10 Questions with ... Jeff Morad

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• WERG/Gannon University
• WKPE/Cape Cod
• KIMN/Denver
• WEQX

1. What is it like working at WEQX and broadcasting from a Victorian House?

What's the saying, "It's not weird unless you make it weird?" Well, I guess that saying applies here because going to work in a Victorian House in Manchester, VT every day seems completely normal until somebody brings it up.

2. You recently made some on-air lineup changes. Tell us about the new on-air lineup at WEQX.

After a few amazing years with Kim at my side she decided to try some new adventures which included stepping down from middays. Luke was our night guy at the time and since we love to promote from within we moved him to that slot. He has quickly become very comfortable in this position and reassures us on a daily basis that he was worthy of it because his knowledge of music and ease of speaking about it is unparalleled. In order to fill the night slot, we needed a miracle, and that's where the universe stepped in. Out of nowhere, Shea came up to Kim at an event and expressed interest in working for the station... thanks universe!

3. Give us the 411 on the legendary EQX, The Real Alternative.

EQX keeps on keeping on. We don't allow trends to dictate what we do. I keep a pair of Brooks' glasses on my desk in order to remind me of his vision for the station and that vision was to always keep it real!

4. WEQX has a long history of being first on new music. What is your new music discovery process and what is most important to you when championing new artists?

We use every resource available and there is certainly no shortage of resources. Every Tuesday Keller, Luke, and I (along with anybody else who wants to swing by) sit down and listen to a constantly updated folder on our shared drive. After every song, we have fun conversations about whether what we just listened to is "an EQX song". We try not to just think in terms of singles, but in terms of longevity of the artists. Can we get behind this band for the long haul? Sometimes we make mistakes, but at least we did as much homework as possible.

5. How would you describe yourself as a programmer?

One word? Clueless! When Amber stepped down as PD, it came as a bit of a surprise to me that I was offered the job because I never got into radio to be anything more than a DJ. Obviously, there was no way I was going to turn down this offer so I took it and I continue to fly by the seat of my pants. I know this is frustrating as hell for a mostly young air staff as they look to me for direction, but I think being the type of boss who doesn't "program" their every move allows them the freedom to be the incredibly creative people that they are.

6. What is our favorite part of your job?

Text messages from Mimi saying that there is some of her world-famous food in the fridge. Oh, and music.

7. Tell us about the EQX House Sessions.

This was Kim's greatest idea! We took a disgusting, embarrassing part of the house and turned it into an amazing space where artists are comfortable enough to unleash some very intimate performances. Our specialty show host Dan (please don't' steal him from us!) doubles as sound engineer for these house sessions. He is nothing short of a miracle to hear how great they turn out based on the limited amount of resources we have for him to work with. We just had freakin' Weezer come in!

8. What is the toughest part of your job?

Just like life, this job is all about relationships. So, I would have to say the toughest part of my job is saying no to a rep about playing a tune...we are great friends with all of them!

9. What is a typical workday like for you?

• 3:45am - wake up
• 5:am - arrive at the station (I live an hour+ away)
• 6-10am - host Early EQX
• 10-1pm - take calls from aforementioned friends, chit chat with staff, listen to music, plan upcoming events, make sales calls, take out the trash, eat Mimi's food non-stop throughout this time.
• 1pm - drive home
• 2-5pm - nap
• 5-7pm - answer emails that came in while napping
• 7pm-midnight - go to a concert
• midnight-3:45am - sleep

10. What are you most proud of since joining EQX nearly 10 years ago?

Joanne Harris once wrote that "It's like swimming against the current. It exhausts you. So, after a while, whoever you are you just have to let go, and the river brings you home." We continue to live by these words and that makes me proud!

What are weekends like for you?

Funny you should ask, because this is the first weekend this year that I have not been at a festival or out at a show. While I obviously thoroughly enjoy that, this weekend my lady friend and I are taking turns putting records on the turntable while dancing around the loft.

What music do you enjoy listening to away from the station?

The sweet sound of sizzling bacon.

What has been your favorite concert in the past year and why?

As of today (9/23), I have seen 262 bands this year. So this is not an easy question to answer, but since leaving this blank isn't fair to you... Pearl Palooza was my favorite concert. Seven years ago, Amber, Willobee and our local promoter, Sugar Shane, put together this grassroots festival in downtown Albany. We work year-round on it so you can only imagine the joy that one receives from seeing 8,000+ enjoying a day of free live music.