10 Questions with ... Kris Metzdorf

1.  It was almost 15 years ago you made the move from L.A. to Bend, Oregon and joined the start-up Alternative station. Other than moving up the radio dial, how different is the radio station today?

Our music library has expanded a lot. We've had personnel changes here and there, but my PD Mike Flanagan and I are still the glue that holds it all together. I hope I'm a better DJ too! 

2.  How much has your day-to-day responsibilities changed since you joined 92/9 FM in 2007?

Lots! I do almost all the scheduling and have added many other responsibilities and features that make up what we do.  We also have a summer concert series that I'm heavily involved with making my days very busy when we're in the thick of it. 

3.  Congrats on the station winning “Best Radio Station” for the 14th consecutive year in The Source Weekly “Best Of Poll.” What does this mean for the station? 

Hopefully more revenue and more people listening and loving what we do. 

  4.  The station web site says 92/9 FM plays rock music from a wide array of sub-genres that includes recent releases and classic favorites from the past 5 decades. Can you drilldown on the music and explain what makes 92/9 FM Alternative?

I don't like to put a label like “alternative” on 92/9FM because in my opinion, that's limiting and honestly, the state of alternative radio right now is annoying and lacking a real rock and roll backbone (but I digress). We're a radio station made up of HUGE music fans and our end goal is to play songs that we hope the listeners will love as much as we do.  It could be The Clash or Nirvana or Sleigh Bells or Highly Suspect.  The common thread is great music no matter the genre.  

  5.  You guys have quite a few specialty programs on 92/9 FM. Tell us about each one.

Highway 97 -     Tuesdays 8-9:00pm - I host one hour of all local music. Such talent here in Central Oregon!  Simmer Down - Wednesdays 9-10:30pm - Host: The Colonel - Reggae, Dub, Ska and Dancehall. He goes deep!  BeatLab - Thursdays 9-10:00pm - Host: Matt Wax - EDM with a different producer/DJ every week.  Jam In Your Ear - Sundays 10-1:00pm - Host: Stacy - Jam bands!  Lunchblox - Weekdays 12-1:00pm - It's during my air shift so I host. Four people pick three songs and I play them in a row. 

  6.  What are music meetings like at the station? 

We pass notes to each other in the hall. 

  7. Tell us about how the station reinforces its Local.Independent positioner?

We all live in Central Oregon so whatever we do whether it's attending concerts and events, riding or hiking local trails, grocery shopping or whatever we're experiencing it right along with our audience. The owner of our radio group, Jim Gross, lives here too and he's an awesome dude with an office right down the hall.  

8. What is your favorite social media platform and how do you use it? 

The platform for streaming 92/9FM and all of Bend Radio Group's radio stations is www.backyardbend.com (download as a free app too). it's more than that though. Locals can post photos and videos of what they're doing, local events and organizations are highlighted, you can find out what's trending locally and we have a live-on-location feature too which could be a clip from the top of Mt. Bachelor or a local band playing a set in the studio. And there's more!  I use Backyardbend on a regular basis for on-air content. 

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

Playing music, natch. 

10.  What may surprise people most about you?   

I'm an introvert. 

What are weekends like for you? 

Hanging with family and friends. Hiking, lake time, gardening, movies, Dodger games, concerts if there are any. Naps are good too.   

What are your favorite places to eat in the area? 

Wild Rose for the Best Thai food I've ever had. Taj Palace for yummy Indian treats. Joolz for Mediterranean goodness. Pizza Mondo.   

Favorite food? 

Pizza   

Favorite drink?  

Diet Coke, Prosecco or Aperol Spritz 

  How often do you get back home and what are your top priorities when you get back to Michigan?  

Well, the pandemic has put a damper on that as my mom is in assisted living and they're in lockdown again. But when I do go back, I see my mom, my nephews, and hang with my two BFF's. Last time I was there we spent an afternoon at the Detroit Institute of Arts, checked out Third Man Records and had a great meal at Cass Cafe'. 

Rank your sports teams in order of passion.

 
1. L.A. Dodgers
 
2. Portland Trailblazers (I love an underdog and Damian Lillard deserves a championship) 
 
3. Lakers
 
4. Tigers
 
5. Seahawks 
 
6. Lions (poor, poor Lions)
   
7. Cubbies