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10 Questions with ... Dusti Kempf
February 28, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started as an intern. Right now I am part-time with the station. I assist all of the stations in the programming department with any help they need. I work very closely with 1065 The End producing the New Music & Indie Label Show. I LOVE working so closely with the programming department because, ultimately, I want to become a program director one day for a station. This opportunity allows me to continue gaining valuable experience and knowledge in the industry, which is great, because I'm thirsty for it!
1. How did you become interested in radio?
I actually stumbled into it. I was a Music Business student and couldn't quite decide which aspect of music it was that I wanted to go into. I needed to complete an internship, and because I was really interested in radio and wanted to learn more, I chose to come here. I had no clue that I would fall in love with it the way that I did. It just felt right.
2. Congrats on your recent promotion! Tell us about your role as Programming Asst. at The End?
Well I currently am part-time and make myself available to any of the stations in our cluster when they need help with certain duties. They all work so hard that sometimes it helps them to have an extra hand.
3. What are music meetings like at The End?
We have them every week, Jack, DZL, and I, to discuss what changes need to be made to the music to ensure a good flow on the station. I am there mainly as just another voice and opinion and of course for the New Music Show. Sometimes there may be songs that aren't quite ready to be on The End's regular rotation, but are just right for the New Music Show. This helps these songs and artists get more exposure, and our listeners stay up to date on some of the newest music.
4. How do you sort through all music and decide what to play on the new music show on Sunday nights?
I listen, listen, listen, and do some more listening. I sit in an area with my headphones on and listen to all of the music that has been sent to me during the week. I try my hardest to listen to everything because all of the music deserves a fair chance at being heard. I would hate for a great song or artist to miss an opportunity on the show, and even worse, I would hate to deprive our listeners of the very thing the New Music Show strives to deliver. I compile a list of what I feel works best for us on that particular week and I also look at the charts and take all of that information into consideration too.
5. What part of your job do you like best? Least?
I love that I'm filling my days with music, because it has always been a huge part of my life. I love working with great people that share the same passion as I do and who are willing to work together to deliver great entertainment to our city. I have a much longer list of the things that I love.
What do I like the least? Probably having to turn down a certain song that just doesn't fit the New Music Show. Like I said, I don't want to deprive anyone of a good song, but sometimes it may not be the best fit for the show and it's my job to make that decision. If I just chose everything, it wouldn't be as special and I'd probably get the boot!
6. What is the most challenging part of the job?
Sometimes just finding a computer to work on. It's not that there's one thing in particular that's really challenging, but I like to get everything done not only timely, but efficiently, and sometimes that can get a little tricky when you have a lot projects or tasks going on at one time. It can be done though!
7. How are you using Social Media?
Hey, I grew up in the '90s. I live on Twitter and Facebook. The only thing that has changed is, now that I'm here, I actually have meaningful things to say. Things that people care to read... Maybe. You can bet that I'm on there telling everyone in my Twitter and Facebook world to tune into the show, and I find ways to direct them to our website too.
8. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Coke (The soda that is- I'm a soda junkie).
9. What do you like best about living in Charlotte?
I love the weather here. We actually have seasons, and our winters are mild which is good because I HATE winter. Charlotte's very artsy too and a modest, down-to-earth city.
10. What would surprise people most about you?
That I competed for the title of Miss North Carolina in 2009. That I actually dieted, worked out, and was proper!
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
Singing, writing, reading, making crafts, collecting vinyl records, doing hair, going on trips.
Last non-industry job?
Licensed Cosmetologist for four and a half years!
First record ever purchased?
Mariah Carey - Music Box
First concert?
Toby Keith (A friend took me)
Favorite band of all-time?
It's so hard to choose just one! I love the Beatles, Queen, Prince, No Doubt, and Taking Back Sunday... I just couldn't stop.
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