10 Questions with ... Steve Burrell

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started in 2001 with KSMT “The Mountain” in Breckenridge, Colorado in promotions. We were a satellite fed station with almost zero live and local talent. When our satellite went down for the weekend, I was pressed into duty spinning CD’s and saying whatever I could. It went so well I was offered a live daily morning show. THAT went so well, I eventually became PD and we cut the cord with satellite and developed into a locally programmed, live radio station.

My soon to be wife’s job had us move to Denver in 2008, where I worked for JACK FM and then overnights at Alice 105.9. Next, I commuted to Colorado Springs for 3+ years doing mornings at KRXP. Finally, the DREAM GIG of mornings on the station a station I grew up with – KTCL Channel 93.3! Still feels crazy. I’ve been here 6 years and I’m still the new guy.

1. How did you first become interested in radio?

I’ve always been INTERESTED. I have a tape of myself as a child being a pretend DJ. But honestly, I FELL into my first gig. I moved to Breckenridge to escape life entirely and found my life’s calling.

2. You’ve been hosting mornings on KTCL for the past six years. Give us the 411 on Steve Burrell, 5a-10a.

Music intensive is the way the station’s built. I try and make my breaks count. I mix in musicology and some original jokes.

3. How would you describe your on-air style?

Laid back and (I hope) clever. Heroes include Jon Stewart and David Letterman, so I try to emulate a little bit of what they did. I assume my listener is smart, and deliver my material that way. Also, local wins in Denver! I try and find a Colorado angle on ANYTHING I’m presenting.

4. What is your show prep routine

Mostly it never ends. I try and keep track of ideas throughout the day, and keep extensive mini notes on my phone. I then revisit these idea each morning and see if they hold up to a night’s sleep. I then look at the music logs and decide WHERE I’m going to put those thoughts. The music should flow with the spoken material.

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

Being able to get talk to people about what’s on my mind! What an outlet!

6. How are you using social media to augment what you’re doing on-air?

If it’s a good break, it’s a good tweet. And, vice versa. I feel like Twitter is the most hand in hand with what I do. I keep a Facebook page because I should, but it’s just so weird in that room.

7. What’s it like working for Nerf?

I’ve thought about that more than once since I’ve started here. It’s truly great having someone who not only gives me a lot of freedom to do what I do, but supports it. It’s a great environment all the way around at KTCL, and that starts at the top. And I’m not just saying this because he’s likely to read this.

8. You recently added music duties at the station replacing Bailey. How are you sorting through all the new music?

It’s kind of a lateral move, since I was APD before. It’s always been a 3 person job doing music at KTCL with Bailey, Nerf and me. B Large has taken on my old role, and it’s not new to him either! I think having the culture of people that are bought in to what we do around here, and have done so for a LONG time helps immensely. Did I mention that 6+ years in and I’m still the new guy?

9. What would surprise people most about you?

I love real estate. I got into flipping houses a few years ago. I got my real estate license, and I find my own deals. I learned how to do everything by reading books!

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

3 cups of coffee. Cliché, sure. But I did think about my answer.

What are weekends like for you?

I have 2 daughters, 2 and 5. So, swim lessons, ski trips, and yelling.

What are your favorite places to eat in the area?

Izakya Den is one of our favorites, and the best restaurant in Denver is Fruition.

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

Broncos, Nuggets, Avalanche, Rockies, CU Buffs. Rockies should be higher, but they’re in the doghouse since last season.

First record ever purchased?

I purchased 2 at the same time. Smurfs All Star Album and Michael Jackson – Thriller. Still have the MJ album.

First concert?

Billy Idol and Faith No More

Favorite band of all-time?

Radiohead

Favorite new band over the past year?

Matt Maeson

Anything else you would like to add?

The day this is supposed to be published, is March 3rd…that’s 303 day here! It’s our area code, so we party hard about Colorado today. And, as of today, we have a NEW LOGO! It’s rolling out today. If you’re seeing this, it’s the first time it’s been seen ANYWHERE! We have new tents and a new wrap for the vehicle and stickers and t shirts and flags and key-chains and everything! It’s so cool!