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10 Questions with ... "Captain Jack" Aponte
January 1, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
35 years radio vet from markets like New York, New Jersey, Ft. Meyers, FL, PA, VA. Formats include Oldies, CHR, Hot AC, Classic Rock, Dance and my favorite and most important, Country.
1) Congrats on starting up Renegade Radio Nashville with Bob Steele. Tell us how the idea first came about!
I was looking for a new direction. Bob and I have been friends for many years. I called him after looking at the possibilities of Internet Broadcasting and he told me he was thinking about the same thing. From that time forward we began combining data and ideas.
2) How are things going since the launch in May of this year? I know your page views have really taken off already, right?
I never anticipated the growth we have attained to this point. Our actual launch was June 8th. We were jockless until August 1st and between then and now we have racked up about a half a million page views. We have IPhone, Blackberry and Droid apps and more surprises down the road.
3) Tell us what the benefits of being an online based station are? Do you see any drawbacks?
The benefits are many. We are not restricted in any way, much like satellite. Except for the cost, we're free.
4) Are you all set up in Nashville now? How do you like being in the Music City so far?
Yes our Renegade studio is on Music Row and I LOVE Nashville. I feel so at home here! I guess because I'm so close to what I truly LOVE, Country Music and the people who are associated with it. I've made a lot of great friends in the business and it's a joy to see and interact with everyone on a daily basis.
5) You are known as a big supporter of new artists. Who are some of the up and comers you are really digging now?
We get literally dozens of press kits weekly from artists who want to be played and knowing we could have a positive impact on a career is very exciting. I've had around 50 artists live in the studio since September and all I can say is there is a TON of great talent out there. A couple that come to mind are My Girls from Lucy Angel. They're like family to me, but, aside from that, they are AMAZING artists with beauty, charisma and remarkable voices. I could listen to them for hours. Kelly McGrath who sang for us acoustically a few days ago and BLEW ME AWAY. Then there's Lisa Matassa who is IMPOSSBLE not to love. Risa Binder is another amazing voice. A group I discovered a few months ago and hosted their showcase in Nashville, The Whipps, and last but definitely not least my good friend and brother from another mother Matt Kennon. There are many more and when I say many I could use a whole page to sing their praises. I have to say I am VERY impressed with the crop of new artists I've been able to hear since starting Renegade, and I can honestly tell you I listen to every one I get, you never know what you're going to hear, and frankly, I don't want to miss anyone. All these people work very hard to get noticed and I would love to be the venue that catapults their career. It is for me, as it always has been, about the greatest music IN THE WORLD, Country Music.
6) Did you always listen to Country music or what was playing in your house growing up?
Definitely Country: Merle, Conway, Dolly, Tom T Hall, Eddy Arnold, Loretta Lynn, CW McCall, Johnny Cash, Roger Miller and one of my all time favorites Ray Stevens among others.
7) I know community service is big for you. Tell us about your most important causes and why they are so dear to you.
I LOVE helping young people in any way I can. They are our future and getting involved with St Jude's is something that is VERY important to me. I am so thankful for that organization and what they do. I want to do all I can to support them. Since I've been in Nashville, I've been learning about The Baptist Children's Home and I will be supporting their efforts in the coming months as well as The Nashville Rescue Mission here in Nashville, where I will helped another friend of mine with a big heart Tracy Lawrence deep fry 400 turkeys before Thanksgiving. I will always be looking to help someone in one way or another. I believe it's why God Blessed me with this AMAZING opportunity.
8) With over 35 years experience in radio, what do you think the key is to engaging listeners every day and keeping them coming back to hear more?
Absolutely, it's the reason I developed the music formula I use at RenegadeRadioNashville.com, with lots of variety, new and exciting artists not playing anywhere else, but never more that one song away from something you know and love. We like to say, Playing The Songs You Love From Yesterday Today as well as the Songs That Will Become Your Favorites Tomorrow
9) Who have been some of your favorite artists to meet and interview over the years? Why do they stand out so much to you?
Lucy Angel tops that list because when they are in the studio, it's just magic. It flows, it's fun and our listeners have a great time as well. Montgomery Gentry is just a blast to hang with. We had a 2 hour interview a couple weeks ago which could've gone on for 2 more hours. Matt Kennon and I are like 2 guys sitting at a bar when we're chatting on the air. David Bradley is like an old friend who comes to visit every once in a while and he's a REAL CLASS ACT.
10) So what is up next for Renegade Radio? What can we expect to see in 2012?
We will be VERY active with live shows in town as well as around the country. We are also looking into some requests from people overseas. There are a lot of Country Music fans all over the world and I would LOVE to share the greatest music in the world with them.
Bonus Questions
1) What's your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Be with my wife, my daughter, my son-in-law and my 2 grandsons, Harrison and Cole and do whatever.
2) What was your favorite concert you attended in 2011?
I have to say The Extreme Music Concert with Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson, Cowboy Troy and the Muzik Mafia. They just LIT UP the stage. They got everyone on their feet right out of the box and no one sat down until they got in their car to drive home.
3) Do you have a New Years resolution this year?
I haven't really had a resolution in years, but, if I were to make any, it would be to love my family more than last year and to be a shining light for Jesus. God has been VERY good to me and forever deserves my Praise.
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