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10 Questions with ... Eric "Bean" Dionne
January 17, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Got my start in the same spot as Jimmy Kimmel (but he's famous and rich, unlike me) in 2005 after making the long, scary trek cross country at 91.5 FM KUNV, while studying broadcast journalism at UNLV. The following year I got offered a weekend gig at X 107.5, and slowly moved my way up to my current night slot.
1. How did you become interested in working in radio?
My first memory was a Fisher-Price tape recorder deal and I would take that thing everywhere mimicking the local DJs. Apparently, I also used it to perform concerts including Def Leppard or my Mom is a complete liar!
2. What part of your job do you like best? Least?
Best: How unique it is. The connection you are able to make with people for the most part you've never meet. They take us to work, in their cars, to the gym, and well, maybe in the bedroom if you're spinning something like "Closer" from NIN. While working in an industry that has lasted with huge technological feats like TV etc.
Least: Still having to hear "Pumped Up Kicks" from Foster The People. Guess my wish for 2012 was a stretch.
3. What is the most challenging part of the job?
Number one, staying sane after all the chaos that has hit radio. With huge downsizing, Alt/Rock stations flipping, what seems to be every week, because of the economy. Secondly, juggling all the jobs on your plate in this day and age. We're not in the "Pirate Radio" days anymore, but if anyone knows how we can bring that back... PLEASE DO!
4. What is your prep routine for your airshift?
Sifting through the millions of various websites that the internet has supplied us.
5. What makes your night show unique?
To me, I want to have fun when I'm on the air; I feel this will carry over to the listener if I'm having a good time in the studio. It's very important to me to conduct a highly interactive, informative and entertaining show each night.
6. How are you using Social Media?
I have personal accounts for all social media, and also utilize our stations. This form of media has brought us a very unique aspect to our business, allowing us to become very accessible in a non-intimidating manner. I use them as much as possible from posting my giveaway times; breaking news, new videos, to the most important... it's such an innovative and simple way to utilize listener's feedback to improve your product to them.
7. What are you most proud of since joining KXTE?
The leaps and bounds I've made with my radio craft since starting in radio. I fell into this industry after being a broke and sour musician. To see where I've come from in just six years time, it's insane. Knocking out our Alt competition in our market with a skeleton staff was also a big accomplishment.
8. Who in radio are your influences, your mentors, the people to whom you listen?
Of course growing up it was Howard Stern, damn you Janet for restricting the things we can now do in radio because of your wardrobe malfunction! Another is Adam Carolla; I spent copious amounts of mornings in my early years board-oping when he was our morning show. I don't know if there is another person in the biz that is as witty, while thinking outside the box like that dude! Chris Ripley mentored me for most of my years at X. He helped me a ton with my on-air skills. Our last PD Jim Trapp was an absolute genius in the way to attack radio in the PPM era. He taught me aspects of radio strategy that I never would have dreamed.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
My family, heavy metal, sports, and cows!
10. What would surprise people most about you?
I was a huge jock in high school; a captain for baseball, football, and hockey. I also have an enormous collection of older school country like Hank Williams, The Charlie Daniels Band, Johnny Cash, David Allan Coe and more. I also can play the piano, trumpet, and metal/hardcore kazoo.
Bonus Questions
How did you get the nickname Bean?
When I was living on campus at UNLV everyone called me Boston because of my strong accent. So, since Boston is referred to as Bean-Town, I figured it would be a cool way to keep my roots in my on-air name.
What are your hobbies?
Playing hockey, snowboarding, hiking, writing, painting, playing instruments and, of course, video games.
Last non-industry job?
Computer lab monitor on campus, probably made more money there than in radio!
First record ever purchased?
"Sixteen Stone" from Bush was my first record I purchased with my own money. Thanks to my paper route.
First concert?
Aerosmith "Nine Lives Tour"
Favorite band of all-time?
Is there anyone on this planet that can actually just choose one? If so, you're an alien! 311, Sevendust, Tool, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Killswitch Engage, The Devil Wears Prada, Cash, Manson, and NIN.
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