like this coming out of the woodwork.
7. Who was your favorite artist to interview so far and why?
Loved Mike Reno of Loverboy when I hosted Afternoons for the 80's Channel on XM Satellite radio in the early days. He sang the song Almost Paradise acapella to me. All that was missing that day was Ann Wilson. I asked Willie Nelson to come into the 80's studio to sing To All The Girls I've Loved Before and since Julio was missing, he declined. However, he liked it enough that he asked his manager to hand me a bunch of bus passes for later that night.
8. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
There are FOUR CONSTANT TRUTHS FOR ME: LESS IS MORE. Believe in yourself when the mic comes on. Always know where you are getting out and leave on a high note.
9. If you were to leave the radio business today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?
I would enter the world of travel. Every time I've returned from a trip overseas it changes me for the better.
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ...
My faith, my family and the occasional really loud version of a song currently living in my heart. Right now, that song is Amos Lee - Worry No More.
Bonus Questions
Last non-industry job:
Drove for a company delivering vehicles. NICE vehicles.
First record ever purchased:
The Beach Boys Pet Sounds
Favorite band of all-time:
The Beatles – We aim to become regulars at the Cavern Club in Liverpool.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?
I love art and travel. My favorite country visited, so far, is Thailand. It was pure magic on the beaches of Phuket.
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