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10 Questions with ... Chris Crate Atticus
July 21, 2020
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. We play the biggest songs, covering the spectrum of rock and alternative for Middle Tennessee, and we've been doing it for the last 20 years! From the imaging to our personalities, The Buzz is chock full of personality that really shines 24/7, and our listeners really connect with that.
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started my first radio job in 2001 at WMFS (93X) in Memphis. Worked there for eight years before accepting a job as Imaging Director and on-air with WBUZ (102.9 The Buzz) in Nashville. In 2014, I accepted a job with iHeartMedia in Indianapolis as PM Drive host on WOLT (ALT 103-3), APD of WFBQ (Q95), and Imaging Director of the Indiana/Kentucky iHeart stations. Now, in 2020, I am back with Cromwell Media as Program Director of 102.9 The Buzz WBUZ.
1. What led to your return to 102.9 The Buzz as PD after previously being APD/Imaging Director at the station from 2010-2014?
I love The Buzz! My previous years spent with the brand are very special memories for me. I was hesitant to leave back in 2014, so when the opportunity to return came open, especially as PD, I knew it was time and I went for it!
2. What was your big takeaway from working at IHeartMedia/Indianapolis?
I worked with some great folks, had wonderful experiences, and made a few lifetime friendships! I learned a lot about myself during my time in Indy... like how much I would love the snow... who knew?!
3. Tell us about accepting a new job during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Um, it's been crazy! Obviously, we've all been affected one way or another. I was informed I had the job at the start of March. The lockdown began the week my wife and I were scheduled to drive down and tour houses. Needless to say, folks stopped letting strangers into their homes for a walk through. So, we had to safely wait it out. Ultimately, I began my job in Nashville... from my house in Indianapolis! Strange times.
4. What do you love about working at Cromwell Radio Group?
Going into work every day to make great radio and to have fun while doing it! Also, the staff is absolutely amazing. From ownership, all the way to part-timers. It's like a family.
5. How would you describe 102.9 The Buzz - Nashville’s Rock Station?
That badass rock station you can't get enough of! We play the biggest songs, covering the spectrum of rock and alternative for Middle Tennessee, and we've been doing it for the last 20 years! From the imaging to our personalities, The Buzz is chock full of personality that really shines 24/7, and our listeners really connect with that. Plus, we have the amazing Free Beer & Hot Wings Show every morning that our audience obsesses over.
6. The Buzz is celebrating 20 years. You mentioned the station recently did a massive music survey. What did you learn from the survey and how do you navigate a rock-leaning station in the current pop alternative landscape?
We find the right balance between rock and alternative. It's choosing the right songs for your audience and making sure you program those songs correctly. Basically... don't be lazy about it. The survey provided us with the perfect road map to navigate the musical terrain of Music City. Although we're in a very heavy country music market, Middle Tennessee still wants to ROCK, and the survey shows us that we're their number one destination for it.
7. What may surprise people most about the station?
A lot of famous musicians listen to The Buzz, follow us on social media, and have reached out to tell us they're big fans. Makes sense seeing that many live in Nashville. A musician wouldn't lie to us, right? RIGHT??
8. What is your favorite part of your job?
Getting paid to do my hobby! That, and the amount of fun I have every day making excellent radio.
9. How did you get the nickname Crate?
Crate is actually my middle name! Both my grandfather and uncle share the same middle name. Brief history: my great great grandfather was named Socrates. When he arrived in America, it was shortened to Crate... you know, "Americanized" in its own special way...
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
I'd say beer, but my mom might read this... so definitely music. Oh, and my phone. I can't remember life before my iPhone.
Bonus Questions
What are weekends like for you?
What are you, the cops?Favorite food?
JUNK FOOD! How I stay thin, I'll never know.
Favorite drink?
Crown and 7 with a lemon.
How often do you get back home and what are your top priorities when you get back to Memphis?
I get home every chance I get. Top priorities are seeing my family, friends, and going to my favorite BBQ shack for ribs.
Rank your sports teams in order of passion.
Memphis Grizzlies, University of Memphis (basketball & football), and Nashville Predators. As for NFL... just give me a good game and I'm glued to the TV.
Anything else you would like to add?
The face mask should cover your nose too.
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