10 Questions with ... Scott "dXn" Dixon

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

WWDG (Rock 105 The Dog)/Syracuse
Feb 2003-Sept 2006
PD
Midday Host
Host of The Backyard (local music show)
Host of Bareknuckle Radio (Hardcore/Metal/Post Rock specialty show)

WAQX (95X)
Jan 2012-present
MD
PM Drive Host (Afternoons with dXn)
Event Execution Specialist

1. January 2020 marks 8 years for you at 95X. What are you most proud of from the past 8 years?

Over 8 years there have been quite a few milestones, but the thing I am most proud of is the transition from Active Rock to Alternative and seeing the success of the change in both ratings and revenue due to the programming being refocused. IMO the alternative format is more mass appeal and has a much larger potential audience than Active Rock. I am excited to have been a part of this change and look forward to what the future holds for the format and WAQX.

2. In March 2019 you were inducted into the Syracuse Area Music Awards Hall Of Fame. How does that feel to be recognized as a longtime supporter of the Syracuse music scene?

In all honesty, I'm not sure it's really sunk in yet. I have never done any of the things I do for acclaim or fanfare. My involvement in the Syracuse Music scene always came from a place that just wanted to put our city on the map. Having been here and a part of it for over 2 decades I can honestly say that per capita Syracuse and the surrounding areas have some of the best unsigned talent in the country and I will continue to champion the efforts of those in the 315 until someone finally breaks through to a national level and truly put this area on the national map.

3. What is your biggest challenge putting together 95X's Locals Only how each week and what is most important to you when deciding what to play?

The music of CNY is so varied and eclectic. So putting together a show every week is a daunting task and requires a good amount of thought into presenting a solid over view of what's happening on the streets of the area and balancing the variety of styles and also being aware of what's new, what's hot and what we want to align our 95X brand with.

4. You also have a new music show called, "The Fringe" on Sunday nights. What is your process for putting this show together each week?

So I get hundreds of submissions on a weekly basis, so it's a matter of trying to listen to everything and then sort it down to, no, maybe and definitely yes. The Fringe is, for me, a 3 headed beast. I want to have a place for bigger, non-traditional radio acts (Bon Iver, LCD Soundsystem, Wilco etc.), things that are hot in the underground (recent examples include Sub Urban, Tessa Violet and Tones & I) and things that I hear that I think could be hits (blackbear, Y2K & BBNO$, FKA Twigs).

5. How would you describe your Music Director style?

When scheduling music I pay very close attention to the quarter hours and making sure that each QH represents as much of the alternative spectrum as I can. I want the essence of the station to bleed through regardless of when the listener turns the station on.

6. What do you love most about being on-air?

For me, being an on-air talent gives me the ability to have a soapbox to stand on and shout about things in our community that I feel warrant it. Whether it's a cool band from here, a charity that needs assistance in spreading the word or just an event that enriches the local culture. Being able to be so prominent on a station you grew up with comes with a certain amount of responsibility IMO. I feel like if I don't use my voice to make people aware of the things that truly make Syracuse cool, then it is a wasted opportunity.

7. How do you use social media?

For the station, I think it's an excellent tool for connecting with your listeners and your community. I think it's an important part of creating a footprint for your brand, for your station or yourself.

On a personal level, I do not use it a lot because I am kind of a hermit and when I interact with other human being in those rare instances I prefer it to be face to face or as the kids call it, IRL.

8. What is typical workday like for you?

30 minute commute in. Coffee. Check in with Joe D (PD) about what the day holds. More coffee. Schedule some logs. Coffee. More logs. Lunch. Maybe some imaging or voice stuff. Show prep. Coffee. Air shift. Coffee. 30 min commute home. More coffee.

9. Who is your favorite on-air personality not on your staff and why?

I dig Bentley at The Edge in Buffalo, NY a lot. She worked previously here in Syracuse years back and I was always a fan of how she always kept it real and casual, like an actual conversation. She has a great POV and is IMO the standard bearer for what I like to call real radio.

10. What may surprise people most about you?

I'm kind of an open book and have had a relatively high profile existence in this market for the better part of 3 decades. I have a tendency to live out loud so to speak, so maybe the fact that I sleep with socks on regardless of the season? Ya boi has cold feet!

What are weekends like for you?

There is usually a remote or an event, but in the odd case that there isn't I like to spend time with my friends, go and see my niece and nephews when possible, play music with my bands, watch MMA and NFL football and occasionally set up a round of Milk pants.

Where are your favorite places to eat in Syracuse?

OMG there's so many! Toss N Fire for wood fired pizza that is OUT OF THIS WORLD, authentic Middle Eastern fare from Sinbad, killer pho and bahn mi at Vietnamese Noodle House and if you like old school Italian grandmother food, Angotti's is an essential stop

Rank your sports teams in order of passion.

The only team I truly have any real long term fandom for are the Indianapolis Colts. I've been a colts fan since I was a kid and they were still in Baltimore. Initially I think I was drawn to the simplicity of the logo, but given their bouts of glory along the way, there are worse teams to fan boy over (looking at you Joe D.....LOL)

Favorite new band in 2019?

On a national level, I would say MXMS has really made me stand up and pay attention. They have dubbed it funeral pop, which isn't too far from being a perfect descriptor, but their single Gravedigger is the coolest vibey track of 2019 IMO and their cover of Nirvana's Something In The Way will give you goosebumps. Speaking of goosebumps, Jocelyn and Chris Arndt are also in contention for me. I had the pleasure of having them perform in our studio a couple months back and I still can't find the words to describe how truly transcendent that experience was.

On a local level, I have to give Major Player some love. Their single "Game Time" is this perfect blend of Leon Bridges, Hamilton Leithauser and Andrew McMahon. Isaac French is another guy I feel like deserves some love as well.

Favorite concert from this past year?

Having Silversun Pickups headline our 95X Big X Cuse in July was a cool moment. They have been my favorite band on planet Earth for over 10 years and in a way, they saved my life back in 2011 when I had a lot of health issues. Their album Swoon is the reason I am still here. It was cathartic to be able to talk to Brian and Nikki about that and it felt like one of those full circle life moments. Definitely something I will never forget.

Anything else you would like to add?

Yes and it's very simple. You can't move forward if you're always looking back. Evolve. Don't fear change. Be kind and treat others the way you would like to be treated.