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10 Questions with ... Emily Wild
June 7, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Spent many years as a board operator and in-studio producer with WHTK and WHAM and eventually dabbled into programming duties and on-air weekend shifts with WKGS. Made my way over to WPXY as a weekend personality under the mentorship of Mike Danger. In that time I also was a swing DJ for WCMF, WBEE and WBZA along with reporting traffic. In 2015 I went full-time as an afternoon drive personality and music director for WPXY until a year later landing this gig with WLKK as morning show personality and music director with Nik Rivers.
1. How did you become interested in radio?
TV and Radio Broadcasting class at the vocational school in high school was my stepping stone into the industry when I became a sports radio board operator right after school.
2. Growing up in Rochester, what led to you wanting to make the move from sister Top 40 WPXY to Alternative Buffalo?
I love Rochester, though the opportunity to be a part of what was going on in Buffalo with WLKK wasn't one to miss. I was able to be a crucial part of a product that I was already a fan of. Not to mention Alternative music is of top interest for me.
3. What has been your biggest challenge moving from Top 40 to Alternative?
The mood on an alternative station is sonically different. I went from being excited about everything on-air to having to tone it down to a more mellow, relaxed me. That took some practice.
4. What is your favorite part of your job?
I get to witness artists dreams unfold in front of them. It's extremely rewarding to be a part of an unknown band or musician becoming a worldwide success.
5. How would you describe yourself as a Music Director?
I'm interested in using my gut to detect great music and not only add music to my playlist based on national radio play. Sometimes when you believe in a band enough to stick your neck out for them it can really pave the way for breaking new talented artists. I like being a part of that.
6. What's it like working for Nik Rivers?
Nik is a unique program director. I have worked with many all with different styles and he treats me more like a partner than a minion, but still maintains the ability to mentor and help me grow. It's refreshing and exciting.
7. You are a self-described concert junkie. Who are some of your favorite Alternative Buffalo bands and what is the best concert you've seen recently?
Some of my favorite Alt Buffalo bands right now are Bear Hands, Catfish And The Bottlemen and New Beat Fund. The last concert I went to was Spring Fling with Silversun Pickups, Cage the Elephant, Bear Hands, and Foals. It was my first time seeing Bear Hands and they blew me away as expected.
8. What are you missing most about Rochester and what are you loving most about Buffalo?
My family and my life is still in Rochester. We haven't moved to Buffalo yet which makes for quite the hustle with an hour commute for a live morning show. I guess you can say I miss my 5 minute drive to Entercom Rochester. Buffalo is finally feeling like home again and I am so anxious to get settled locally and start planting roots in a city that's suddenly booming.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ___________.
Coffee. Lots and lots of black coffee.
10. What would surprise people most about you?
Before I went full-time in radio I had taken the Rochester Police Department officer exam and passed. I was invited to take the agility test but turned it down when my first full-time gig was offered at the same time. Can you imagine me fighting crime instead?
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
Trying to eat my food before it gets cold and trying to stay awake through TV shows at night. You know, the usual working Mother hobbies.
Last non-industry job?
I was a DJ at a skate rink and I actually loved it a lot. I also worked as a photographer at a portrait studio.
First record ever purchased?
311's self-titled album.
First concert?
2003 Snocore at Waterstreet Music Hall in Rochester, NY. I was a HUGE Glassjaw fan and the second person in line at the door.
Favorite band of all-time?
Proud member of the Fiend Club. LOVE the Misfits.
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