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10 Questions with ... Axe Clark
May 28, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. When I first got into radio, I thought if I ever got the chance to be on-air, I'd be the crazy, wacky jock that does sound effects and all that jazz but I'm actually pretty chill. Definitely corny and a little goofy with a passion for sharing new music and educating our listeners on the artists
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Graduated CSB School of Broadcasting in 2008. Interned at WPBZ (103.1 The Buzz)/West Palm Beach, then produced for an AM cluster before moving to Rochester, NY in 2009. Started in promotions for WZNE 94.1 The Zone and worked my way up to on-air weekends and host of the new music show before moving to Buffalo, NY in 2014 to work in my current role for WLKK Alternative Buffalo
1. How did you first become interested in radio?
I had been doing stand-up comedy for a couple of years and was trying to figure out what was next, when I heard an ad for CSB School of Broadcasting. After some thought, it made too much sense not to pursue
2. You started working with Nik Rivers back In West Palm Beach at The Buzz. What's it like working for Rivers?
I actually interned at The Buzz a little after Nik had left but I remembered hearing him on The Buzz before I got into radio and was a listener, so it was cool to get the chance to move to Rochester and work for him. It's awesome having a boss that you can call your friend and the past 10 years working for Nik have been great! I've learned so much about both the on-air side and the behind the scenes day-to-day operations. He gave me my first shot on the air and has helped me grow into the broadcaster I am today.
3. Tell us about weeknights with Axe from 7-mid.
Think back to when you would sit around at a friend's place. Maybe you're hanging by the pool, or have a fire going and you got the radio on and you're jamming out; that's how I like to think of it. Just me and the #AltFamily hanging out enjoying great tunes together
4. How would you describe your on-air style?
When I first got into radio, I thought if I ever got the chance to be on-air, I'd be the crazy, wacky jock that does sound effects and all that jazz but I'm actually pretty chill. Definitely corny and a little goofy with a passion for sharing new music and educating our listeners on the artists
5. What is your show prep routine?
I like to go through our website and social media accounts. There's a ton of great stuff on them from band news to pop culture content. I make a list of things I've been up to (places or events I've gone to, shows I'm currently watching, etc.) and scroll my Facebook feed for anything that looks interesting (whether it's a local news story or even just a funny meme). I tend to stay away from the prep service stuff.
6. You also have a specialty show on Sunday nights from 6-8p. Give us the 411 on The Underground Collective and how you put together the show each week.
I like to think The Underground Collective is the most diverse new music show out there. You'll hear established bands that have new music out, but you'll also get unsigned DIY bands, indie, pop, and electronic artists, and everything in between. If it's good, I play it. To put the show together, I'll usually listen to as much of the new music as I can during the week. I try to listen in the car, at home, the office, the gym or really any other place I can. I'll usually sit down over the weekend and start whittling down the playlist until I finalize it Sunday.
7. What is your favorite part of your job?
There are so many different aspects that I love. I really enjoy the new music show. It's extremely enjoyable listening to hours of new music and picking the best songs and artists to introduce to our listeners. I also enjoy meeting and hanging out with our listeners, especially when we have our annual summer, winter shows and birthday shows. Live music with the best listeners in the world is a great way to party. The friendships I've made with other fellow industry professionals across the country have also been amazing. I've met some of the nicest people that I get to call friends from working in radio
8. Who is your favorite on-air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
Zack on 94.1 The Zone. We got into the industry together and he's always had a bit more attitude on-air than me. I've always thought if I wasn't the corn ball I am on-air, I'd want to be more like him.
9. What would surprise people most about you?
I feel like I might get some hate mail for this one. Despite watching a lot of different TV shows (across all genres), I've never seen an episode of "Game Of Thrones," nor have I ever really had the desire to. Maybe when this final season wraps up, I'll sit down and watch it. Of course, I said the same thing about 'The Sopranos' and still haven't seen an episode of that either
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Breathing... Also, coffee and music
Bonus Questions
How did you get the nickname Axe?
When I moved to Rochester from Florida, I moved up with my best friend Zack. Because we moved up, lived and worked together, we got dubbed Axe and Smash after the famous WWE tag team. Axe stuck for me, Smash did not for Zack. The rest as they say, is history
What are weekends like for you?
I'm usually getting caught up on stuff around the house. My wife and I try and get out during the summer. Since winter seems to last about 7+ months in Buffalo, the city makes the most of the summer with a different festival every weekend. I also try and get a few rounds of golf in. In the winter, playing in the snow is always fun. Snowboarding is still on my bucket list, but I love tubing.
What are your hobbies?
Reading (especially true crime), Netflix/TV shows, karaoke, trail walking/hiking, watching/playing sports
First record ever purchased?
Green Day's "Insomniac" (I stole all the great albums from 1994 from my older sister, so Insomniac was officially the first one I bought lol)
First concert?
Buzz Bake Sale '99 (Kid Rock headlining)
Favorite band of all-time?
Green Day
Anything else you would like to add?
I love being behind the mic and having an outlet for my creativity.
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