10 Questions with ... Garret Doll

NAME:Garret Doll TITLE:MD/Morning Show Exec. Producer/Imaging STATION:KYGO MARKET:Denver, CO COMPANY:Lincoln Financial Media BORN:Colorado RAISED:Colorado

Please outline your career so far:

KZDG/Denver - 4yrs - Promotion Director
KIMN/KALC/KXKL - 1yr - On Air/Promotions
KYGO/Denver - 12yrs - Promotion Director(7), Music Director/Exec Producer/Imaging(5)

1. What first got you interested in radio?

My Mom. She worked at our local radio station doing Billing/Accounting. It wasn't until then I was bit by the radio bug. Now I can't get out of it. Just kidding, I still love every minute of it.

2. You are a native Coloradoian, Coloradanian? First of all, what do you call someone that is native to Colorado?

We're call-uh-RAD-o-uns (five syllables), not call-uh-ROD-uns (four syllables).

Second, do you think that having more intimate knowledge of the state and the people gives you a leg up in programming?

Yes. Knowing your audience is very important. Research doesn't tell you everything. It helps to have that personal knowledge of the people. It also helps with air-staff and helping them with properly pronouncing local landmarks and such.

3. You have been blessed (or cursed) to live in a house full of women; in addition to your wife you have three daughters. Since Country's target audience is women, do you think you have somewhat of an inside scoop on what they want to hear?

Maybe. My wife and my 15-year-old listen to the lyrics of a song first and how they make them feel, then, they take into account the music. They will tear apart a song they don't like. Believe me, I hear about it when we are playing a song they don't like or are tired of hearing of.

4. If you could give record reps one piece of advice when dealing with radio what would it be?

Get to know your stations, their PDs/MDs and their programming philosophies. Listen to the sound of the radio station. Listen during your visits or spend time online. You are trying to sell a product. Know your client. What do they sound like? How does what you are selling fit into the KYGO sound? Pick your priorities. Don't just sell a record cause it's what the bosses want you to do. Sell a record cause you believe it's the best song/artist on your roster for KYGO.

5. On the rare occasion that you have time to yourself, what hobbies do like to pursue?

God Bless the NRA. The gun range is a fun way to relieve stress. Plus, with three girls, you gotta be prepared for scare tactics. The gym and walking my Vizsla's are my other hobbies/retreats to clear my head.

6. What activities does the Doll family do together?

We are blessed to be in Colorado, so anything outdoors. We go to the park a lot. Much time is also spent at the softball field.

7. Tell us about three or four songs that made a profound impact on your life.

AC/DC "Have A Drink On Me" - introduced me to the greatest rock band ever and the meaning of having a good time (Dizzy drunk and fightin' on tequila white lightning).

Sara McLachlan "Angel"- years after the death of my real father, I finally found the song that helped me heal.

Marty Robbins "El Paso" - my first real introduction to Country Music and an amazing voice.

Sting "Be Still My Beating Heart" - the first song we learned to completely dissect in my music theory class in college.

8. If we were coming to Denver and we only had one day, where, as our tour guide, would you take us?

Red Rocks either during the day to walk around or at night for a concert. Coors Field in LoDo. Boulder (30 miles surrounded by reality).

9. In recent years, a lot of pop artists and older rock artists have tried to break into the Country format, some more successfully than others. What are your thoughts on this?

I think it's cool that these artists are either branching out or coming into their own after success in a different format. Though part of me believes the identity of Country Music is compromised to some extent. But a good song is a good song as long as it fits into the format and the artist can grow with it. Country music fans are very loyal and if they feel an artist is faking it, they will know and make sure the artist knows and that artist won't be in the format long.

10. What do you think is the biggest issue facing radio today? How do you propose to fix it?

Shrinking audience from all the easily accessible forms of entertainment. I should be shot right now as I write this, I am listening to my iPod. I don't know if there is a complete fix, but we can stop the bleeding. In the Country format specifically - the music needs to rise to the occasion and right now, I don't believe it is. I've got 40 singles sitting on my desk and I'm excited about one. That's not encouraging. Too much emphasis is put into a "quick hit" rather than finding a song with staying power. There are very few superstars driving the format. Staff must connect to the listeners - be on the same level. Everyone needs to work ahead of the curve. Brainstorm. Be proactive. What you have to offer is better than the many alternatives. Be Alive, live and local. Keep 'em wanting more.

1. What is your favorite restaurant in Denver?

I like the simple things in life. A good steak and potatoes man myself, Denver Chophouse or Morton's.

2. What was the first album you purchased?

AC/DC - Back In Black.

3. First concert you attended?

KISS