10 Questions with ... Chris Payne

NAME:Chris Payne TITLE:MD/Supergenius STATION:KRZQ MARKET:Reno COMPANY:Wilks Broadcast Group BORN:Hollyweird, CA RAISED:By KC & The Sunshine Band

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Entertaining the masses while making as much money as possible. What started as a part-time board-op back in the Summer of '89 at KSXY doing the John Landers Top 40 has blossomed into the robust afternoon drive position. That is after a few stints including weekends/overnights at KRZQ, then afternoons at KZAK/Reno (Z-Rock affiliate), followed by weekends back at KRZQ, then nights at KDOT, and followed by a three month stint with Curtiss Johnson at KRXQ. Then went back to KRZQ (for the third and what should have been the final time), and back to KDOT -- where I was #1 in the afternoon spot for 2 1/2 years -- before getting swooped up by Curtiss Johnson and Pat Martin for a second run in Sacramento at KRXQ for two years. After that, I returned to Reno to do afternoons for two years at start-up station KURK before returning to afternoon drive/MD at KRZQ.

1. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

Locally, I'd spend time with KOZZ. At the time they were "Reno's Rock Station." They played everything from Greg Khin to Black Sabbath. The DJs were incredibly entertaining and the signal was a flamethrower. You could pick it up in Canada on clear, starry nights.

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

After being in the radio business for coming up on 20 years, I've become incredibly jaded toward seeing live shows. There's so much expectation placed upon the shoulders of numerous bands that when they play live they can't deliver the goods. Poor bastards.

3. What has been the biggest change at KRZQ over the past year?

The camaraderie Mel and I have made with EVP Jeff Sanders. Allow me to explain ... because I can already hear the gasps. Mel and I know Reno more than most and we know what our audience has come to know and love. They're passionate about certain things and passive about others. Mel and I have found a way to not only bring Jeff into the mix more than ever by making sure that he knows of all of the local events but also help keep him in the loop with local news stories and things he may not have instant access to being in North Carolina.

4. What would shock people the most about KRZQ?

Behind closed doors we make fun of ALL of you... muahahahaaaaa!!! Ok maybe not all of you ... just Dave Downey.

5. Most memorable moment at KRZQ?

Over the past year Reno landed on the map for a nefarious crime that happened to a beautiful young woman named Brianna Denison. We found a way to not only connect with the community but to update our audience with pertinent information regarding the case. We miss you Brianna and still to this day send our deepest condolences to your friends and family.

6. Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff?

I'd say Adam Carolla, but because he's syndicated he's still a part of the air staff. Hmm, how 'bout Willie B?! Last I remember that mutha f*cker would crack me up when I'd listen to his airchecks.

7. Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?

I'd like to work on my diplomacy. There's always room for improvement. I do my best but for some reason some people still don't get me.

8. Best concert you've been to in the past year and why?

Linkin Park/Arco Arena in March 2008. Sonically there couldn't BE a more perfect band. What makes me laugh is how they continue to become larger than life yet find a way to still get into every single show as if it's the first time they've stepped on a big stage.

9. What music do you enjoy listening to when you are away from work?

Let's put the IPOD on shuffle for a few shall we? The Red Chord, Arsonists Get All The Girls, Atmosphere, Motorhead, Sick of It All, Municipal Waste, Toxic Holocaust, Backyard Babies, Hanoi Rocks, Bullet For My Valentine, CIV, Darkest Hour, Death From Above 1979, Dorcia, Every Time I Die, Finch, Head Automatica, Himsa, Bury Your Dead, Love Equals Death, Memphis May Fire, Murder City Devils, N.E.R.D., Peeping Tom, Rocket from the Crypt, Saosin, Deftones, Muse, Supersuckers, Terror, and ZZ Top "Heard It On The X."

10. Favorite artist you have met?

Why does it have to be one? Hmmm.... Chino Moreno from the Deftones. YEARS can pass and that man will pick up where we last left off. I was one of the first people to play them on the radio back in 1992. He'll never forget that. If I had to choose one over the past year or so, I'd go with Jared Leto. His memory is like a steel trap.

When you aren't following the Yankees, what do you enjoy doing?

Getting to see as many cities in the United States, as possible. I'm all about the road trip: plane, transportation, lodging, cold beer, concert tickets, and incredible food.