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10 Questions with ... Casey McCabe
October 5, 2021
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. Social media is a big part of the show as it will mirror a lot of what we do on air. Keeping fans/ listeners informed of what songs are on each feature, artist info and news that day and a recap of the Final Countdown. Most importantly our social media team will be engaging with the audience and the artists on a nightly basis through real time interaction.
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started at KRZQ in Reno, NV as part-time on-air/ street team/ remote tech. Moved to Las Vegas (KXTE) for part-time that turned full time on-air. In 2008 moved to Los Angeles for swing/ weekends/ fill-in at KROQ then switched over to (KAMP) 97.1 AMP Radio for nights.
1. How did you first become interested in radio?
I would watch MTV every day and said to myself, “I want to do what they do, interview artists, talk about music, introduce videos, discover new artists etc.” I researched how the personalities got their starts, most had radio backgrounds. That’s when I emailed the PD (shout-out to Guy Dark) at KRZQ in Reno, NV to see if I could work any job at the station. Soon after I fell in love with radio and I’ve been doing it ever since.
2. Your roots are in Alternative, moving from The Biggest Little City In The World at KRZQ/Reno to Sin City at KXTE/Las Vegas to KROQ/Los Angeles. You most recently spent 10+ years at Top 40 KAMP (97.1 AMP RADIO)/L.A. What has been your biggest takeaway?
All three markets have been great to work in and I learned a lot from each of them. I’d say though the biggest takeaway are the friends that I’ve made along the way, still some of the best people I know.
3. How did you get involved with co-founders John O’Connell, John Allers, and Jonathan Lev to become host of the new syndicated night show, Alternative Soundcheck?
A mutual friend linked us all up back in November of 2020. We’ve been talking and zooming since about Alternative Soundcheck. Thankfully they were cool with me not changing my name to John.
4. Give us the 411 on Alternative Soundcheck which launched on September 20th weeknights on WBTZ (99.9 The Buzz)/Burlington, VT. The press release indicates the show spotlights new Alternative releases and feature Alternative favorites from the format’s storied past. How would you describe the show with the tagline Music Discovery Begins Here?
Each weeknight we kick things off with a brand-new song (The Alternative Soundcheck Sizzle Track) that will either be a premiere or debut our audience will be excited about. Once we get to the "How We Got Here" feature that's where you're going to hear notable music facts of that day in history and then follow it up with a corresponding song where the audience might have that "oh yeah I remember that song" moment. Mix in the Soundcheck Internationale that features new music from around the world and add in some great covers (Alt Takes) that you might not have heard before, that's where the music discovery really begins. Each night you will get something new and fresh with the features on Alternative Soundcheck.
5. So, John O and Allers are responsible for music and content curation. How much new music are you playing from 7-midnight and explain the benchmarks of the show, which include “The Alternative Soundcheck Sizzle Track," "Soundcheck Internationale," "Alt Takes," "Final Countdown," "How We Got Here."
John O and John A are both pros and we’ll have new music constantly playing within those five hours. I’m excited for each of the benchmarks, “The Alternative Soundcheck Sizzle Track,” will be a brand-new song to debut or premiere each weeknight. “Soundcheck Internationale,” will spotlight a song from an international artist who hasn’t broken yet in the U.S. “Alt Takes,” will feature a cover song from an alternative artist while, “How We Got Here,” will be a quick rundown of the day in history with album/ song release anniversaries, notable facts of that day in ALT History, birthdays and follow it up with a corresponding song. I’ll end the night with the “Final Countdown” that features the top 5 alternative songs of the night.
6. Tell us about the Alternative Soundcheck’s tagline – Music Discovery Begins Here.
Along with brand new music, we will feature great cover songs, live music, songs from overseas and songs that might be throwbacks to some and for others maybe they’ve never heard before.
7. How is Alternative Soundcheck engaging with music fans/listeners on social media?
Social media is a big part of the show as it will mirror a lot of what we do on air. Keeping fans/listeners informed of what songs are on each feature, artist info and news that day and a recap of the Final Countdown. Most importantly our social media team will be engaging with the audience and the artists on a nightly basis through real time interaction.
8. What is your show prep routine for each weeknight?
Search the web. Watch the news. Check on socials. Repeat.
9. What do you love most about hosting Alternative Soundcheck?
Being able to bring all the different features to life, play great music and create a cool fun atmosphere.
10. What would surprise people most about you?
I’ve completed multiple half and full marathons.
Bonus Questions
What are weekends like for you?
Hiking or cycling around LA.
How often do you get back to Reno and what are your top priorities when you go to The Biggest Little City In The World?
Pretty often, when I go it’s to see family and explore Lake Tahoe.
Favorite food?
I’m good with a nice slice of pizza.
Favorite beverage?
Sipping on some coffee now.
Favorite restaurant in L.A.?
Bossa Nova on Sunset… I recommend the chicken stroganoff.
Rank your sports teams in order of passion.
Niners, L.A. Kings and Dodgers.
First record ever purchased?
Pantera – Vulgar Display of Power
First concert?
Growing up (summers) in Atlantic City it was artists like Smokey Robinson, Chicago & Steve Miller Band. 1st concert without parents, I believe it was Bush & Veruca Salt.
Favorite band of all-time?
Can’t name just one.
Since we’re talking new music discovery, who is your favorite new band over the past year?
KennyHoopla
Anything else you would like to add?
If you’re reading this now, YOU are a great person and keep doing what you love.
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