10 Questions with ... Chris Novello

NAME:Chris Novello TITLE:PD STATION:WBRU MARKET:Providence COMPANY:Brown Broadcasting BORN:1983 RAISED:Miami, FL

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

All WBRU, all the time: Co-Head of Promotions, Production Director, jock, MD, and now PD. Outside of WBRU, I've done freelance imaging aplenty.

1. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid and what do you remember most?

I watched a lot of MTV pre TRL/non-music. More than anything, I remember sentimental feelings when I hear the songs of that era.

2. What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?

Not much is surprising; I'm pretty open. Here are two tidbits that don't come up as often:

For a brief moment, I was the #2 Katamari Damacy player in the world. My father played drums on the Blues Image recording of Ride Captain Ride. Alan Watts is my personal hero.

3. What part of your job do you like best? Least?

Best: Mixing in provocative musical things that excite my listeners. Broadening listener horizons, and bringing their lives joy and release via alternative tunes. Working with the incredible student staff at BRU.

Least: The nationwide state of stale, safe radio. Corporate music companies acting irresponsibly. Arbitron's methodology. You know, the usual.

4. What motivates you daily?

The feeling that I'm making even a small difference with two-thirds of the above-mentioned "least" category.

5. What would an outsider find most surprising about the Providence radio market?

The rich heritage that many stations have and the resulting deep listener loyalty.

6. How would you describe the music and imaging on 'BRU?

Music: Alternative rock hits from the '90s/2000s as our gold base. For currents, we play hits of the format with as many slots as there are hits. We dabble in harder stuff, as well as indie stuff. If it's catchy, fun, or moves us, we start testing the waters to see if our listeners feel the same way.

Imaging Prod: Richard D James, Jonny Greenwood, and DJ Shadow walk into a bar carrying a Ringu DVD. The bartender says, "Porkchop Sandwiches!"

7. What makes the station unique?

We're independent, non-profit, 98% student run, yet still commercial.

8. What has been the most significant change in the day-to-day programming of your station since you started as a PD?

We are playing less ninth generation grunge/nu-metal.

9. Of all the things you have done at 'BRU, what are you most proud of?

I'm still glowing from our Death Cab for Cutie Summer Show. It was probably the biggest onsite crowd and listener response I've seen in my time here. The band put on a great performance; it was a great set list, they were mind-bendingly nice, and grateful. Also, the students here kicked tremendous ass at building the show, and coping with a last minute move-to-indoors.

10. What's the best concert you've been to in the past year and what made it so great?

In addition to Death Cab For Cutie, also Bjork at United Palace Theater heightened my ability to feel raw and alive on that evening. Deerhunter at AS220 vanquished me to an inspirational void. Bloc Party at Lupos as they're relentlessly energetic and frenetic, every time.

What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you?

Shake your ass, but watch yourself.