10 Questions with ... Laura Lee

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Interned at WXRK in NYC. First gig was overnights at KWOD in Sacramento. Went across the street to do weekends/assistant morning show producer for the Rob Arnie and Dawn show on KRXQ. First full-time job was morning show co-host at Real Rock in Bakersfield. I went across the street a year later to do afternoons at KRAB Radio. Then 97.3 The Brew in Milwaukee, 98 Rock in Tampa, part-time at Project 961 in Atlanta, 9 years at 98 Rock and 105.5 The Bridge in Charleston.. where I cut my teeth programming at The Bridge. Then up to Salisbury, MD as promotions director for Adams Radio and now at WRMR in Wilmington back programming again and afternoon drive.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

It's almost embarrassing to say how I got into radio when I'm surrounded by so many people who always knew they wanted to be in radio from a young age. My career stemmed from a failed attempt at becoming a marine biologist. Realized my first semester in college that I didn't have the major math and science skills it took to follow that path. So I just took the basics for a few years, took a year off to go work over in London, England, came back and took advantage of my college status to be able to intern at KROCK in NYC so I could explore a big city and meet up with my dad for lunch a few times a week. I actually became INTERESTED in radio when I started voicing weekend spots for KROCK. Ashok Bhalla (back in the KROCK days known as Dead Air Dave) saw something in me and helped me make my first demo tape. There are times when I text him and tell him thank you and other times I curse him out for steering me in the direction of radio.

2. What led you to want to program WRMR?

The call letters, the history, the music, the location!

3. What's it like working for Sunrise Broadcasting?

I've only been on board with Sunrise Broadcasting for a month but they genuinely care about their employee, which in turn, makes for a positive work environment. Sunrise Broadcasting seems to operate the Richard Branson idea of prioritizing employees. Happy employees treated well and given the tools to make the brand shine will always give more than asked. I've been in situations where it was an "us vs them" mentality. It's not productive, breakroom conversation is built solely on complaints and everyone's end game is to get out. Companies like that will never thrive.

4. After working at Rock and Triple A stations, what has been your biggest challenge programming an Alternative station?

I don't think my biggest challenge is necessarily unique to Alternative Rock but I feel like some formats wrestle with it more than others. The balance between playing what a big chunk of your audience wants to hear (Imagine Dragons) all the time but also putting in the largely unfamiliar names (Alice Merton) so another part of your audience feels like they're discovering new music for the first time on your airwaves.

5. What do you want everybody to know about WRMR, Modern Rock 98.7?

I program 50 feet away from the studio... we are local! Maybe the station in one city that's being programming by a person in another city works in certain parts of the country but our listeners love to interact with Modern Rock. Also, my new favorite show is the Reggae Redemption show. A longtime local, Kimberly Smith (a.k.a.The Night Nurse), has been running her show for years on different airwaves around Wilmington. I'm happy to have her on Modern Rock. Reggae music on a Sunday morning, whether you're driving to the beach or sitting on your patio, drinking coffee, definitely works here.

6. How would you describe yourself as a programmer?

I'm much more research than gut. But of course, every market is unique, so I do like to bring my morning guy, Max, into the mix. He's lived in this area all his life, so he's a great resource.

7. What is your favorite part of your job?

In the 17 years I've been doing radio, I've had the opportunity to wear a lot of different hats. My favorite part though, is still when I'm on-air. It's almost like therapy. In the couple weeks I've been on air, Modern Rock listeners know I'm a divorced single dog mom gamer who loves Bob's Burgers. I probably wouldn't even tread on some of those subjects one on one with someone until several dates (and drinks) in.

8. Tell us your seven years working in Minor League Hockey for the South Carolina Stingrays.

I approached the SC Stingrays about their need for an in-game host when I first moved to Charleston. I had previously spent a year doing the same for the Milwaukee Admirals. I love hockey and the idea of getting paid to go watch hockey, with a little work mixed in, just made sense. Fun fact about me, I can sprint on ice in high heels.

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

Coffee. Such a basic and uninteresting answer but 100% true.

10. What would surprise people most about you?

That I'm an introvert. My personality is something that turns on when I'm working on the air or when I'm out with the station interacting with listeners. On my own time, I go to the bar solo to watch football or hockey, not to socialize. Yea. that sounds like a great excuse as to why I'm still single.

What are your hobbies?

Exploring historical sites, nature photography, whisky & and being super lazy with my olden golden, Kimbi.

What are weekends like for you?

Well right now, a chunk of my Saturday is spent at the station running NC State football games. Which, I really don't mind because the extra time in front of Nexgen has been helpful with re-familiarizing myself with it. Sunday's are for Vikings footballlllllllllll... and laundry.

First record ever purchased?

My memory is fuzzy... it was either Wilson Philips or Meat Loaf "Bat Out Of Hell." I was kinda all over the map with my music selection.

First concert?

Michael Jackson on his BAD tour. It was me, my uncle, my mom and my little brother. We were second row from the very top and I only really remember two things from that night. Seeing Michal moonwalk in person and the two very large women behind us who screamed the whole time.

Favorite band of all-time?

Despite having to look the other way at times with some of Bono's political stances, it's U2. It'll always be U2.