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10 Questions with ... Bailey
October 8, 2019
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I got my broadcasting start goofing around at a college radio station...little did I know where that adventure would take me. From Boston, to Hartford, to Springfield, Providence, Denver and a few other stops along the way...
1. You've been in Denver for 15 years and KTCL is stronger than ever in 2019. How does it feel to be working at one of the top Alternative stations?
Great question! To be a part of this station's success over the years and watch it grow has been an amazing experience! When I started at KTCL, it was nothing like the station it is today. Many tweaks and changes, constant focus and hard work from everyone on the staff has led us to where we are now.
2. Why do you feel KTCL is such a successful Alternative station?
The people. All of us are a piece of the puzzle and when each person does their part, everything comes together and it works! Being relatable and approachable is another big part. I think we connect with the listeners because we are the listeners!
3. Nerf seems like a fun boss and a great leader. Tell us about the Channel 93.3 team and culture that has made the station so successful.
Nerf is a lot of fun! The station has become a "family" with most of us having been here for many years. We've grown up together, support one another and are encouraged to collaborate, try new things...and we continue to build on each new adventure to make it bigger & better!
4. Tell us about all the station's annual events and how important it is for the station to be local.
Being local is extremely important to Denver and I think in all markets. Our annual events are constantly evolving, but some of the mainstays: Keggs & Eggs for St. Patrick's Day, Not So Silent Night right before Christmas, Hometown For the Holidays- also before Christmas. That's when the station stops playing all currents and replaces those slots with Local Bands... a great way to support our vibrant and thriving local music scene!
5. What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job, I'm not sure I can pick just one. To say I love what I do is an understatement! Being on-air and connecting with people every day is rewarding! Seeing listeners at shows or events around town, talking with them, learning about who they are and what they care about is exciting and insightful. Being able to bond over a certain song or artist and then being at the grocery store or movie theater and having a listener come up to say hello or share a story is gratifying.
I am also the Music Director, another aspect I love... finding new artists and songs that will create a reaction from the audience is awesome on so many levels. Someone in their car discovering their new favorite band, or helping a baby band hear their song on the radio for the first time, creating listener experiences with artists, through garage sessions and various other M&G opportunities...botanic gardens with New Politics, indoor skydiving with Sick Puppies... coming up with these ideas and executing them is so much fun!
I love the friendships I've made throughout my career with musicians, labels, artists, management, coworkers and listeners--that aspect of my job has been priceless! I could go on and on with what I love about my job. It's a dream come true!
6 What do you love most about being on-air?
I love being on-air connecting with people who share a common interest in music. But being on the air is so much more than that. It's providing information to people - -news and updates on their favorite artists, concerts and event info, community news, and more. It's about building a friendship with listeners one on one through the airwaves and creating a space that is comfortable and safe for them to call, text, tweet, email or message anything from a song request to venting about their day to seeking advice on something happening in their world. It's about celebrating the good days and sharing the bad days, but knowing we can (and will) get through it together!
7. Take us inside the station's weekly music meeting and explain the process on what it takes for a song to get into rotation.
We definitely have a "process" for how a song gets on the air on KTCL. It's a complex algorithm that includes Nerf, myself, Steve our Morning Guy, the Promotions Director and the listeners too! Beyond that, I believe I have a been sworn to secrecy and cannot share any more details on this subject.
8. What has been the best testing song of 2019 on the station?
I believe the best testing song for us in 2019 has been Matt Maeson "Cringe." The Unlikely Candidates "Novocaine" has been another strong tester for us so far this year.
9. What's your take on the state of Alternative Radio?
I believe Alternative Radio is in an interesting place at the moment. There are a lot of up and coming artists trying new things, different sounds and collaborations. Some are proving to work at Alt Radio, some not so much... Maybe the audience isn't quite ready, but I do believe we are due for another game changing shift to the sound of Alternative...much like Nirvana in the early '90s or Mumford & Sons back in 2009. It's coming!
10. What's the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
It's important to learn as much as possible about every aspect of radio-sales, promotions, programming, production, traffic, continuity, news--learn it all! And, most important, be genuine, be yourself on and off the air!
Bonus Questions
How do you listen to music away from the station?
I'm a radio listener so I listen to the radio even when I'm not working. I also really enjoy vinyl! Hanging out at home with a few awesome thrift store record finds is my idea of a good time!
What are your favorite places to eat in Denver?
I love India's Kitchen 3, Watercourse Foods, and Shanahan's Steakhouse!
Favorite food?
My favorite food...This is a tough one because my tastes are constantly changing...sometimes its nachos, sometimes it's a freshly baked brownie with vanilla marshmallow ice cream drizzled with caramel & and chocolate sauce & topped with a roasted marshmallow! But, right now I'm on a salad kick and can't get enough of super fresh, cold and crispy veggies with my favorite homemade dressing!
Favorite drink?
Hands down- water! I know, I'm boring...
Rank your sports teams in order of passion.
Do I have to put this in writing? (Nervous laughter...if you know my husband, you know why...okay, in no particular order)
- Musical Canine Freestyle Dancing
- Red Sox-baseball
- Broncos/Patriots or Patriots/Broncos-football
- Avalanche-hockey
How often do you get back to Boston and what are your top priorities when you get back to home?
I try to get back to Boston as often as possible. My priorities are catching up with family and friends, trips to the beach, dining in the north end, heading up the coast to New Hampshire and Maine. And, before heading back to Denver...it's off to Kelly's Roast Beef or Minos!
Tell us about your family trips to Kansas City.
These trips to KC are some of my favorites! Being a Step-Mom to two amazing kids is one of many highlights in my life! The school events, little league games/tournaments, amusement parks, mini golf, go carts, or just staying home cooking, playing Uno or hosting a World Championship Ping Pong match... These are some of the best moments filled with love and lots of laughter!
Favorite new band over the past year?
I really like Half Alive and Superorganism!
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