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10 Questions with ... Alex Mac
April 9, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. I'm just myself on-air, and I think that's all I can be! I talk to our listeners like I'm talking to them at the bar (minus the tequila) or stopped at a red light. It's just casual, fast, and fun during my show, but I still get to nerd out on music and the latest tours and record releases
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Former WRXL (XL102)/Richmond nights. Currently KDXA (ALT 106.3)/Des Moines APD/MD/PM Drive, weekends on KKDM (107.5 KISSFM)/Des Moines, and nights on KLLT (ALT 104.9)/St. Louis.
1. How did you first become interested in radio?
I honestly never thought I'd work in radio! I studied International Relations in college, I had an offer at the State Department in Washington D.C., but after an internship at WRXL (XL102) in Richmond, VA -- I was hooked. I turned down the gig in D.C., and here I am!
2. Congrats on your recent promotion to APD. What led you to ALT 106.3 in October 2017?
Well, thanks -- I'm beyond excited! In Richmond, I raised my hand for everything. I just wanted to learn it all. I worked my way up the ladder and became the weekly night jock while I was holding down another, full-time job. I just couldn't give it up! Fletcher moved on to head up KLLT and KDXA and eventually asked me to join his Midwestern, alternative team.
3. What's it like work with King Fletcher?
He's the best, but don't tell him I said that... Obviously kidding! I'm so lucky to work with and learn from him. He's been my PD since 2014, but at this point - he's also a close friend. I think we make a great team.
4. Give us the 411 on the station and how ALT 106.3 is positioned musically.
ALT 106.3 is Des Moines' Alternative Rock, playing a blend of gold that defined the genre along with the biggest songs at the moment. From Nirvana to twenty one pilots. I spend a ton of time listening to new music and filter it for what I think just sounds like Des Moines. Plus, I'm a big nerd about looking at sales, streams, etc.
5. How would you describe yourself on-air?
I'm just myself on-air, and I think that's all I can be! I talk to our listeners like I'm talking to them at the bar (minus the tequila) or stopped at a red light. It's just casual, fast, and fun during my show, but I still get to nerd out on music and the latest tours and record releases.
6. What is your favorite part of your job?
I love engaging with our listeners -- on-air, at events and remotes, even on social media. I grew up such a big fan of radio, and I'll never forget how my favorite jocks made me feel when I met them. It makes me so happy to think that I have the opportunity to do that for other people now!
7. How do you use social media?
I'm an absolute crazy person when it comes to social media. I try to be as interactive and out-of-the-box as possible, especially when it comes to content creation. I love video and any sort of live aspect to more easily to connect with our listeners on a "real" level.
8. Your station bio states that you're, "a massive James Bond fan and wannabe Steve McQueen, he's definitely not afraid to say he's a firm believer in treating yourself to dinner and drinks, a classic haircut, and dressing to impress. Up for anything, you can always find him exploring what's new and exciting in the DSM or STL with the attitude of his longtime idol, Frank Sinatra - "I'm gonna live till I die, baby." Explain.
Oh no... I'm so embarrassed you found this! I'm just an old soul, y'know? My mom grew up in Las Vegas so, in turn, I grew up with the Rat Pack playing over family dinners. I'm a Sinatra super fan. I've always loved anything "classic," so James Bond and Steve McQueen kind of existed as the definition of "cool" to me growing up, when I certainly was NOT!
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Iced coffee. EASY. Okay, specifically cold brew -- which I guess makes me "that guy," but hot coffee is just too much when you spend all day in over-ear headphones!
10. What would surprise people most about you?
I'm actually an Eagle Scout and super proud of it! Also a giant mama's boy, but I guess that wouldn't be much of a surprise...
Bonus Questions
Tell us about your rock band.
Dang, you really did your homework! I sing in a pop-punk/pop-rock band called Everview. Think Boys Like Girls meets Bleachers. Shameless plug, but... check out our music video if you haven't yet!
What are weekends like for you?
I do weekend shows on KKDM (107.5 KISS FM,) our Des Moines CHR station, but even outside of the station -- it's still all music, all the time. My friends and I go to a ton of shows and music-focused bars. They're always willing to see bands and artists they've never heard of or go out for karaoke. (My go-to is Jet "Are You Gonna Be My Girl")
What are your hobbies?
I love making videos and traveling. I've been working on my Instagram video series #MondayMinute and my new road-trip podcast about Iowa called, TRYOWA. Get it? I'm lucky to be surrounded by a ton of creative people here in Des Moines who are always willing to help out or join in. I think I'm just a gear-head. All of my hobbies involve cameras, guitars, or hunting for new records. Oh wow, I really am "that guy"...
Favorite new band from this past year?
I think YUNGBLUD is just so rad. Also, The 1975 and Pale Waves tour package couldn't have been more perfect. Apparently I've been on a big English music kick...
First record ever purchased?
First cassette was Led Zeppelin III with my dad at a flea market, but my first CD with my own money was Red Hot Chili Peppers "'By The Way!"
First concert?
It was Green Day on the American Idiot Tour at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. I'll never forget it. That show still makes my Top 3 of all time! I went with my friend Sam, because my parents would've never put up with all of Billie Joe's f-bombs!
Favorite band of all-time?
First fav goes to Green Day, but for "of all-time" it's got to be Panic! At The Disco. I've owned that since 2005, and I think it's so cool to see the band still "up on that rise" in 2019.
Anything else you would like to add?
Hey, guys! Make sure to like and subscri- kidding, kidding. Thanks for taking the time, this was awesome!
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