10 Questions with ... Shawn Rock

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Started at 94.3 KILO in 2002 as an intern then moved into part-time weekend mornings. Moved to Phoenix in 2004 where I jumped on as a Promo Assistant at 98 KUPD and then became Promo Coordinator. My next stop was Promo Director/Mornings for Manhattan Broadcasting in Manhattan, KS in 2006. Eventually became PD at 101.5 KROCK. In 2015 I accepted the position of MD/Middays at 94.3 KILO and in 2019 became PD of 1039. I held both positions until just a few months ago when I fully moved to 1039 as middays and PD. 

1.  Talk about the decision to update KRXP's logo and rebrand to X1039 on April 1st.

The conversation about updating KRXP's brand/logo has been going on for the past year or so. Jamie Frye has been such a solid VO for us for several years. Now that we've lined up a full staff again and are streamlining our digital platform with Bahakel it seemed like a good time to make the move to freshen things up and transition to a male VO. 

2.  How are you introducing the new logo and station moniker?

We chose to go with a "soft opening." The date to flip imaging just so happened to fall on April 1st and with the change being more of a "makeover" it didn't seem appropriate to hype it. I liken it to when you lose a few pounds or change up your hairstyle and act casually about it when your friends fuss over you even though you KNOW you're looking great. 

3.  Stephen Kallao is your new station voice. Why did you pick Kallao? 

There are so many amazing VO talents available on the Benztown roster. After narrowing it down to Kallao and a few others we gathered some feedback from our staff and Kallao was the winner. He has the delivery we were looking for to fit X1039's personality and a great male voice to compliment the mostly female on-air staff. He also has just enough sarcasm in his bio to win us over. 

4.  Females rule at X1039. Tell us about your on-air lineup.

I'm proud of the incredible talent we have now on X1039. Summer Justice (Promotions Coordinator) starts us off in the morning with more music, headlines with a local focus, giveaways and a real connection to the city. She's a homegirl and has a good history with our music scene. I have taken over middays and keep the flow through afternoons when Cate Carrier (MD) steps in and rocks afternoons with a fast paced All Request Drive at 5. Our token dude, Crowley (Production Director) handles nights with attitude. Along with being live on-air they all have a full schedule outside of the studio. I'm fortunate to have such a talented staff. 

The vaccinated X1039 staff with newest addition, weekender Aubrey Bishop.

5.  After splitting your time between KILO and KRXP, how does it feel 100% focused on KRXP? I'm sure it's bit bittersweet since you started your radio career at KILO.

I think it was a move that needed to happen so we could open up more opportunities for our staff. We were able to promote from within and have a better balance between the stations. 

6.  The station is loaded with new music discovery. Tell us about The Morning Side Track and Fresh Pick new music features.

The Morning Side Track has evolved over time. Before I came on as PD it had been a segment that the morning DJ typically programmed. So, it had no focus. I thought it would be a great time slot (8:30a) to feature a hot new track. Summer highlights the track and the artist on our socials as well.

The Fresh Pick is a new song we highlight via an on-air promo, website, and socials. We always let the listener know what our DJs are loving at the moment. We use the phrase "It's on our ears. Get it in yours."  Cate also highlights new songs on Friday afternoons. We call it Fresh Friday to accompany "Fresh Pick". 

7.  You have been building some cool specialty shows in-house. Talk about Revolution Rock and Sunday Service.

Revolution Rock was a new alt/indie/submodern show Crowley and I did together in Kansas years back. So, we decided to revive it on 1039 when I took over as PD. It airs Sunday afternoons from 4-6p. Crowley has taken over as the sole host and I will be hosting Sunday Service. Sunday Service is our classic alt show that airs Sunday mornings from 8-10a and is expanding from 7-11a. Listeners would message us asking to make Sunday Service longer so we're giving the people what they want! 

8.  2021 began with a new GM, Jason Janc, who previously programmed KRXP. What has it been like having Jason back leading the Bahakel team?

We were nervous about who would be replacing Virginia Swanson when she retired. Once we were told it would be Jason, we were not only relieved, but we knew he would be a great fit. I would say he's kind of like the perfect storm. A strong radio background, marketing experience and really tapped into our local business community. It's been invigorating to have him back in the building! 

Kinda reminds of that scene from They Live with Roddy Piper. I think you know that quote. Don't make me say it. 

9. How does the station use social media?

It's always an extension of what we're doing on-air. You'll find daily posts, lively stories, videos and interviews. What you don't see are posts that just regurgitate drab pop culture articles that don't relate to our followers/listeners. 

10. What would surprise people most about the station?

I guess that we're all women except for Crowley but he's a feminist in his soul so does that even count? 

What are your favorite places to eat in the Springs?

I love our food trucks! Plus, they all rotate at different breweries throughout the week so it's a win/win! 

Favorite food?

Burritos por vida! 

Favorite drink?

Paloma. Always. 

Rank your sports teams in order of passion.

Oh boy. Dallas Cowboys/Chicago Cubs. 

Favorite new band over the past year?

Beabadoobee, Inhaler, Kennyhoopla, Shame. There's more but I'll stop there! 

Anything else you would like to add? 

They say that by 2050 Colorado Springs will outgrow Denver. KRXP and KILO plan to be here and grow with it. So, a little change here and there is necessary and great for our format. Right? Thanks for all you do Shawn and for including X1039 and me in 10 Questions this week!