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10 Questions with ... Pauly Kover
February 5, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. There's a guy named Slats that does mornings on WNCX in Cleveland. I've always admired his on-air style. No, we're not the same at all. But when I started, I modeled my style off of his. I guess I would say my on-air attitude is, "I don't wanna be at work right now, but there's nowhere else I'd rather be!" ...if that makes sense. I like to present myself as the average listener that walked in off the street and just so happens to know how to push the buttons in studio
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started in Cleveland by working as a board-op, associate producer, phone screener, on-air goof and assisting in promotions. Left for Vegas, where I took on quite a few shifts during the years - morning board-op, overnights, middays & then my sweet spot, evenings. Plus I host the Sunday night new music show, The X-Effect.
1. How did you become interested in radio?
I was raised in theater and always wanted to do something in entertainment. A friend had a radio show in Cleveland on the now defunct Xtreme Radio and needed someone to do silly characters. After a while, he was let go and I was hired due to my hard work and persistence. The only problem was that they had no full-time work for me. I had family in Las Vegas and always wanted to move. When I saw an opening for a weekend air talent/weekday Howard Stern Show board-op, I went for it and LOVED it! (No, I wasn't the board-op that always screwed up.) I took a lot of pride in running that show. It's the reason I fell in love with radio.
2. You've been on-air at KXTE for 15 years and covered several different dayparts over the years. What do you love most about working at X107.5?
First off, the format, whether we were "Xtreme" or whatever you would call us today, its Alternative music and I love Alternative! (But don't get me wrong. I'd be proud to work for any format.) On top of that, I've had a chance to work with and learn from several PDs, GMs, and on-air talent. Vegas has a super-fast revolving door, when it comes to talent coming and going, and I feel fortunate to have been able to plant my roots in Vegas because... IT'S VEGAS!!!!!
3. Tell us about your night show from 6-11p.
I don't know if I mentioned we're in Vegas... But we're in Vegas. Things really don't get started until the sun sets. People work at night, party at night, and tourists need something to listen to in their hotel rooms while getting ready or getting down. I want to provide the soundtrack for the night and keep the momentum going with a good flow. Plus I like to throw in a little humor, make a funny noise or two and mention my love for pro wrestling to tick off my bosses.
4. How would you describe your on-air style?
There's a guy named Slats that does mornings on WNCX in Cleveland. I've always admired his on-air style. No, we're not the same at all. But when I started, I modeled my style off of his. I guess I would say my on-air attitude is, "I don't wanna be at work right now, but there's nowhere else I'd rather be!" ...if that makes sense. I like to present myself as the average listener that walked in off the street and just so happens to know how to push the buttons in studio.
5. What is your show prep routine?
I believe in cross promotion and I'm usually still asleep when our morning show is on. So I like to see what Dave & Mahoney had going on and then I check in with Ross "The Boss" Mahoney and his afternoon show. (Yeah, too many Mahoney's. I hear they want me to change my last name to it, but I just can't!) I really believe in utilizing social media, so I create posts and teases that hopefully draw in listeners. After that, I like to go through the headlines. See what's going on in politics, local news and in music and entertainment... Then I usually eat a sandwich and forget everything I just did.
6. What is your favorite part of the show?
By far The Beatdown at 9p. I hate the name. It was created by the previous host. But I feel that I was the one to perfect it. It's the stereotypical "cage match" feature, pitting 2 new songs against each other and the listeners vote for their favorite song. Winner is crowned Champion and tries to go 10 nights in a row. Really, it's just a way to see what they like, while giving new songs and/or artists a platform that isn't buried in late night/weekend programming. Plus listeners get to call up and who doesn't want to hear themselves on the radio? C'mon!
7. Tell us about your specialty show The X-Effect On Sunday nights at 10p.
Speaking of that late night, weekend programming, whether it was called "It Hurts When I Pee" during the Xtreme Radio days or the more PC name, "The X-Effect," Sunday nights are a Petri dish for new music. Not to mention, right in the middle of the show, we have our Local Effect spotlight, showcasing what's made right here in Las Vegas. Don't wanna brag about our station, but the first time The Killers and Imagine Dragons were ever played on radio, it was a Sunday night on X107.5!
8. You also have a TV gig at FSW. Tell us about your role with Future Stars Of Wrestling.
In 2011, I started as a live event/TV host for FSW. That led to becoming a producer/writer and eventually the "evil" Commissioner Kover role that I absolutely loved. In radio, we try so hard to get everyone to love us. But in wrestling, there are roles that are meant to elicit hate... and that is a lot of fun! After a few years of that role, being choked out and slammed through tables by guys 3x my size, I took a step back from the company. But who knows, an evil return is due soon!
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Hanging with my girls. I have a beautiful girlfriend and an amazing 3 year old at home that I adore!!!
10. What may surprise people about you?
My first job out of high school was for The Cleveland Opera (now defunct). I was assistant production stage manager for their tour department. We would travel around Ohio and the country, teaching kids (mostly inner city) about opera & theater. It was the most physical job I've ever had. A ton of fun and very rewarding. My biggest regret, professionally, was not continuing the job after 2 seasons... I was a stupid kid.
Bonus Questions
Last non-industry job?
HR and Marketing Manager for a basement waterproofing company. I worked at corporate HQ. Hated it. But I was good and bonused often.
What are weekends like for you?
Very relaxed. I love to binge watch old TV series. ER is my all-time favorite! I'm a nerd.
What was your favorite new band in 2018?
Wallows... The kid from 13 Reasons Why is in the band and I had a chance to interview them. Good music. But he wouldn't talk about the show. I have questions that need answered!!!!!
First record ever purchased?
Green Day "Dookie" came out in 1994, when I was 13. It changed my life!
First concert?
Well... My mother dragged me to see Whitney Houston in 1986. But the first concert I actually showed interest in was The Monkees / Weird Al in 1987 or 88 at Blossom Music Center in Ohio.
Favorite band of all-time?
Green Day, without a doubt. Then anything Chris Cornell and finally, The Beatles. You can hate me for that order, but that's ok. I elicit hate. We've been through this already.
Anything else you would like to add?
I've spent years seeing my peers being featured on All Access, so it truly is an honor that you chose me. This radio thing we do is a gift and I am very thankful to crack that mic 6 nights a week for a station that I've loved since 1996.
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