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10 Questions with ... Chalmer Harper
August 5, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. Honestly, it feels like we have been on a perpetual vacation for several weeks, because it took a long time to get into the house we bought. So, I'm not sure what 'daily life' looks like yet. However, it is surprisingly normal. Locals go to church, shop at the grocery store, Target and Wal-Mart. We have local restaurants that become favorites - and I hop in my car to drive to work, drive on the Interstate and have an average commute. And pretty much everybody has been over-the-top nice! Now, is that what I expected? Not sure, because you think it's Las Vegas. But it has made the move so easy
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1. Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas! Relative to your recent move to Nevada, would you provide a quick refresher on what your path in the radio industry has looked like up to your current new gig?
I started professional radio at WCQR-FM in Gray, TN (Johnson City, TN) as a senior in college. It was part-time during the weekend and talent for a show that brought youth groups into the station. We would play Christian CHR, and interview the youth on the show, and feed them pizza. I was hired full-time at WCQR after graduation as their production director and night-time talent.
I eventually, would go on to be the music director, assistant PD, and PD of WCQR. Later, I was hired to be the PD/MD of KWND (The Wind) in Springfield, Mo. In 2010, after my mentor, friend, and General Manager, Ben Birdsong passed away, I was graciously moved to become the manager of The Wind. In 2015, Radio Training Network purchased KWFC Radio from Baptist Bible College, and I was placed in the role of General Manager for the KWND/KWFC teams. Throughout this 18-year journey, I have only had about a year and-a-half when I wasn't on the air. I have remained a talent, and that tradition continues in Las Vegas. I recently stepped away from my managerial role, and joined the SOS Radio Community as their Music Director, and Midday Host from 9a-Noon PST.
2. What were the catalysts that prompted you to uproot your family in Springfield and move cross-country?
It started as a sense of restlessness in my spirit. I felt it years ago when I was in Johnson City, TN, and that prompted my move to Missouri. It reappeared in Springfield. God was releasing me from Springfield, but I tried to ignore it, and push through. Feeling like I could do it all on my own, and not wanting the change. I pushed that feeling down for over a year, because I had a great gig, amazing people to do life with, and a great company to work for. We were involved in the community in many, many ways. We didn't want to leave. But more and more, that restlessness kept reoccurring, and spoke to a need of a change of venue. It spoke to a need of refreshing and renewal in my life. I was burning out. Heavy burnout-which I did to myself. So heavy, in fact, I wondered if I should even continue in radio. It was then that God reconnected me with my friends at SOS, and there was such peace in our conversations.
3. Surely, moving to such a unique culture as Las Vegas comes with some appeal and also some concerns. How did you and your family process this decision?
The appeal, of course. Bigger city, more access to the things we enjoy. Honestly, you can go broke going to concerts or events here-or eating out-just because there is so much to offer. If you're wondering about the 'stereotypical' Las Vegas. Sure, we knew about that, and it comes with the concern of 'What are our kids going to be exposed to in this 'adult playground?" Especially with a 12 year-old son, and a young daughter. However, we were also very aware that outside The Strip, and the Fremont Experience, it is a beautiful city, full of caring people. You don't have to be around those stereotypical Vegas things if you don't want to. Plus, the city is full of diversity! We want our kids to be able to encounter, and connect with all different types of people. Another element to this story is that I almost joined the SOS team 11 years ago; so when God brought this opportunity back around, it was an 'Aha' moment for me! When does God give you the opportunity to choose what you didn't choose before? This was it! We could feel God drawing us to SOS.
4. What was the most difficult thing about leaving The Wind 88.3 and the Springfield market in general?
It probably comes as no surprise that it was the hardest to leave the people, and our church. We were there for over 10 years, and our lives were deeply connected to Wesley Church and to our communities in Springfield. Plus, our kids have known nothing but Springfield and SW Missouri. When we broke the news to my daughter, she burst into tears saying, "BUT WHAT ABOUT MY FRIENDS?!" She's come around.
5. You continue to emerge as one of Christian radio's prominent rising leaders over the past decade; what do you think you've offered to the radio industry that's contributed to that reputation?
That's very kind of you to say. My hope is that I have offered Christian Radio friendship, peace, kindness, empathy, and compassion. As well as a little bit of dreaming, and fun along the way. I believe those things that I mentioned are strengths in leadership, and are vital to our industry.
6. In light of the previous question, who are the first people who come to mind that have influenced and mentored you significantly in your development both personally and professionally?
There are so many, and please accept my apologies for going on and on...but I will start with:
Doug Griffin, Karla Henry : Morning Show Hosts for WAY-FM in Nashville when I did an internship in the summer of '99. Those two treated me so well, and made radio so much fun that I was even more hooked than I was before...They helped solidify my calling. If it weren't for them, I'm not sure I would've pursued it.
It would be silly not to mention the late Mike Perry, who gave me my first shot at doing Christian Radio at WCQR. Took a chance on a kid. He and Jason Sharp must've seen something. I am grateful.
Building on that, I can't be thankful enough to Jason for pouring hours and hours of mentor leadership into my life, professionally and personally. We have been great friends throughout all these years. Jason was even one of the first to congratulate me, and be excited for me in this move to SOS.
Much like Mike and Jason - Ben Birdsong (still wish I had more time with him), and John Frost saw something in me, and worked hard to get me to Springfield, but it didn't stop once I arrived in Missouri. They both worked with me, one on one. They poured into me to make me a better radio professional, while keeping people first.
Jim Campbell walked with me through some of the hardest, and most difficult years of my life. In 2010, we lost my brother-in-law at 24. We lost a good friend very quickly to cancer at the age of 30, and then, we lost Ben Birdsong. It was Jim Campbell who believed in me-asked me to step into the manager role. He was so patient with a young man trying to work a huge learning curve, and was available any time I needed him. That didn't stop, either, after the first year or two. Jim has always been available to speak wisdom, truth, and kindness.
Mark Giles - We have worked alongside each other for many years in different capacities, but it has been his strong personal investment in me that has meant so much. Always has rooted for me, and been a listening ear when I need one.
Finally, Jon Erdahl, has been a friend and a mentor. Our radio stories are very similar. He was a programmer turned manager. He loves people, loves radio. Jon has a unique way of always seeing the bigger picture, even when you are in the nitty gritty details. He taught me to be a better leader, a better man, and in the rises and falls of life. He has been a great friend.
7. Since you'll be more involved in the music decision-making than you had been more recently at The Wind, who are the artists that have caught your attention the most over the past year or two?
Even though, I wasn't making music decisions - I still spent a lot of time listening, because I was still on the air. And music is a passion of mine.
So, I want to name all sorts of artists-and how excited and impressed I am with them. I'll start with the two that have caught everyone's attention: Lauren Daigle & Tauren Wells.
The longevity of some of our core artists like TobyMac, and MercyMe are impressive. They continue to produce songs that reach through to the heart, challenge us, relate to us, and are modern and fresh in music stylings. Crowder continues to capture my heart, my funny bone (on Twitter) and my ear. Dan Bremnes is amazingly unique and creative, We Are Messengers says what we need to hear, and I could listen to Darren [Mulligan] talk all day. Zach Williams fills that Southern Rock void (I'm from Tennessee, remember) that was left wide open when Third Day stepped away.
8. Are you listening to anything outside of CCM radio these days? What is it?
I love music, period. I listen to all sorts of things. But let's be honest, I am a child and product of the 80s and 90s. So, I have been revisiting a lot of the top songs of those decades. Classic Rock and hair bands, too.
In the modern era, I adore Fitz and The Tantrums. Best of Broadway (my family just saw Hugh Jackman in concert), Imagine Dragons, Lillie Mae, Panic! At the Disco, Fall Out Boy. Also, if you looked at my playlists, you will find a lot of JoJo Siwa, thanks to my daughter...though, I try not to let that influence any of my decisions.
9. Granted, you haven't lived in town for very long at all, but is daily life in Vegas what you expected it to be?
Honestly, it feels like we have been on a perpetual vacation for several weeks, because it took a long time to get into the house we bought. So, I'm not sure what 'daily life' looks like yet. However, it is surprisingly normal. Locals go to church, shop at the grocery store, Target and Wal-Mart. We have local restaurants that become favorites - and I hop in my car to drive to work, drive on the Interstate and have an average commute. And pretty much everybody has been over-the-top nice! Now, is that what I expected? Not sure, because you think it's Las Vegas. But it has made the move so easy.
10. What are the Top 3 things you and your family plan to do in town once you get settled in?
- Have a housewarming party with new friends.
- See Aerosmith!
- Find a fitness center where all four members of my family can exercise.
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