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10 Questions with ... Tim Virgin
September 15, 2020
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. I haven't been a part of something this comprehensive and deep in all my years in radio. It's BALLSY and that's what I love about this. It was sometime just after Memorial Day that work started on The History Of Alternative. Troy said something like, “What does an event driven radio station do when you no longer have events?” And with that, everyone went to work.
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THE HISTORY OF TIM VIRGIN:
I started out in Toledo at WRQN moving through the midwest to Cleveland at Jammin 92 working my way to KPNT/St. Louis, WLUP/Chicago, Q101/Chicago, WXRK/New York, WNEW/New York, VP/Alt Promotion at Columbia Records, WHFS/D.C. with a couple vacations in the middle at The Edge/Phoenix and KEGY/San Diego. Then I resurfaced in Chicago at 97.9 The Loop and blessed to now be residing at 101 WKQX. ... are you still awake after that?
1. You have quite a history in the format, so it is only appropriate that the boss, Troy Hanson, elected you to be the person to talk about “The History Of Alternative.” I’m guessing COVID-19 led to this 5-week Radio Special on 101WKQX, which debuted on September 8th?
I have to believe I was in the "right place at the right time." This project was much bigger than just me and my own "History of Alternative" but I am sure it gave Troy faith to know my knowledge of the format would only be a positive for the project.
2. The History Of Alternative Timeline begins with The Velvet Unground & Nico in 1967. WOW! Take us back in time and share with us a little bit of Alternative history, Mr. Virgin.
Actually, the first song was MC5 "Kick Out The Jams." I believe our programming team thought it was the exact song to encompass the beginnings of the "History Of Alt."
DID YOU KNOW ... When Dave Navarro was in Janes Addiction, he named his two Marshal amplifiers Tangerine and Peach? For more of those "gems" check out the History of Alt on 101WKQX.com!
3. Tell us about the scope The History Of Alternative segments that air from 10a-7p during Lauren’s midday show and your afternoon show.
We have a few different ways to educate our listeners about this whole ALT thing.
First, we have many core artists clips ranging from Mark Hoppus from Blink-182 to Rivers from Weezer and many other core artists reminiscing about their careers and experiences with ALT music. It's amazing to hear core artists talk about their favorite artists too, I really think that engages our listeners the most.
We then have Brian Phillips narrating us through big moments in Alt History like how Lillith Fair was formed or how "Industrial Music" came to be.
Brian Alley and Justin are the stars of our feature "This day in ALT History Segments" that play each hour.
Combine all of that with the stellar imaging that our man Pants does and you have a complete History of Alternative machine.
4. There must have been countless brainstorming meetings putting this special together. Take us behind the scenes of coming up with all the content. Who is involved and what is everyone’s role?
I was just an innocent bystander for the creation of this. All the planning, research and hard work a was all Troy, Jon Manley, James Van Osdol, Brian Phillips, James Kurdziel & Derek Madden. I just remember being on zoom calls and seeing the pain and exhaustion in their eyes when they would give us updates on this huge process. People have to understand that this is NOT just a "Weekend Top 500." This project is on the air for weeks and it was a HUGE project for these guys to make happen. I got lucky, they built the racecar, and Lauren and I are the drivers. My job is to do my research and not make them look bad.
5. Why doesn’t The History Of Alternative air in morning drive with Brian, Ali & Justin or evenings with Jon Manley?
We wanted to create a specific “must tune in” appointment setting with 10a-7p. Brian, Ali & Justin are an incredible vessel for us to cross cume promote when to listen to this unique programming while allowing them to do what they do so well in entertaining the masses with the funny.”
I mean ... that’s what Troy said in a meeting in an attempt to try to sound smart. (Wink)
6. What is the deal with “The History of Alternative” on Manley’s Mixtapes?
It's a daily blog that you can enjoy at here. Jon is in the thick of this whole project so I am sure it will be filled tons of ALT content delivered in the "Manley" way.
7. How are you using social media to promote The History Of Alternative?
We're doing things across every platform: James Van Osdol and our video department created unique clips capturing the breadth of eras and genres and shared them to YouTube/Facebook. James also created an interactive quiz and an interactive timeline for our website. We're doing paid targeted social advertising. We've sent an e-blast to our audience. We've done push messages via text. We live-tweet the songs we're playing. And we're telling personal stories tied to alternative history on social and using them to spark engagement.
8. When did you guys first start working on The History Of Alternative and long did it take to execute this special that airs thru October 6th? Is it done or are you still working on it?
These guys have been working on this for months. It is a complete project, but like anything in radio ... you listen and make tweaks as you go. This is uncharted waters for all of us. I haven't been a part of something this comprehensive and deep in all my years in radio. It's BALLSY and that's what I love about this. It was sometime just after Memorial Day that work started on The History Of Alternative. Troy said something like, “What does an event driven radio station do when you no longer have events?” And with that, everyone went to work.
9. Can you share with us a little sample audio.
10. How much has The History Of Alternative helped drive additional sales opportunities during the pandemic?
We had interest from several of our long-standing clients and it was a great conversation starter with a few clients who have delivered new business for us.
Bonus Questions
Let’s rewind back to your Alternative Radio History. Give me some rapid-fire answers on what stands out the most beginning 26 years ago:
KPNT (105.7 The Point)/St. Louis in 1995
Alex Luke hired me from Omaha and he really guided me deep into the ALT music scene. That was a quick stop but one of the most fun times I have ever had in radio. Many good shows at Mississippi nights and after-parties in Sauget, Illinois. ... I think ... I can't really remember the details.
WKQX (Q101)/Chicago in 1996
Working with Alex Luke (... again) at a time when Chicago's music scene was on fire. The Smashing Pumpkins, Veruca Salt, Urge Overkill, Local H, Thrill Kill Kult, and Ministry. I mean ... there is no "rapid-fire" answer to this one.
Columbia Records in 1998
Being on the other side of the business and bringing artists and radio together. It was INSANE to work at that monster label with Donnie Ienner, Jerry Blair, and Charlie Walk. It was one of the most intense and greatest times of my life.
WXRK (92.3 K-ROCK)/New York in 1999
Working with Steve Kingston and the greatest air staff. Stern, Cane, Booker, Julie Slater, Dani, Dead air Dave, Liquid Todd, and of course Woody. That entire staff was amazing.
WHFS/Washington in 2001
Working with Robert Benjamin, Bob Waugh and Pat Ferrise and HFStivals - 60,000 people and the biggest bands on the planet.
KEDJ (106.3 The Edge)/Phoenix in 2006
HOT! HOT! HOT!
Anything else you would like to add about The History Of Alternative?
I think those last "Bonus" questions did me in. I'm good.
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