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10 Questions with ... Kris Metzdorf
March 8, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- 1989-1992 - A & R Consultants, Ann Arbor, MI
- 1992 - 2004 - Atlantic Records - Alternative Radio Promotion
- 2007 - present - KRXF 92/9FM Bend, OR
1. What do you remember most about joining the station nine years ago?
The endless possibilities of music and fun promotions on the radio. The station was only 6-months-old when I joined and my PD Mike Flanagan had a really open mind so it was (and still is) really exciting.
2. Tell us how 92/9 defines its "local.independent" slogan.
Well, our owner Jim Gross is a dude with an office down the hall from the studio. The entire staff lives in Bend and we don't use any consultants or research. We live and breathe the same air as our audience and experience the same things they do and try and reflect that on the air. To me, that's the embodiment of local, independent.
3. You mentioned that 92/9FM had some really strong demos in the recently released Fall 2015 ratings, which included #1 Persons 25-44. Why do you feel the station is having so much success in Bend, Oregon?
We hear from our listeners all the time that they love that we're not cookie cutter. There are loads of big city transplants here who seemed to have become disenfranchised with whatever station they listened to in the markets they left. When they discover 92/9FM, they're like kids in a candy store. Listen at www.929online.com and you will see what I mean. Plus, I hear the MD is totally rad.
4. How has the signal change from 92/7 to 92/9FM affected the station?
Extra wattage.
5. What sort of things make 92/9 FM a unique Alternative station?
Our variety of music is pretty excellent. We don't adhere to any descriptive labels so if we (PD Mike and I) like it and it won't stink up the place we'll play it. We still play bands that play loud guitars too so that's pretty unique. We also try to reflect the outdoor culture here in as many ways as we can. Plus, giving away free, delicious craft beer never hurts either.
6. How do you sort through all the new music and prioritize what gets on the station?
Most music comes digitally these days so I'll start oldest to newest received and work my way through. If something jumps out at me or has a compelling story, I'll bring it to Mike, my PD. We don't really have a music meeting. I do most of my listening on Monday and Tuesday.
7. What is your show prep routine like each day?
My show prep routine is probably par for the course for most DJs. I scan social media sites like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. I also look at a bunch of online music sites like NME, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Consequence of Sound and a few others. I do a beer feature every day as well so I'll scan around on a few different craft beer sites.
8. How would you describe your on-air style and what are the benchmarks of your midday shift?
I don't think I have a style. I'm just a girl on the radio who loves music, loves what she does, and is happy to be there. I just hope that shines through on the air.
Benchmarks of show:
My favorite day of the week is what I call 'Anarchy Friday.' Pretty much anything goes and the listeners have fun along with me.
I also do an hour on Thursdays called the 'Vintage Vault,' I host and curate the local music show and the noon 'Lunchblox' hour which is all requests.
9. What is a typical workday like for you?
- 8-9:15a - music scheduling
- 9:15-9:30a - other computer stuff
- 9:30-10a - Show prep
- 10-3p - live on-air - listening to music, station social media, answering e mails, cutting show promos etc... All happens while I am on the air. I'm fabulous at multi-tasking.
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Caffeine.
Bonus Questions
What is your favorite music to listen to when you are not working?
It varies depending on my mood but it's mostly indie rock, EDM, classical, hip hop & classic rock.
What do you enjoy doing with your family on the weekends?
It depends on the season but we try to stay pretty active no matter what the weather.
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