10 Questions with ... Amber Bouchard Miller

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

WDVD/Detroit, WQSM/Fayetteville, PD/on-air at WEQX/Manchester, VT-Albany, NY, and National Director/Promotion at Caroline.

1. After a few years living back home in the Detroit suburbs and working on the label side at Caroline, what excited you most about returning to radio and working at Radio 104.5 in Philadelphia?

Being on the air every day is super rewarding daily challenge. The interaction with listeners and weaving what's happening in the real world and in the music world into my show in real time every day is incredibly fulfilling. Oh, and the Radio 104.5 shows and events are world class.

2. What was your biggest takeaway from the label side?

There were a few. First, it became blatantly clear that the way people are consuming music and using it in their lives is evolving at warp speed. What was the most important thing last year isn't the most important thing this year and wont' be next year (or next month, even maybe). On another note, that the chart is definitively NOT the best measure of whether a song is a hit. And that the best radio and the best opportunities for artists come when everybody is working together in a true partnership. I've heard the word "partners" tossed around quite a bit, but it's so evident and so much more beneficial for everyone when both sides are actively and equally invested.

3. Explain your role as APD handling Radio 104.5's on-air content, digital footprint, and music programming.

This is all still relatively new and my responsibilities are evolving. I work closely with John on all of those things, but I think it's important right now to be a great student, ask tons of questions, fully understand why Radio 104.5 works so well already, and then take that understanding and build on it, and honestly that takes some time.

4. What is your new music discovery process and what is most important to you when discussing new music with John Allers?

My music discovery process is all over the place. I sample a ton of music on Spotify and follow multiple playlists, keep an eye on the blogs, listen to other great radio stations online, and of course I pay attention to what the labels are bringing my way. I like to ask these questions when it comes to new music: Is the song good, like REALLY good? How does it fit what WE do? Does the band/artist matter to our audience and will they continue to matter 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years down the line?

5. Tell us about your midday shift and describe your on-air style.

I'm on the air from 10a-3p, which includes a daily new music discovery feature called "Something New" where I actively solicit listener feedback on a brand new song, and then share it on the air. It's my favorite part of the day. In terms of my on air style -- I'm not incredibly funny or goofy, there's no shtick -- I work to be friendly, approachable, real and to squeeze as many relevant music trivia nuggets in as possible, to share with listeners what's happening right this very minute with their favorite bands. I stalk your favorite bands on twitter so they don't have to - ha!

6. What is your favorite part of your job?

It will never ever get old getting to introduce someone to their next favorite song or next favorite band or playing a song that helps to turn around a bad day. Never.

7. What is your typical workday routine?

I'm in by 8:30 to prep, handle emails, work on proposals, blogs, digital content/socials....head into the studio for my show from 10-3, and then it's back to the office for a continuation of the morning stuff plus meetings + talking with promotion/label pros.

8. What are you loving most about the City Of Brotherly Love?

I've already taken in a ton of great concerts and that's not going to change. I was so surprised by just how much nature is so close to the city. So many beautiful parks to explore. It's the best of both worlds.

9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?

A cup of chai tea (or 3). A walk with the dogs to start off the morning. My cell phone (like it or not).

10. What may surprise people to learn about you?

I'm now on my second passport, but still haven't visited anywhere other than Canada with it. No offense to our neighbors to the north, but gotta remedy that, and stat!

What music do you enjoy listening to when you're not working?

I'm an indie/alt gal thru and thru. I'm currently obsessing over new music from The xx. I haven't stopped binge listening to Frightened Rabbit's latest since it came out and am really excited for new Depeche Mode, Sylvan Esso, and Spoon this year. Hopeful that my faves The National have something coming sooner than later. I'm ALWAYS intrigued by what Trent Reznor is up to.

What are weekends like for you?

Yoga has become a must. I'm getting out end exploring as much as possible, whether it's the amazing local parks or different neighborhoods in the city for food or tasty beverages. Soaking up as much time as possible with the dogs and my husband.

Tell us about your dogs.

Matilda and Tech are our fantastic dogs. They're both rescues and both mutts (hound/shepherd mix and shar pei/shepherd mix, or at least that's our best guess). They're relatively young, very active, and I can't get enough time with them (as evidenced by their hair that I'm constantly covered in, despite my best efforts - ha!) They get their walk in the morning even when it's 13 degrees or pouring rain.