10 Questions with ... Sabrina Boyd

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I'm really just making my start in the world of music and radio. I started working at WBRU three years ago as a DJ and also dabbling in production and promotions. A year later I was the Rock Director, in charge of scheduling shifts and overseeing all the jocks. I did the morning show last summer and the afternoon show last fall, and finally got to my ideal position as Music Director just a few months ago.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

When I started college, for some reason I really wanted to try out radio. The idea of talking for a living sounded fantastic, and it was a world I knew nothing about growing up. And I've always loved music, but I'm not a very good performer -- I sing and play three instruments mediocrely - so when I found BRU, I knew it was the perfect way for me to work with music without actually playing anything.

2. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

It altered between Mix 98.5 and Q100 Country on 100.1, back before both of those stations changed. My taste in music is crazy varied, and it's changed a lot since then.

3. What part of your job do you like best? Least?

I love realizing that I get to make such an impact on what music people are exposed to. We have thousands of listeners who are hearing or not hearing a song because of what I'm doing. That's a lot of power, it's pretty intimidating, but a great feeling, being able to share what I love with the world. I hate that there's never enough room to play all the music I want to. So many great songs get pushed aside because we don't have space in rotation that week, or they don't fit the alternative format.

4. Of all the things you've learned at 'BRU, what are you most proud of?

'BRU has been a great experience all around, especially in teaching me about music and the industry. I have so much more appreciation for classic artists now, the Nirvanas and Pearl Jams and what not who are timeless in alt rock, and I've learned to tell good quality music from average popular music. It's helping me gain confidence in this kind of work, too, so I understand the music industry a bit more and can go out there and make things happen with music I really care about.

5. What are the most important indicators for you when evaluating the plethora of new music to bring to the meeting each week?

Just the general feel of the music -- is it catchy? Does it make me want to dance or sing or jump up and down? Does it have a unique sound in some way? When my head starts bobbing to the music without my control, I know it's good. Also listener feedback. Radio would be nothing if people decided to stop listening, so I try my best to play what our listeners like. They really matter more than I do.

6. What do you like best about living in Providence?

It's the perfect sized city for me. I absolutely love Providence because I can always find my way around and get to know the neighborhoods. New York terrifies me; it's too big and too many people. Providence has a lot to do, but it's not overwhelming, and you can really feel connected to the community.

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

It might sound cheesy, but music. It's what gets me going every morning and calms me down after a rough day. I turn on music almost everywhere I go, no matter what I'm doing.

8. When you're away from work, what are you music listening habits to the radio, iPod, online, etc.?

It varies a lot. When I'm driving, either radio or full length albums. At home, usually my iPod.

9. What would surprise people most about you?

I was a cheerleader for about 10 years, until the 10th grade.

10. What is your dream job after graduating from Brown University?

There are so many options, but I'm absolutely going to stay in the music industry. I would keep this job forever if I could, but I'd also like to work for a label someday, maybe in promotions or even producing.

What are your hobbies?

Writing, playing guitar, messing around on ProTools, and listening to music.

Last non-industry job?

Hostessing at Friendly's.

First record ever purchased?

Probably a Backstreet Boys album, on cassette tape.

First concert?

This is so embarrassing! Spice Girls.

Favorite band of all-time?

That's a cruel question. My top three: The Beatles, The Cure, and The Killers.