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10 Questions with ... Josh Venable
December 8, 2009
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started as an intern at KDGE in Dallas when I was a senior in high school. Gradually moved up to host of specialty show The Adventure Club, then did overnights, nights, and late nights (can you tell I'm not a morning person?) Eventually AMD then MD. In '07 landed in LA with 98*7FM KYSR doing afternoons. I became MD a few months ago.
1. How did you become interested in radio?
When I first moved to Dallas in '90 I heard George Gimarc on KDGE interviewing Depeche Mode. I thought that this guy must make tons of cash, have loads of women, get free tickets, and never have to pay for records. Immediately I knew that's what I wanted. I started going to all the station events and kissing up to him and finally after years of this I got a gig out of it
2. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
KDGE in Dallas, hands down. I heard Moz, Cure, Cult, Sundays, Ramones, Blur. It was like a better version of my record collection.
3. What has been your biggest adjustment moving from Dallas to L.A.?
The lack of Dr Pepper at every restaurant
4. What part of your job do you like best? Least?
Best: I get to work with music all day. I could have a job where I sell insurance or something horrible like that. Instead this is what I do. I listen to good records all day. What's not to dig about that?
I have to say I don't dislike anything about my job. Never have. This is all I have ever wanted to do and I would bet the only thing I'm any good at.
5. What makes 98-7 unique and stand out from the competition?
We really do play the best mix of alternative in LA. That may sound like a line but its true. Everything from Silversun Pickups to U2, Linkin Park to Weezer. We play all the best new stuff and a good batch of classic alternative too. Can't beat that with a stick.
We have an amazing penthouse downtown where we often have bands come by and play or just hang out. Recently, Weezer dropped by our BYOV (Bring Your Own Vinyl) to hang out with winners and spin their favorite tunes.
6. How would describe your afternoon show?
Full of music and giveaways. Around 4pm I do a feature called The Shuffle which is a mashup of music and movie quotes that listeners have to decipher for fabulous prizes. Of course, loads of guests.
7. What new upcoming bands are you most excited about?
Bad Lieutenant and The Temper Trap
8. What was the best concert you saw this past year and what made it so great?
U2 at the Rose Bowl. It's U2...they are always great. C'mon.
9. What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
The only vegetable I usually eat is potato.
10. If you wanted to completely change careers today what would you do?
I've said it before...I'll say it again, Long Haul Trucker.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
Record collecting and reading.
Last non-industry job?
Record store.
First record ever purchased?
"Purple Rain" or the UTFO tape that had "Roxanne, Roxanne" on it.
First concert?
Air Supply around the time of "Just As I Am."
Favorite band of all-time?
The Smiths.
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