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10 Questions with ... Matt Lee
February 21, 2006
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NAME:Matt LeeTITLE:MDSTATION:WARQMARKET:Columbia, SCCOMPANY:Inner CityBORN:Honolulu, HIRAISED:Daly City/Fairfax, VA (DC Metro)
LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:
Waiter/Bartender
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started out as a parttimer at Top 40 WERO, Greenville, NC. However, the format didn't quite fit my taste (obviously). I stayed around a bit and the opportunity arose at sister station, Active Rocker, WXQR, who brought me on to do nights fulltime. After some daypart shifts and the "moving on" of superiors above me, I eventually worked my way in to the Music Director and Program Director chairs. I was surrounded by talented programmers that I worked with and competed against who taught me the ins and outs. However, after 5 years in North Carolina, I was looking for new challenges, the opportunity to learn more, and new surroundings, so I found my new home in Columbia. I've been here for 5 months and I love it.
FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:
Ozzy's "Tribute"
FIRST CONCERT:
Iron Maiden/Anthrax at The Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA
FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:
I guess that would have to be the band that I've seen most in concert: 311 (13 times).
1. How did you become interested in radio?
I was fortunate to be raised in an area (Washington DC) where there was never a shortage of radio talent. As a kid, I could hear Howard Stern when he was local on DC101. My parents were not crazy about me listening to him, which, of course intrigued me to sneak a listen when possible. As a teenager, the evolution of WHFS (when it was still in DC) really exposed me to the music as well as the entertainment aspects of the industry. That station alone was truly my inspiration. I actually went to College at East Carolina University as a history major, but I quickly changed my major to Broadcasting, did a little college radio, feel in love with it and here I am!
2. What part of your job do you like best? Least?
There's nothing I enjoy more than the random phone calls from listeners telling me how much they enjoy the station. When someone goes out of the way, to tell you that they are entertained, it feels good - makes you feel like you are doing your job. Plus free concert tickets and CDs are always nice.
Complaint-wise - what could I possibly bitch about? The instability of the industry as a whole keeps me awake. However, when I wake up, I never complain about going to work! Most people hate their job. I don't.
3. What is your biggest challenge at the station?
My biggest challenge would have to be the differences of the Alt format versus Active Rock. I've had a hard time adjusting to the "mellower" bands that are being serviced for airplay. It takes me much longer to decide weather or not a very "alternative sounding" track would work for us.
4. What makes your market unique?
I thought that when I went to college, we were REALLY into the football team. That was nothing compared to the fever that the people here in Columbia have for USC Gamecock Football. There is nothing like SEC football and the frenzy that it creates! It has infected me as well. I love every minute of it. Plus I have never seen so many beautiful women in one place.
5. What would surprise people most about the station?
Not really a surprise to me, but the rest of the industry doesn't know that our own Dangerboy Dunn was voted "Best Radio Personality in Columbia" by our local city publication, The Free Times.
6. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ________?
Some sort of energy drink at 4pm. Coffee sucks.
7. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Don't ever be too proud to ask for others assistance and opinions. You can't ALWAYS be right about everything.
Also, women think that Radio jocks are rich...
8. Besides WARQ, what is your favorite radio station and why?
It would have to be WJJO in Madison, Wisconsin. Those guys are ballsy and it seems to be working for them.
9. Biggest career highlight?
It always feels great when I see a "baby band" that I personally believed in from the beginning achieved success. It gives you a sense that YOU played a little part in that artist's development.
10. What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?
Either a history teacher, starting linebacker on the Dallas Cowboys, or homeless.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
My job is more like a hobby than anything else. I think that with football season over, I need to get a life. I think I'm gonna invest in a jet ski. The weather here in SC kicks ass.
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