10 Questions with ... Justin Kade

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• Weekends/Producer KFMS/Las Vegas
• Late-nights/Production/AMD KMXB/Las Vegas
• Nights, then mornings, then back to nights at KDGE/Dallas
• Evenings at WRFF/Philadelphia
• Nights, afternoons, then finally middays at KYSR/Los Angeles
• Now happily on the SiriusXM roster currently hosting weekdays on Alt Nation Channel 36

1. Tell us about how you became fascinated with working in radio?

It was always about the music for me. Other than MTV, radio was THE place to hear all my favorite music growing up and I'm just like any other kid of the early '90s in that I would record all my favorite songs off the radio. I eventually decided I wanted to be one of those weird, expressive voices coming out of the speaker and feel so incredibly lucky to have been able to do so since 1999. (Can't believe it's been 18 years already. GASP!)

2. What was your big takeaway from your 10 years at ALT 98.7/L.A.?

To never give up. Even when things feel impossible, keep moving. When we signed-on ALT 98.7 in Fall 2007, we really didn't have anything other than big dreams, big ambition and our undying love of music. It was truly a slow and steady uphill climb. Both maddening and exciting. I never had an experience quite like that in radio, one that seemed to have been custom made for me & my former colleagues and where we were in our lives at the time. It was a unique experience and I learned a ton about myself, both personally and professionally.

3. You mentioned when you joined Alt Nation that it was your favorite station to listen to. How did you get the midday gig on Alt Nation?

For years, I was on the sidelines cheering ALT NATION on. I've always loved how they're super ahead of the curve on new music, sometimes several months before FM. Actually, when I was hosting the "Music Discovery Show" Sunday nights on ALT 98.7, I modeled it off of Regan's "Advanced Placement" on ALT NATION. After leaving ALT 98.7 in Spring 2016, I had planned to take a little break. Originally I had thought a year, but then after spending an entire Summer listening to ALT NATION and feeling the vibe, I decided to get in touch with Regan right away and the rest is history.

4. How would you describe yourself on-air?

Eager, informative, relatable, chill, happy, welcoming & real

5. How different is it for you to do a national vs local show?

Strangely, they're actually quite similar. While doing local radio, I was always giving 1000% of myself; the blood, the sweat and the tears. I'm still doing that. Nothing has changed, really.

6. What is your show prep routine?

Billboard, Spin, Rolling Stone, and of course all of the Alternative Music blogs like Consequence Of Sound, Pitchfork & NME. I'm on those constantly.

7. What is your favorite part of being on-air?

Getting to be expressive. When I have something to say, I'll say it. If not, I'll just let the music do the talking. I also enjoy interacting with our audience via Twitter and Instagram. They are always extremely quick to comment on something I just said on the air, or tell me their favorite band, or something they're feeling. We've become quick friends.

8. Take us through a typical workday in the life of Justin Kade.

Nothing too crazy, really. I prep for about an hour, then head to the studio to make magic happen!

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

A couple of things! Transcendental Meditation, which I have been practicing for a year and a half now. Also, Barry's Bootcamp. HUGE fan of Barry's. In fact, while I was on my little 8 month break from radio last year, I was there every single day. They got me into shape quickly!

10. What would surprise people most about you?

I'm a big film buff. While we're on it, I'd like to recommend everybody check out "Call Me By Your Name" starring Armie Hammer and (my new favorite actor) Timothèe Chalamet. It is hands down the best film of the year. A masterpiece, really. And Sufjan Stevens did the score! I mean, come on...

What are weekends like for you?

I like to relax on weekends. You can usually find me at ArcLight in Hollywood watching movies, at one of my favorite Vegan restaurants - Sage in Echo Park or Shojin in Koreatown & if we're being honest that's when I usually do mundane things like grocery shopping and laundry.

What was the best concert you saw in 2017?

Definitely U2's "Joshua Tree 2017" tour with Beck in San Diego. A friend of mine who works on the crew invited me backstage for a tour and it was surreal. I got to stand on stage and look out into the sea of fans, which was probably the largest crowd I have ever seen. I'll never forget that experience!

Who are some of your favorite new bands?

There are a few to watch out for in 2018: Two Feet, lovelytheband, Mansionair & Francis And The Lights.