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10 Questions with ... Marco Collins
May 1, 2023
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1. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
I listened to a Top 40 station called KFRC outta San Francisco as a kid and later KZAP and KROY (Sacramento) until I discovered a public radio station called KVMR (Nevada City) that had a punk rock show late at night. That show changed my life. I discovered The Clash, X, Siouxsie & The Banshees, Agent Orange, Dead Kennedys, Generation X, etc.
2. What got you interested in the radio business?
I always loved music and radio was my exposure to it (for free). I grew up in a very small town and it also represented a whole different world that I wasn't exposed to. An escape. I guess I was always destined to do it. My cousins told me that I used to pretend to host my own radio shows in my bedroom with my records at 8 years old! I made them sit and listen and write their requests down on little pieces of paper!
3. How did you get started in radio?
I DJed at my college radio station at San Diego State University (KCR) and became Music Director. From there, I got an internship at 91X (San Diego) and slowly worked my way to hosting my own specialty shows there. One of them "Loudspeaker" (91X's local music show) is still on the air after 35 YEARS!
4. How do you stay enthusiastic about seeking out new music and where do you find it?
Honestly, I don't know. I understand that most people lose that passion for searching out new music at 35-ish. It's never waned with me. I'm constantly trying to find that diamond in the rough. I've always said that my job is A&R. I've done the same gig for radio, management, record labels, music television. Somehow, I'm still excited to find that unheard gem. I find music from radio (typically non-com), record stores, streaming services, Bandcamp, Soundcloud, labels, friends send me stuff from all over the world and from artists hitting me up on social media. I've been at this for so long that the flow is never ending!
5. What was the best on air experience?
One of the best experiences was helping to host Pearl Jam's "Monkey Wrench Radio" in San Diego in 1995 with Joey Ramone (R.I.P.), Eddie Vedder and Robin Roth (91X). It was the mobile version of Self Pollution Radio that operated out a dirty van and followed Pearl Jam on tour and broadcast their shows. It was a touring pirate radio station: they set up backstage & then would tell the crowd which frequency they'd be on after the show. 91X simulcast the entire broadcast. It was legendary!
6. Who were your mentors?
So many! Kevin Stapleford really gave me my 1st shot in radio. Rick Lambert, Mike Tierney, Brigitte Wright, Curtiss Johnson, Mike Halloran, Julie Pilat, Sean Demery, Bill Silva are ones that come to mind. I've learned so much from these folks!
7. What was the deciding factor to go back into commercial radio after being at KEXP?
KEXP will always be my family, but I was just part time there and needed to get back to work. After working in Public Radio for 6+ years, I probably wouldn't go back into commercial radio unless it was pretty special and that's why KPNW caught my interest. So much room for creativity and building something from the ground up! The support of the local music scene is a BIG DEAL to me, and the station is already playing local (some unsigned) artists in REGULAR ROTATION! I was sold!
8. You have overcome some HUGE life obstacles from cancer to drug addiction. What got you through these challenges?
I think having people that loved me and never gave up on me was paramount. Also, I'm a fighter. I keep getting up no matter how many times I get knocked down. I always had faith that I'm destined for something bigger and the struggle is just part of that journey. Just keep going.
9. If you were to leave the music business today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?
I LOVE animals. Dogs in particular. Right now, I take care of people's dogs when they go out of town, and I LOVE it. Animals help with my anxiety.
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without...
…COFFEE! The only drug I won't give up!
Bonus Questions
Last non-industry job: Dog sitting!
First record ever purchased: Fleetwood Mac's Rumours.
First concert: Cheap Trick at Cal Expo, Sacramento. Worst seats in the whole place and I LOVED every minute of it!
Favorite band of all-time: Cocteau Twins
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?
Tennis! DJing parties/clubs, Independent film, Bicycling, Traveling, Eating at great restaurants!
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