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10 Questions with ... Alternative
December 10, 2019
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This week, we look back at 2019 with the best answers to some of our best questions.
Ricky Biggs
Afternoons/Production
KJEE/Santa Barbara (1/8/19)
"The one thing I always try to keep in mind when I'm working on production is, 'Is this worth people's time?' Especially if it's a promo, I always want to make something that listeners will find entertaining, something that will make them turn the radio up and go, 'Wait, what did they just say?' If it sounds like a commercial, I've failed."Christine Chiappetta
Director Of Radio
Deckstar/YM&U Group (1/15/19)
"It was a very natural progression for me to go into management after so many years on the label side. I was constantly being told by my radio peers, colleagues, even bosses, that I cared so much, 'sometimes TOO much' about the artists I was working with, (which sounds almost absurd), and to remember 'this is just business.'"Todd Sievers
#HAPPENS & CO5 Music (1/22/19)
"Steve and Beatrix have built a wonderful and successful event for rock radio and its community over the past six years. When we discussed bringing the two formats together our goal was to create something that can grow beyond any boundaries."Heather Luke
SVP/Head Of Promotion
Big Machine John Varvatos Records (1/29/19)
"Building partnerships among the station, label, and artist is essential. I believe in respect, honesty, and teamwork. It's important that we share and utilize the massive breadth of metrics that we have at our fingertips today to help understand our audience. Together, we can all win and (hopefully) have fun along the way."Pauly Kover
night jock
Former KXTE (X107.5)/Las Vegas (2/5/19)
"I want to provide the soundtrack for the night and keep the momentum going with a good flow. Plus I like to throw in a little humor, make a funny noise or two and mention my love for pro wrestling to tick off my bosses."Menace
morning co-host
The Woody Show (2/12/19)
"Every single person on the show is a producer and we're constantly working on collecting content. On top of that, I use social media for 24/7 marketing of the show."Tim Virgin
PM Drive
WKQX (101KQX)/Chicago (2/19/19)
"I am pretty much who I am on and off the air, a beautiful disaster. I hope that most breaks that I do cause some kind of reaction for the listener. Did I make em think? ... make em laugh? Maybe even get them to think ... WTF just happened?"Corey B
PM Drive
WNYL (ALT 92.3)/New York (2/26/19)
"I started making viral videos, all topical, all original. I built my fan page from 3,000 followers to over 1.9 million on FB. The videos didn't just benefit me but the stations I've worked for."Christy Taylor
PD/middayer
KQGO (GO 96.3)/Minneapolis (3/5/19)
"I prefer the consensus of actual listening/consumption and engagement through socials and performances, to the consensus of the alternative chart. "Dustin Carlson
MD/afternoons
KDKB (ALT AZ 93.3)/Phoenix (3/12/19)
"I've found a comfortable balance between being creative and being effective. The message is the most important thing for me and I feel it's really easy for imaging guys/gals to get so creative the message starts getting lost."Miranda Daniels
APD
WRIS (The Resistance 106.7)/Madison (3/19/19)
"We're fortunate to work for a great company that has stations in nearly every format so The Resistance can really stay alternative without having to spread itself too thin to cover so much ground."Chris Patyk
Head Of Alternative & Rock
TuneIn (3/26/19)
"It's advantageous for us to have the ability to play a lot of new music. In streaming, there's a good chance that listener is in discovery mode and looking for something new and different. We also have the ability to expose artists to an audience they won't find anywhere else with our unique content offering. "Woody Fife
Morning Host
KYSR (ALT 98.7)/Los Angeles (4/2/19)
"Assuming you are constantly doing character development/reinforcement, launching the show in syndication isn't much different than launching locally. The thing that will make the biggest difference is how the local station embraces the show. Imagine a local show signing on to a station, and the station did NOTHING the rest of the day to promote and integrate it with the existing cume. That would suck. And unfortunately, that's how it is a lot of times with syndication."Alex Mac
APD/MD/PM Drive
Former KDXA (ALT 106.3)/Des Moines (4/9/19)
"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!"Alyssa Haberman
MD/middays
KBZT (ALT 94.9)/San Diego (4/16/19)
"I'm definitely able to be more authentically myself in the alternative format. I'm a really sarcastic person and my humor tends to lean toward snarky. In Top 40, I was still myself...but in a more bubblegum kind of way. But in alternative, I don't try to be anything or anyone except me, which makes things way more fun."Palmer
MD/nights
WEND (106.5 The End)/Charlotte (4/23/19)
"My rule for myself on air is that every break should either make my listeners learn or laugh. If it can do both, then I'm very happy."Vince Richards
OM/PD
KKDO (ALT 94.7)/Sacramento (4/30/19)
"KKDO is the hardest station I program because it's non-traditional and unique in every aspect."Manny Cowzinski
PD
KTHR (ALT 107.3)/Wichita (5/7/19)
"I also think it's important to have fun. Jack Oliver was my boss at KKRD for many years. He would always end every memo and email with 'have fun.' It's important to do that."Brian Schechter
Owner
Riot Squad (5/14/19)
"Breaking new artists is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. That's the satisfying component. When it does start to work, and you see that first fan with the lyrics or logo tattooed on them, that feeling can't be replaced."Ricardo Cano
PD
KYNS (ALT 93.7)/San Luis Obispo (5/21/19)
"We are the only station between Santa Barbara and Monterey that plays Alternative music as their core. Our small signals might be seen as a disadvantage but it allows us to be more local and in touch with the community."Axe Clark
Nights
WLKK (Alternative Buffalo 107.7|104.7)/Buffalo (5/28/19)
"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"Jeff Ballard
SVP/National Promotion
Nettwerk Records (6/4/19)
"As an indie label, we must have 20 more bullet points than our peers and digging in to find another angle is a must."Gavin 'Murph' Murphy
PD
WVZA (92-7 ALT 2K)/ Marion-Carbondale, IL (6/11/19)
"We try to stay away from edgy contemporary rock, and find a balance between Alt Rock with just a hint of pop thrown in. We play Alternative Rock hits from as far back as 2000, but we put a lot of focus on current Alt hits, while also introducing listeners to lesser-known artists and also the next big songs they'll be hearing on other stations."Gaby
"On The Horizon"
WSFS (104.3 The Shark)/Miami (6/18/19)
"'On The Horizon'" is Shark's starting grounds for all music played on the station. Everything from unknown artists, alternative legends, and just straight up good music is found there. It's truly something I'm really passionate about. Making the playlist every week, I want to make sure there is a song for every listener to connect with. I think that emotional connection is the core of Alternative music and THAT's what 'On The Horizon' is all about."Ronny Gutfreund
Sr. Director National Promotion
S-Curve Records (6/25/19)
"We cannot be pigeonholed. We're not a pop label, we're not a rock label. We are flat out in the business of delivering great records to the masses."Mike O'Reilly
PD
KCJK (X105.1)/Kansas City (7/2/19)
"From X105-1's inception, our station voices have been Dan Stone & Wendy K Gray. They're not only the branding glue between the music; but their unique chemistry and comedy adds sparkle and balance to the overall product & presentation."Christine Malovetz
APD/middays
WNYL (ALT 92.3)/New York (7/9/19)
"We're constantly engaging our listeners on social, standing next to them at concerts, and listening to their suggestions about how to make this station as great as the city it's in. We're not just building this brand for our audience. We're building it with them."Matt Malone
PD
WQMP (FM101.9)/Orlando (7/16/19)
"Radio is changing in weird and wild ways, and to see Entercom actively promoting, growing and trying to improve and adapt the format gives validation that the music is as relevant as it ever was, the personality and culture of alternative is relevant as it ever was, and that my time sitting in my bedroom/in my car/at work constantly listening to WKQX/Q101 in Chicago for a significant chunk of my formidable years were relevant."Tom Ferguson
PD
WFUZ (ALT 92.1)/Wilkes Barre-Scranton (7/23/19)
"Songs that make up the backbone of an alternative gold library (Nirvana, Pearl Jam, STP, etc.) sound increasingly out of place when paired next to what is currently big at the format (Billie, Panic!, etc.), and lest we forget that we're coming up on the '90s being 30 years ago. I'm interested to see if and how the format adapts to that big time gap."Phil "PK" Kukawinski
PD
WGHL (ALT 105.1)/Louisville (7/30/19)
"We're continually looking for ways to differentiate ourselves from any station you can listen to online that's just plugged in from somewhere else. Especially in our Diary market, we want the focus to be on the community and the listeners."Rob Goldklang
SVP/Head Of Rock/Alternative Promotion
Warner Records (8/6/19)
"As someone that has been a big part of this company past, present, and future, it's been amazing to watch a complete rebrand. It's remarkable the amount of thought, effort, and sensitivity that goes into a new image for a company as important as Warner. Part of our mission statement is: "It's a new day for Warner Records, an iconic label that was born in the California sun and is at home everywhere on Earth." The logo, the name - it all truly defines who we are and where we are headed."Dave Hill
SVP/Programming
Former IHeartMedia/Indianapolis (8/13/19)
"I love being at the helm of the biggest rock brands in the market. WOLT (Alternative) and WFBQ (Classic Rock) work together, creating a blanket of the markets rock demands. As I walk the halls, I am surrounded by a team of people that share the same pride and drive in regards to all of our brands, including WZRL and WNDE in addition to WOLT and WFBQ."Max
Music/Imaging/Afternoons
WWWX/Appleton-Oshkosh (8/20/19)
"I prefer to have character without be a caricature. I try to reveal things about myself to help connect with the audience. I see it kind of like a Late-Night monologue. I don't have an on-air partner, so that's the approach I have. I'm, unfortunately, lacking a studio audience...so I'm praying I'm not bombing."Mike Killabrew
Director Of Rock Programming
WWDC (DC101)/Washington (8/27/19)
"Greatest change since taking over DC 101 has been our musical lane. Removing a lot of tertiary grunge, increasing our current/recurrent ratios and presenting a more sophisticated façade has been more appealing to our audience."Sal Palazzolo
PD
Former -WWYY (Spin Radio)/Allentown (9/3/19)
"I think after a bit of a soft spot recently, the format is coming back stronger than before. I really think artists like Billie Eilish bucked the trend...and now we have a great balance of well-known established artists complimenting brand new artists we're all discovering for the first time...and they're hits! As much as I love Imagine Dragons, I think the format was getting a bit overloaded with all their massive hits, all of which crossed over...so it afforded little opportunity for the lesser known groups to make the climb to the top."Joe DeTamaso
PD
WAQX (95X)/Syracuse (9/10/19)
"We're consistently a top 3 station Adults 25-54 and 18-34 along with #1 M25-54 and 18-34, but the highlight that sticks out the most for me is being one of the Top 10 Alternative stations across the Top 150 markets accordingly to Nielsen. To be in the Top 10 with powerhouse stations like KNDD and KPNT is exciting and something I'm really proud of."Howie Rock
APD/MD/middayer
Former KHTB (ALT 101.9)/Salt Lake City (9/17/19)
"My biggest key to prep is to make whatever I find relatable in some sort of local fashion as to not regurgitate the same thing the other stations are reading."Ed Sabatino
PD
WMRQ (Radio 104.1)/Hartford (9/24/19)
"We have good product and entertaining personalities who are connected to our audience. Seeing WMRQ rise in key demos over the past year has been quite gratifying."Jim Kurdziel
RVP/ Programming Rock Formats
WEDG (103.3 The Edge)/Buffalo (10/1/19)
"In my opinion, imaging is the most important part of your brand. I spend more time on that than almost anything. We all know it's the only thing setting us apart, really."Bailey
MD
Former KTCL (Channel 93.3)/Denver (10/8/19)
"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!"Kaylan Moody
MD/mornings
WHHZ (100.5 The Buzz)/Gainesville (10/15/19)
"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."Laura Duncan
PD
WGBJ (ALT 102.3)/Fort Wayne (10/22/19)
"Consumption numbers help me decipher which songs are organically working nationally and which ones are being propped up."Pat Gallagher
morning host
WRIS (The Resistance 106.7)/Madison (10/29/19)
"It's the little station that could. We don't have a huge signal, but we've got very passionate listeners who seek us out. They love the fact that there is now a true alternative station in Madison!"Lynn Barstow
PD
KROX (101X)/Austin (11/5/19)
"It may not be the strongest coalition of styles we've seen, but we're getting numbers. It's fun to be able to include songs from artists as successful as recent ones from Billie Eilish, SHAED, Imagine Dragons, and Twenty One Pilots under the Alt banner."Johnny Maze
PD
WQRV-HD3 (ALT 92.9)/Huntsville (11/12/19)
"It's been a steady growth. The market has never had a station fully dedicated to the alternative format. Stations have dabbled in certain artists and titles to expand their libraries, but we are fully dedicated to the format. We play and highlight many bands/ artists that have never had exposure in the market."Jason Squires
Director Of Programming
KFRR (New Rock 104.1)/Fresno (11/19/19)
"This ownership believes in the product and the brand and gives us the tools to create and win. It took a minute to get used to that initially as that was never the case previously."Shawn Rock
PD
KRXP/Colorado Springs (11/26/19)
"We have a very dedicated audience that has become attached to the RXP sound and I along with Chris Austin (MD) and our on-air staff feel committed to making sure it all comes together for them."Ed Brennan
VP/Alternative Promotion
Atlantic Records (12/3/19)
"We understand that there is a limited amount of space for currents which can be taken up in a multitude of ways. If you look over the last 12 months, we're in the process of breaking 3 new artists (Oliver Tree, Matt Maeson and Absofacto) as well as bringing new Coldplay to the world."
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