10 Questions with ... Garrett Capone

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Started in 2002 at KXOA/Sacramento as Intern for "The KiddChris Show." KWOD/Sacramento on-air/Music Assistant/Promotions/Sales (2002-2004), KUIC/Vacaville on-air (2004), WIXV & WBMQ-A/Savannah, GA Nights/Programming Assistant (2004-2005), WHRL/Albany, NY APD/MD/Middays/Specialty Show Host (2005-2006), WHRL OM/PD/Afternoons/Specialty Host (2006-2007), 91X APD/MD/afternoons (2007-2008), and 91X PD/afternoons (2008-Present).

1. What are you most proud of since joining 91X?

Let's see...that I actually convinced someone to put me in charge? Or that so far I've managed not to wreck the joint? All kidding aside, we've had the odds stacked against us for quite some time. Despite a very crowded competitive market, a string of various ownership "issues," damage to the station's image locally, whatever...91X is still here. Alive and kicking, thriving and (actually) winning. We're seeing some of the best numbers this station has had since the turn of the century. The 91X brand IS San Diego. And I get paid to manage that brand. I'm also developing a track record of putting together pretty solid concert events.

2. What led to the recent return of Oz Medina and Robin Roth to 91X?

There's a lot of "jibber-jabber" going on in the morning here in America's Finest City. With that in mind, this past May we made the conscious decision to offer an alternative to "Morning Radio." Of course, every music show needs a host. Someone who represents the intelligent, fun-loving attitude of 91X. We affectionately call it "The Swagger." Oz has it. Robin (middays) has it, too. Both are smart, passionate, interesting, and connected to the local scene. The older audience remembers growing up with them (Oz was MD/afternoons from 1987-1993, Robin worked at 91X from 1986-2005) and the younger audience naturally gravitates toward them. Everyone wins!

3. What is the strongest daypart on 91X and why is this daypart so successful?

Right now afternoons are the biggest winner for us. I play the hits, expose some new music that I'm stoked on, and share stories about what shenanigans I'm getting up to. Apparently, the town isn't fed up with my shtick yet.

4. How has the PPM changed the way you program the station?

Very simply put, PPM measurement leaves you very little margin for error. I have to work even harder to maximize every single listener tunes in. That means even higher standards for everything that airs -- music, content, even the commercials. But all this talk about "PPM means no new music" is garbage. Great radio is what wins -- whether it's done in a diary world, a PPM world, any world.

5. What are music meetings like at 91X?

Every Tuesday morning 91X's Music Director Christy Taylor, a handful of pre-selected 91X staffers (who will remain nameless), and myself sit together and just listen to music. We go through all the stuff being "worked," anything we've found on our own and felt compelled to bring in, plus whatever local music is raising its hand on our Loudspeaker show. Sometimes it's in a conference room, sometimes in my office. Sometimes we even hop in my car and listen while driving around town. All the songs are rated based upon how they would fit into the 91X mix, and the best songs get on the air.

6. What is most important to you when you are considering new music for the station?

We do actively review Soundscan, Big Champagne, research, etc. But I ask three questions of everything in consideration:

1. What is our collective passion for this song?
2. How would this song fit on the station?
3. Do we think the listeners will stay tuned when this song gets played?

Nothing else means a damn thing to me.

7. What makes 91X unique?

When 91X signed on in January of 1983 it played a Berlin record at the wrong RPM. The station literally broadcasted from a building in Tijuana for the majority of the '80s. 91X has "ruled the world", "sold out," and "come back home." We've played everything from Madonna to Mojo Nixon, P!nk to Pink Floyd. The people who work here live and die for the X. You couldn't ask for a better work environment than what we have. I could throw out examples all day, but suffice to say, 91X is an absolute San Diego institution.

8. What recent promotion has caused the most excitement with your listeners?

In honor of Daylight Savings time ending, and in response to recently printed "potshots" against both the station and me, we turned back the 91X clock both musically and personality-wise with a Resurrection Weekend. On Friday at 2pm thru Sunday night we brought back the songs that defined the beginnings of 91X. We also brought back some of the best personalities from the station's storied history: Katy Manor, Steve West, Mike Halloran, Mad Max, Muckley, Billy Bones. The airwaves were absolutely electric all weekend. I'm still getting calls and e-mails about it.

9. What do you like best about living in San Diego?

I live two blocks from the beach and less than two hours from the snow. And for the first time in my life, I live in a town with pro football AND baseball teams. This is paradise.

10. What's one thing that may surprise many people to learn about you?

I have a nearly photographic memory, but still forget to put the toilet seat down. Pretty much all the time.

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

I refuse to listen to any form of radio when I'm not "working" because, frankly, listening to the radio constitutes "working." My iPod is a collection of my favorite albums (from all sorts of genres) as well as a rotating cast of new ones that I'm really digging. The "Favorites" bar on my laptop is filled with music sites/blogs, etc. I also shop at record stores regularly and watch way too much Fuse & MTVu.