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10 Questions with ... Don Kaye
August 30, 2005
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NAME:Don KayePOSITION:Format ManagerCOMPANY:Launch Radio NetworksBORN:April 11th, 1965RAISED:New York City
LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:
Loading dock worker for Carolina Trucking.
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Began as professional Rock journalist in 1986, with paying assignments at magazines like Kerrang!, the Aquarian, Creem, Circus, Guitar World, many others. Segued into syndication at MJI Broadcasting, where I wrote and produced the award-winning Metalshop for six years. Worked for Concrete Marketing and SW Networks after that, co-writing and producing Hard Drive with the fabulous Roxy Myzal. Fulltime freelance for a couple of years after that, then became one of the first programmers at Sirius Radio. Built, formatted and programmed five Rock channels there, including Metal and Modern Rock. Came right to LAUNCH from there, where I write and edit the Alternative and Active Rock morning prep service.
FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:
Probably Elton John -- Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy
FIRST CONCERT:
Kiss!!! At Madison Square Garden, February 18th, 1977. Don Kaye Sr. took me.
FAVORITE BANDS OF ALL-TIME:
A dead tie between Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath.
1. How did you become interested in the music business?
Simply through a fierce love of music. Rock music was my constant companion during my formative years. I also became aware that I had talent as a writer, and it seemed natural to write about the bands I loved. From there, things just happened and I also realized I could get paid for doing this -- and not have to wear a suit and tie to work!
2. What is your role at Launch Radio Networks?
My primary responsibility is creating a daily music news feed for our Alternative and Active Rock affiliates. That involves finding, researching, and writing stories, interviewing artists, covering events, and presenting it all in as timely a fashion as possible. I also work closely with the other writers to find out which stories cross formats, and act as a copy editor for several writers as well.
3. What do you offer Alternative radio?
A well-written, well-organized, and timely digest of rock news and features on a daily basis, targeted very specifically toward the artists that our stations are playing. We have high standards of writing and I hope that's reflected in the quality of our stories, and we also work very diligently to get the best sound we can, both from an audio perspective and a content perspective. Much of our material is geared toward morning show crews, and it's our job to give them everything they need without them having to search it out themselves at 4:30 in the morning. Having said that, the stories are usable throughout the rest of the day and we also provide updates and bulletins on breaking stories.
4. What are you looking to accomplish each day with your show prep?
I'm hoping that we give our affiliates a truly usable and timely service. I also like to think that the stories are well-written enough that the air personalities can "rip and read" if they need to. I also like the urgency and momentum of news, and I hope to reflect that with the prep every day.
5. What is your biggest challenge?
The massive wealth of media out there. We're all fighting for the same 20 minutes with the same artists much of the time, and it's no secret that some outlets get preferential treatment. Being in New York, the media capitol of
the world, makes the job even more difficult, but we have good, strong connections with a lot of labels and publicists, plus effective stringers in key spots, so all in all I think we do pretty well.
6. What do you like best about your job?
Something I mentioned earlier: the urgency and momentum of news. I really enjoy breaking a story where and when I can, but just on a daily basis, I enjoy getting information out to the world, or facilitating the access to
that information. I've also gotten to meet some heroes and interesting new artists, plus I still don't have to wear a suit and tie to work!
7. What would surprise people most about Launch Radio Networks?
Our reach. Syndication and prep services still remain a mystery to many people, because it's not necessarily something tangible. Publicists can't point to us in the way they point to a magazine feature or a performance on
TRL or Letterman. Having said that, however, we have more than 500 affiliates for our services and programs, not to mention that our stories go online through a number of outlets. You may not see it, but it gets to a hell of a lot of people!
8. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Tweet.
9. Biggest career highlight?
It's so hard to say. Being personally chosen by AC/DC as one of 12 writers to pen liner notes for their catalog was tremendous. Meeting people like Tony Iommi, Angus Young, Rob Halford, Chris Cornell, etc. is always a thrill. There have been so many great shows, events and interviews, though, that it's difficult to pinpoint just one. I would say that the overriding highlight has always been seeing bands like Metallica, Soundgarden, Slayer, White Zombie, Sevendust and many others become successful and knowing that I had perhaps had some small part in that.
10. If you wanted to completely change careers today, what would you do?
People who know me well know that I've had a longtime desire to write fiction. I've done it here and there but have frankly struggled with it over the years. But "Don Kaye, novelist" is still the dream.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
Reading voraciously, seeing films obsessively, listening to music, writing about horror movies, watching baseball, hiking, biking, and sending out emails to all my friends (and a few foes) pointing out the many ways that George Bush is harming this great country.
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