10 Questions with ... Chris Payne

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Current member of the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame, entering my 28th year in broadcasting after radio stints in 11 places between two cities.

1. How old were you when you moved from Los Angeles to Reno and when did you know you wanted to work in radio?

My Dad picked up the family and moved us from Eagle Rock, CA to Reno, NV when I was 6 years old. Two years later after riding to/from my Mom's dance classes she'd teach, my love for radio began to take shape. By the time I was 8, I was making phony airchecks with my cassette deck and radio then playing them for my friends. They would always say, "That's you" but I would play it off, "no it's not." Needless to say they weren't having it.

2. Let's rewind back to 1990 when a young whipper snapper Chris Payne first started working at KRZQ. What stands out the most?

Technically, my first time at KRZQ was a week before Saddam invaded Kuwait in '89. I went in to the gig wide eyed with everything to learn. It took a few slaps on the wrist and a betrayal from a former co-worker to make me realize that radio isn't an easy business. From there, I made sure to always look out for me while trying to help out my team mates.

3. How would you describe yourself as a programmer?

Oh man. Perhaps a better question is how would others describe me ...hahaha. I'd like to think of myself as a fair programmer with an open ear. The most important thing I've done in my time here is to listen to the city and watch what they like while trying to stay ahead of the curve without being "too cool" for the room. This may sound textbook but when you look at KRZQ's playlist you'll hear a few things on our station that other cities may not touch, whether it's for sonic reasons or otherwise.

4. What is the most challenging part of your job?

Balance. If I may elaborate more on my answer, knowing what we can play here in the city plus what research tells us while adding a dash of gut makes for a playlist that is designed to be the soundtrack for the lifestyle of our audience. In short, not being afraid to tap in to the hearts of the core demo while introducing them to sounds you have a feeling they'll enjoy.

5. What is it like working for Shamrock Communications?

Shamrock is a great company mainly because they're a family owned operation. They're not afraid to market their personalities, stations. Heck, if they put me on 10 billboards all around town 3 years ago while placing our syndicated morning show on the massive freeway boards, that right there tells you that they believe in their home team. They've also provided programming freedom that some other places don't necessarily offer. I'm not implying that our station is a free for all, but I am saying that they allow us to program to our audience without worrying about the overhead of a consultant.

6. What do you love most about being on-air?

The rush of cracking the mic coupled with the audience engagement makes for successful times.

7. Who did you grow up listening to and share with us some of your mentors?

Oh man ...the stations that were my foundation, locally were KCBN (now defunct CHR), KOZZ, and 96 Rock, when KRZQ was a rock station. Los Angeles had the four horsemen: KMET, KLOS, KROQ, and KNAC. The laundry list of DJ's, or as we're referred to now, on-air personalities were instrumental in shaping my vernacular. Local heroes include Max Volume, Daniel Cook, and Steve Funk. Los Angeles had Jim Ladd, Long Paul, Bryan Shock, Jed the Fish, Sluggo, and of course Mark & Brian.

8. You're extremely passionate about music. Who are some of your favorite new music discoveries of 2017?

There are so many great bands/artists out there that are, aren't getting played. The ones that get me: Royal Republic, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Miami Horror, Billy Raffoul, Gideon, White Reaper, Sundara Karma, Night Club, Sylar, Rubblebucket, and Whitehorse.

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

Coffee. No question.

10. Take us through your workday from beginning to end.

Pull into the parking lot, shut down the wHip, leave any attitude at the front door, walk in the building, greet the receptionist with a smile and a hello, step in my office, make sure our logs are on time, set my stuff down, walk into the Business Manager's office, give her a head nod and say, "#party." Turn around, walk back in to my office, and ignore the voicemail on my phone while checking my e-mail. Open Facebook, post a music comment/video, then open Music Master and start scheduling the days ahead. I'll also scan Social Media for promotional ideas to hopefully execute our way that way it doesn't look like we're trying to rip off another station. At some point, I'll shoot a few programming friends in the industry a shout, mainly because I like to keep my circle tight. Riffing off of those who get you, and vice versa, helps the creative juices flow.

After downing some coffee (which would be about 50 collective ounces by now), I'll start putting together some show prep while tidying up the logs for the next couple of days. It's now about 2pm which means it's show time. I crack the mic a few times; attempt some humor while keeping the breaks tight. At the end of the day, it's time to head home, or to sushi, or maybe to emcee a Reno Aces game. Who knows? What I can tell you is my night isn't over.

Tell us about your role with the Reno Aces.

I'm the on-field emcee for the second year. It's my responsibility to ensure that our contests, promotions, and other things done on the field are executed in a timely manner all while getting the crowd to laugh at what we're doing. If the room is having a good time, mission accomplished.

Where else can we find Chris Payne in The Biggest Little City In The World?

Hmm ...there are a few places: St. James Infirmary rockin' a DJ set, Sushi Pier Midtown (getting my fresh fish fix), one of 5 different local coffee houses in search of my next buzz, or at my Godson's learning about things through his and his sister's eyes.

What are weekends like for you?

That depends. If the Aces are in town, straight from the station over to the ballpark, then to one of the local watering holes on the way home to grab an after-shifter. If no Aces, then I'm traveling to a show in Chicago, Portland, Seattle, or anywhere a plane can take me for 48 hours.

Do you own more shoes or hats?

Shoes. I have well over 400 pair. You could say I have a problem ... hahaha.