10 Questions with ... Kaylan Moody

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I originally thought I was going to be a mental health psychologist until I discovered my college radio station my sophomore year of undergrad. I joined the station before we went live on-air and immediately fell in love. I spent two-years working at the station before I transferred to MARC Radio. I started on-air doing the morning drive, and have worked my way up to Music Director while continuing the AM Drive!

1. How did you first become interested in radio?

I've always loved music and listening to the radio. I loved riding to school in the morning with my mom and listening to Elvis Duran and The Morning show, but I never thought it was something that I could actually do for a living. When I got to college, I thought "Why not?!" and decided to go for it. Best decision!

2. What led you to 100.5 The Buzz last year?

I had been at the college station for a few years before I joined The Buzz and I knew that if I wanted to continue to grow I would need to branch out beyond my comfort zone. I was scared to go from a new beginning-level college station to an actual commercial station. Leaving a Top 40 format and moving to Alternative was another challenge for me, but I knew it was necessary for my growth.

3. It's been an exciting year for you. You recently graduated from the University Of Florida and have been promoted to MD. What has the transition been like adding Music Director duties to hosting mornings on the station?

I've loved it! I started working with Kevin, my PD, a month into starting the morning show. I would just sit in quietly on his music meetings and absorb everything. He would ask for my opinions on music and at first I was shy, but now it's nice to feel more confident in my opinions.

4. What is your process for sorting through all the new music?

I'm still trying to get it down to a system because right now it's a little scattered! On Monday's Kevin and I sit down and listen to a ton of new music. We look at Mediabase, Spotify, All Access, social media, emails from labels and all that good stuff. I just take it one song at a time and write down notes about each song. What are my personal reactions? Does it fit the sound of the station, etc.?

5. What is your favorite part of your job?

I love hearing a record for the first time and falling in love with it. Some days nothing grabs my attention, but when I find a record I'm passionate about, it's an amazing feeling to see it grow and flourish and have people fall in love with it like I did.

6. What do you like best about being on-air?

Definitely connecting with the community! Taking on-air calls is one of the highlights of being on-air for me. I think our listeners are hilarious and it's always fun to hear their stories, or hear the excitement in their voice after winning concert tickets or whatever prize we have. Being out on remotes and actually meeting some of the listeners face-to-face is an awesome time.

7. How do you use social media?

We try to be as interactive as possible on social media. We want to connect with our audience and also be a good source on info for them by providing them with local updates, things going on around Gainesville and stuff like that.

8. What made you fall in love with Gainesville?

When I first moved to Gainesville, I remember thinking, "Oh my gosh, everyone is so nice!" LOL. But overall, I love the culture of Gainesville. It's a small town that has a big passion for local music, concerts and community events.

9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?

Music or chocolate.

10. What would surprise people most about you?

Sometimes since I am creative and imaginative, people might think I am right-brained. But honestly, I am way more left-brained! I am strategic, analytical, and put a lot of thought into my decisions! I'm definitely a super nerd!

What are weekends like for you?

On weekends, I like to decompress and hang out with my friends! I can be pretty lazy so we usually just watch TV and hang out with my cat. Very exciting stuff!

How often do you get back to South Florida and what are your top priorities when you go home?

I go home every few months and my top priority is definitely spending time with my family! And there's a lot of them so my times at home are definitely jam-packed!

First record ever purchased?

Hmmm. I think it was Kelly Clarkson's album "Thankful."

First concert?

LOL. Hillary Duff!

Favorite band of all-time?

The Script!