10 Questions with ... Aaron Zytle (AKA Stace Edwards)

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I've been in radio since 2001 and have been fortunate enough to work just about all brands of Rock, Classic Hits, Classic Rock, Alternative and Active Rock. I spent 6 years programming KRXP in Colorado Spring and learned my craft from two great programmers, Rich Hawk and Jason Janc. I most recently spent two and a half years as the morning host for KBRQ in Waco, TX and KLFX in Temple/Killeen. My Producer, Jim Edwards and I started The New Music Food Truck while I was at KRXP and have since kept it going as a Specialty Show/Podcast. We are currently being featured (both online and terrestrial) on 27 stations worldwide.

1. Tell us about your Indie/Alternative Radio Show, The New Music Food Truck.

The New Music Food Truck is a one hour radio show that features Alt and Indie bands from around the world in an interesting food themed format. We feature a lot of bands that don't get the attention through the traditional channels but still worthy of a worldwide audience. I host the show each week and it’s produced by Jim Edwards. Together he and I have over 50 years of on-air and programming experience in commercial radio, most recently we've spent a decade working together in the Alternative format.

2. I love the imaging and the way you deliver each New Music Food Truck show with a weekly menu. Explain.

Presenting new music in a traditional format is not much more than a playlist. By creating a context of a food truck, we are inviting the listener to sample the music as one would sample food from the various food trucks that are so popular. Each week on our menu, we feature Second Helpings from the prior week. a Weekly Special, a Chef's Choice and we top it all off with an After Dinner Mint. Plus, every song and every artist is put on an interactive menu board on our website where you can click through to the artist website and the video of the song we play.

3. What is your process on putting together your weekly playlist/menu?

We get submissions from bands and artists, independent promoters, band management and music that we hear and research ourselves. We like to feature a lot of the DIY and smaller label bands and artists but sprinkle in some of the better known bands that have gone the independent route. We also have picked up new music from bands that were popular in the ‘80s and ‘90s that have released new music that are not getting the radio play today, i.e. Rick Springfield, KT Tunstall, Wang Chung, etc.

4. You provide a lot of artist info on every song you play. What is your show prep routine and how long does it take?

We start with getting music from the artists. Plus, we ask for their EPK and bio so we have their information available, along with research on the internet, we can put interesting information and context to each song and artist. We typically work two to three weeks in advance of each show to gather the information and prepare the feature interview.

5. What are your priorities for the show each week?

Each week we want the show to not only introduce new music but make you want to find out a little bit more about each artist. By keeping the songs up-tempo, the show moves along quickly. In the course of an hour, you get to hear 12 new songs and you don't even realize an hour has gone by, leaving you musically satisfied yet wanting more... like a good meal should.

6. What may surprise people to learn about the show?

The show is created in two different cities by just two people yet heard daily worldwide. Jim Edwards produces the show in Colorado Springs and I put together the music and host the show from my studio in Waco, Texas... The Internet is magical.

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7. What keeps you driven and motivated to do the show each week?

We love the music and we love the industry and want to give bands and artists another avenue for their music to be heard. We also enjoy the freedom to follow the music, meet the artists and make decisions quickly without a hierarchy of management.

8. You recently were part of the iHeartMedia "revamp" and lost your fulltime job. How are you sorting through your career path and the future of the New Music Food Truck?

It's never easy to lose a job but it happens. I'm on the hunt for my next gig but meanwhile, The New Music Food Truck gives me something to do other than comb the want ads and fill out applications. I hope that The New Music Food Truck can find a place on whatever station I end up at.

9. How are you using social media for the show?

We can be found on all social media platforms at @newmusicfoodtrk Each week we post on Facebook, all the bands and the artist feature for the show along with a link to our website. We also post daily to Twitter, not only the show and feature information, but logos and links to all our radio station affiliates that will be playing the show that day. We work closely with our station affiliates through social media to help promote our show and their station. We also go live on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter when we are out at a concert or event with one of the bands or artists we feature on the show to support their music and awareness through social media.

10. How can a radio station sign up to run the New Music Food Truck?

Send us an email to info@newmusicfoodtruck.com and ask for information. Here is The New Music Food Truck’s EPK and sample.

We have two formats, a one hour version for non-commercial/college stations and a three segment version of the show that offers 4 minutes of local commercial insertion. Both shows are available for free, no long-term contract commitment and market exclusivity.

What are weekends like for you?

Weekends are about downtime. The weather in Central Texas is great for getting outside and taking in some fresh air. I get a chance to read and catch up on whatever show I'm binge watching, which at the moment is Jack Ryan on Amazon.

What are your hobbies?

The New Music Food Truck is my hobby. When I'm not working on that, I like to read, play guitar, and work in the yard.

Favorite food?

TACOS! I'm on a quest to find the best carne asada in Central Texas.

Favorite drink?

Unsweet Iced Tea, Coors Light or a Gin & Tonic.

I know you're a big sports fan. Rank your sports teams in order of passion.

Depends on the season, lol. I'm a fan of all the Colorado sports team. AVs and Broncos in the fall and winter and Rockies baseball all summer long!

You spent 30+ years in Colorado. What are your top priorities when you get back to the Springs?

I still have family there so seeing them is at the top of the list. Plus, I have some lifelong friends in Colorado Springs that are just like brothers to me so getting together is a priority. I really miss the mountains too, so finding some time to drive through some of my favorite spots is a necessity. COS also offers some great food and craft brew so a visit to COS has to include room for food and drink.

Favorite new band over the past year?

Liily. No doubt about it. These guys awake a feeling of youth in me that takes me back to my early 20's. They bring lots of energy and some really great songwriting. I can't wait to hear what they do next.

Anything else you would like to add?

I'm a Programmer/On-Air Jock who is currently on the beach. I still have respect and passion for the industry and hope to land a gig soon. The New Music Food Truck is a way to keep myself planted in the music I love. I hope you'll give it a listen and if you need some help at your station, I'm available!