10 Questions with ... Matt Knox

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

WNNX (99X) Intern/weekend on-air 2003-2006; WKLS (Project 961) Programming Asst./Nights 2006-2010; and WXSR 2010-present.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

I was in college majoring in business; my first accounting final was Saturday Morning of Music Midtown. I dropped the class and knew that I had to do something with music; since I couldn't play an instrument I knew radio was it!

2. What stands out the most from your first job in radio?

My first summer of interning, 99X threw a free concert series and Stone Mountain park was shut down when the White Stripes came through. I don't think I had ever seen that many people in one place at one time.

3. What led you to the PD gig at X101.5?

I was working 16-18 hour days during my time at WKLS. I spent every waking hour that I could learning and taking in as much as I could about programming and radio in general from some of the best. While I could have stayed at Project 961 forever because we were like family, I knew that I needed to move on and fall on my face a few times to get better.

4. What part of your job do you like best?

I love witnessing how an idea can spark from a hallway passing and turn into a lifetime experience for a listener

Least? I can't listen to radio for enjoyment any longer. Every station everywhere is researched; my wife hates riding in the car on vacation with me now.

5. How would you describe the music and imaging on the station?

X's music is an amazing hybrid of alternative and active rock, like the "Balls Out" of Avenged Sevenfold but the trippiness of bands like The Broken Bells. The imaging keeps the "Balls Out" vibe going, I learned from Josh Jensen (at WXTB) that the imaging of a station can go full speed and be off the wall without being over done, and if you are going to do it... DO IT!

6. What makes the station unique?

I think the entire culture of the station keeps it unique. The staff knows Tallahassee like the back of their hand and we tie ourselves into the community whenever possible. It'd be tough to take this station, with this vibe and this playlist anywhere else in the country.

7. What do you like best about living in Tallahassee?

I'll let you know once FSU gets back in session!

8. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?

Listening to Banditos from the Refreshments

9. What would surprise people most about you?

I love country music from Johnny Cash and Hank Sr. to Brad Paisley and Kenny Chesney.

10. If you decided to completely change careers today what would you do?

After years of working nights I'd have to be a bartender or something.

What are your hobbies?

Hmmm... I guess I need to look into some hobbies now... My wife has gotten me into liking TV shows like Big Brother and So You Think You Can Dance. I'm hooked and it's tragic. So I require myself to do three hours of "Man" Things on the weekend like watching This Old House, and NASCAR. WOOO Kurt Busch!

Last non-industry job?

Construction Equipment Rental

First record ever purchased?

YES! Bon Jovi - Slippery When Wet (shut up I was 6! I redeemed myself with The Beastie Boys - License To Ill as a second album).

First concert?

First one that I'll claim is Family Values Tour in '99 - Korn, Limp Bizkit, Staind, Method Man, and Redman.

Favorite band of all-time?

Live band: Foo Fighters, and The Bastard Suns (unsigned Atlanta band GO CHECK THEM OUT!

Recorded: The Beatles, Staind, Rage, and Outkast.