10 Questions with ... Aaron Zytle

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I got into radio in January of 2001 as a part-time overnight jock when KRXP was Classic Rock "The Eagle." Soon after, the full-time overnight jock quit and I accepted the full-time position. Took the Promotions Director position in June of 2004, along with the on and off afternoon drive position. Promoted to Assistant PD in June of 2007 and officially named Program Director in June of 2011.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

I've always been interested in radio because I've spent so much time listening to it. TK 101 in Florida was the station I grew up listening to then KILO once I moved to Colorado. Music has always meant more to me than just a song or band. I connected with music at an early age and wanted to work somewhere that I could be around it. Radio was perfect for that.

2. What part of your job do you like best?

I love programming music -- putting together the flow of an hour. When it's right, you know it and it sounds so good once it's right. Plus, job security. What can I say; we saw the recent slaughter from Clear Channel. Bahakel Communications has shown us here that the employee is as important as the bottom line. It's so relieving to know that I don't have to look over my shoulder to see if I still have a job. I get to come to work everyday and focus on my job without the worry of unemployment. That explains why when people come to work here from corporate radio, they never leave.

3. What is most important to you when deciding what new music to play on 'RXP?

Does it fit our sound? I like a lot of different stuff so I have to be careful not to program for personal taste.

4. How would you describe the music and imaging on the station?

We target an adult who grew up in the 1990s/2000s so our gold's are the Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day, along with Dave Matthews, Blues Traveler, Jack Johnson stuff. A nice blend of Alternative/Triple A music. So we image with that in mind as well.

5. What makes the station unique?

This is the only place to get the mix we offer. Muse, Dirty Heads, Florence + The Machine, Coldplay, The Kooks, Noel Gallagher, AWOLNATION, etc. Nobody else in the market offers this.

6. What is the most challenging part of the job?

Finding room to play all the great music. There are only so many slots available.

7. How are you using social media at the station?

We promote all our station promos with Facebook and Twitter. I'll sometimes post new music just to get some feedback but mostly it's appointment setting.

8. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _____________?

A phone call from John Di Maio. He won't leave me alone...I'm kidding, of course.

9. What do you like best about living in Colorado Springs?

The mountains. It's like a magnet for the soul. I can't imagine not seeing Pikes Peak everyday.

10. What would surprise people most about you?

Maybe it would be how into politics I am. I love to follow the candidates during an election year. My wife hates it, but I love the political mudslinging that goes on.

What are your hobbies?

I've been playing guitar for almost 30 years. I should be better at it by now.

Last non-industry job?

Field maintenance at a local high school -- hot in the summer, cold in the winter.

First record ever purchased?

KISS "Unmasked." Bought it with my own money. I still love that album.

First concert?

Iron Maiden at the old McNichols Arena in Denver 1985 or 1986... I was deaf for the rest of the night.

Favorite band of all-time?

Led Zeppelin...duh.