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10 Questions with ... Darren Rose
May 19, 2009
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NAME:Darren RoseTITLE:On-Air/Programming CoordinatorSTATION:KYSRMARKET:Los AngelesCOMPANY:Clear ChannelBORN:SeattleRAISED:Seattle
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
After doing the interning thing in college, my first paid radio job was Promotions Coordinator and then Director at Sports Radio KJR 950 in Seattle. To scratch my programming itch, I was moonlighting at the legendary college radio station KGRG (turning 20 this year!). I had my own show and was also doing play-by-play for the Green River College basketball team. I then moved to San Diego and became an AE at Magic 92.5 for a couple years before stepping out of radio to pursue other interests. In the fall of 2007 I got the call about the upcoming opportunities in LA at 98-7, I couldn't pack my bags fast enough!
LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:
Promoter for Independent Fashion, Art, and Music Events
FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:
First cassettes -- Huey Lewis And The News -- Sports and Men at Work -- Business As Usual. First CDs -- Johnny Gill -- Fairweather Friend and Paul Abdul -- Shut Up And Dance.
FIRST CONCERT:
My first parental accompanied concert was James Taylor. My first concert with friends was AC/DC -- Money Talks tour.
FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:
This is such a tough question and every time this topic comes up my answer is something different however for the sake of answering I'll say Pearl Jam but there are so many in so many genres. I will say that none of them are the bands mentioned above.
1. How did you become interested in radio?
By pressing PLAY and RECORD at the time on my Sanyo AM/FM Radio and Dual Cassette Desk Stereo right before my favorite songs on the Top 10 At 10 with Chet "The Jet" Buchanan throughout the mid-late '80s.
2. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
KXRX 96.5 (R.I.P). I never thought they got enough credit for their role in breaking a lot of the bands that came out of Seattle and the scene that followed.
3. What excited you most about joining 98-7?
I joined 98-7 right before the switch to Alt Rock and the launch of new imaging in January 2008. The fact that I'd be working in my favorite format and with some of the most creative and brilliant radio minds who are also the biggest music-heads in the industry was, and still is, the most exiting part of my job.
4. What do you like best about your job? Least?
The best: One of the things I like the best about my job is the people who I work with -- in the office and out they're a blast! We have such a talented and experienced team with so much energy and passion for what we are doing. I've never worked at a station that has so few egos and so little drama; it really helps in keeping our eyes on the prize. I think this says a lot; it's the first job I've ever had where I look forward to going to work in the morning!
The least: The fact that I can't bring my dog to work with me. I think Otis would really dig the action at a radio station.
5. What is your typical day like for you at the station?
Typical? Not sure I've ever had a typical day. A paycheck every two weeks and label meetings on Wednesdays are really my only two certainties.
6. What would surprise people most about the station?
98-7 has an incredible penthouse downtown LA right across from the Staples Center and the Nokia Theater. Our two story loft is our home away from home for intimate artist performances, listening or viewing parties in the 30-seat theater, turning it into a VIP/Gifting Suite like we did before the Grammys and a pre-party hang out spot before big events across the street.
7. What are you most passionate about?
My job and the opportunities it presents everyday. I never want to take anything for granted (or fail) and I love a challenge so I try and put 100% effort into everything I do.
8. What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
I was a middle school History teacher in San Diego for a year.
9. What has been the biggest highlight of your career?
Other than milestones like my first paying radio gig, first on-air shift, interviewing/hanging out with some big name artists -- I'd have to say right now is my highlight. 98-7 is making huge waves in LA! We have a great team and great partners throughout the industry. We are constantly creating new and exciting promotions and leading the way in a lot of new media projects like rich media overlays on our website and exclusive webisodes with artists as well as ground-breaking, newsworthy events coming this Summer.
10. What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?
If music or radio did not exists probably Real Estate and/or Property development.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
Anything outdoors. One of the reasons I moved to Social in the first place was for the weather and the fact that you can be outside 365 days a year. I love the beach, biking, and hiking -- any form of exercise. I like to build stuff -- wish I had a woodshop to tinker in. Is my dog a hobby?
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