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10 Questions with ... Christy Taylor
March 5, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. Well, I'm not going to reveal all of our secrets. haha. But I will say that what we do is both a science and an art. Good music choices come with data behind them. Streaming is important, and for a station to prefer their callout based on 40-80 people over the free data provided by millions of people streaming a song seems silly to me. Are millions of people wrong and nothing like our listeners? I prefer the consensus of actual listening/consumption and engagement through socials and performances, to the consensus of the alternative chart
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- Internships at AC WFAS , Alternative WLIR, Top 40 WWYL
- Weekends, Rhythmic WXXP
- Nights, Top 40 WWYL
- MD/middays then afternoons, Top 40 WFLY
- APD/MD/ middays, Active Rock WZMR
- PD after many years as MD/night show, Alternative XTRA (91X)
- Music Manager for launch, Alternative KTWN (now KQGO)
- MD/middays, Alternative KDKB
- Nights, Hot AC KMVA
- PD/middays, Alternative KQGO
1. After leaving 91X, you played a role in the launch of GO 96.3 in 2015. Tell us about that experience and how that opened the door for you to return to the station in 2018?
My first time at Go Radio was for a 90 day contract, in a music manager role, that they specifically created for me. The job position I technically applied for was afternoon drive host, but I had reached out asking if they needed help with programming, and by some stroke of luck they found a place for me on the team. During my short time there I was able to secure reporting status for the station within 6 weeks, booked their very first Go Show and Go Fest. Every day I went into the office working as hard as I could to get the station setup and established as best I could during the window of time they hired me for. COO, Sam and I had stayed in contact over the years and had talked about the possibility of me returning to Minneapolis on a couple of other occasions. Then with Miles Anzaldo's big move to KROQ the timing to return just felt right. It's been said before, but I believe that if you work hard and maintain good relationships, opportunities will always be available.
2. What is it like working with Sam Elliot Gagliardi?
Anyone who has worked for Sam could sing his praises for days. He really cares about his people, but also having started on the Programming side himself, he is a real resource for the team. Sam loves music just as much as any programmer and trusts his people to take risks. He believes we don't succeed if we don't give ourselves permission to fail. But to me the thing I appreciate most about Sam is the time he takes to mentor his people. Every week on Thursday's he sits with me for 1-2 hours, and goes through leadership/management courses with me. This is something no other mentor or job has done for me before, and it has been instrumental in making me more effective for Go Radio. He also provides weekly development tips in our weekly all staff meetings. The industry truly needs more Sam's, we need more people who take the time to help their team's gain the skills they need to make them better. I will forever be in debt to Sam for the time he's taken to help me grow. He is one of a kind.
Here is a brief example of one of Sam's development teachings:
(Talent + Passion) x Association x Action x Faith = Success
3. Give us the 411 on Go 96.3.
We are a locally owned and operated alternative station in the Twin Cities. We believe in live and local personalities, local contesting, and that new music is just as important as the library. Every single day we strive to provide an inclusive experience that really puts listeners in the center of all things alternative. Go 96.3 is a brand, not just a station that plays a "certain type of music."
4. Describe the weekly Go 96.3 Monday Music Meeting.
Well, I'm not going to reveal all of our secrets. haha. But I will say that what we do is both a science and an art. Good music choices come with data behind them. Streaming is important, and for a station to prefer their callout based on 40-80 people over the free data provided by millions of people streaming a song seems silly to me. Are millions of people wrong and nothing like our listeners? I prefer the consensus of actual listening/consumption and engagement through socials and performances, to the consensus of the alternative chart.
5. What is your favorite part of your job?
This is probably an uncommon answer, but I LOVE BOOKING SHOWS. It's amazing being able to pick an artist early in their career and really help them grow. I had Imagine Dragons at a 100 person club show for 91X back in March of 2012, and K.Flay on Go 96.3's very first Go Show in March of 2015. To me the satisfaction of a sold out show is one of the best feelings in the world. There's so much hard work that goes into putting the right bands together to make an impact for our brand as much as the artists, and it's so rewarding when the listeners get on board. It's very tangible and I love it.
6. How would you describe your on-air style?
My style is "why" based. A few years ago I saw a Ted Talk from Simon Sinek on how to "inspire action." After watching this I changed my approach to on-air and programming as well. As often as possible I try to lead with the why, or paint the picture. Too often radio becomes a laundry list of "what" they are doing. While sometimes this happens to all of us because of talk break time constraints, it is up to us to do our best to advance conversations and provide fresh perspectives. I can't say I get it right every time, but I approach every break with a goal of trying to show "why" or provide some type of fun enhancement to the music I'm interrupting. It's always a work in progress.
7. What's one thing that may surprise people to learn about Go 96.3?
That we had 3 minute stopsets since the station launched in 2015. This allows us to typically play 15 songs an hour.
8. What is a typical workday like for you?
It's a little different every day. Most days there are morning meetings worked around my 10am-2pm radio show. I spend the rest of the day till about 7pm, working on the details of our promotions, programming, imaging, interfacing with the digital team, responding to labels, reviewing music, etc. There's nothing too out of the ordinary, though I do think the Go Radio team would say that I send a lot of emails. haha.
9. You've been in radio for 20 years, what are you most proud of?
I think my grit is what I'm most proud of. I've always figured out how to keep my career going no matter how many obstacles or setbacks I've encountered. Even after all these years, I am fine admitting I don't know everything, but I'm willing to take the time to keep learning and growing.
10. What do you miss most from growing up in New York?
New Yorkers pride themselves on having an opinion. It's not about agreeing, but it is about having real honest conversations. I guess that direct personality type is what I miss most. I've found it's easier to know where you stand and figure out what needs to be done when people are direct.
Bonus Questions
You went to high school with Mark Zuckerburg. How well did you know him and what was he like in high school?
I'm surprised you know this fact... haha. I actually can't say I know him, he's 3 years younger than me and was in my sisters grade. His sister Randi was in my grade, but even though there were only about 108 kids in my class, I didn't know her well either. She ended up leaving Ardsley High School to attend private school.
You love dogs! Tell us about Bubba.
Bubba is a rescue I found at the Southern California Bulldog Rescue thanks to help of Kat Corbett. Everyone says this about their dogs, but he really is my best friend. He's traveled across the country with me 3x and has lived in 3 different states with me. No matter how much things have changed, bubba has always been there by my side. He's the best. Adopt don't shop.
What are weekends like for you?
There's always a little bit more sleeping on the weekends (thankfully). I also usually schedule 1 music log on the weekends and I still have a weekend radio shift. If the rest of the team is expected to be on the air on the weekend, I feel it's only fair that I step up too. Other than work, I try to make time to relax and see some of my friends.
You love to travel! Tell us about your favorite destinations. What's up next on your list?
If traveling were free you'd never see me again! Egypt is by far my favorite place I have ever been too. It's amazing to see things you've read about in mythology and history come to life. So much of western society is rooted in ancient Egypt, but it becomes more clear when you are there learning about that history in person. My next international trip is going to be Tulum. I've heard nothing but amazing things.
When you're not travelling, what are your hobbies?
Does going to concerts count as a hobby? Haha. I'm also really trying to get into yoga. Namaste.
Favorite new band from this past year?
Allan Rayman. I know some people knew about him before last year, but 2018 was when I discovered him... I then spent a significant amount of time trying to find his label. After bugging Drew and Amanda about him numerous times since last May/June, Allan Rayman actually ended up on Republic and has new music coming out this year with Alex Da Kid. Now even though you didn't ask, my new favorite of 2019, after only 6 weeks, is Sam Fender.
Anything else you would like to add?
This feels like a good time to thank my mentors. Hopefully I don't leave anyone out. In no particular order, Sam Elliot Gagliardi, John Foxx, Capone, Nik Rivers, Kevin Callahan, Tracy Cloherty, Derek Madden, Mike Tierney, Sky Walker, Chris Patyk, Complex, Mikey Fuentes, Trip Reeb, Keith Cunningham, Ted Volk, Gary Gorman, Lisa Worden, Rob Goldklang, Justin Bryant, Jacent Jackson, Lazlo, Tracy Johnson, Lori Lewis, Fred Jacobs, Jacqueline Saturn, Dave Barbis, Warren Christensen, and David Moore.
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