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10 Questions with ... Aaron Davis
December 6, 2005
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NAME:Aaron DavisTITLE:Music Director/ Evening HostSTATIONS:Country 92.5 - WWYZ (Weekend shift on WRWD Country 107.3)MARKET:Hartford, CT (Poughkeepsie, NY - weekends)COMPANY:Clear Channel RadioBORN:Hunstville AlabamaRAISED:New Market, Alabama
Brief Career Synopsis:
I started out working in radio at WVNN/Hunstville as a board op, moved up to on-air host at K-98 in Scottsboro, AL then moved to Poughkeepsie, NY as the promotions director for Clear Channel's cluster in 2000. In November 2004, I moved to Hartford to be the promotions director for WWYZ and in September 2005, I took over as music director of WWYZ and became the evening host.
1) What was your first job in radio?
I started as a board op at WVNN in Huntsville, Al. I was criticized by our afternoon guy, Mike Church on my first day. I knew then this business was going to be tough.
Early influences? I always looked up to Bill West at WZYP before I got into the business. I had met him on a few events and he just seemed like a great guy. He also helped me get my foot in the door at WVNN. I loved listening to Ace & TJ on WZYP growing up. They always seemed to put on a show that was funny, entertaining and captivating. I must also say that Rick & Bubba were influences for me since they are good ole' boys from Alabama making it big in radio.
2) Of all the skills that you've gained as a programmer, which area are you NOT as strong as you would like to be?
Definitely my on-air skills need work. I am constantly trying to make myself better. Thankfully I have a PD that is willing to coach me.
3) What do you like best about your job?
I love being able to work more closely with Nashville and the record labels. This area of the business has always intrigued me. I also love being on the cutting edge of music and being able to see the new guys coming up with the veterans of the industry.
Least? I think add day is the worst part of my job. It is so hard to pick which song to add this week and which one to pass until next week. There are so many great artists out there that I would love to put on the air immediately and don't have the room for them.
4) Who's your favorite air/personality not on your air staff?
I don't get to listen to many other talents much but I would have to say Tommy Lee Walker at WRWD in Poughkeepsie. Not only is he a close friend of mine, but the way he handles his show is amazing. He can take the worst topic in the world and turn it into a bit every time.
5) What is your favorite radio station outside of your own market?
WSIX in Nashville is a great station, I always like to see what they are doing. Keith has done a great job with it and hopefully one day I will be able to fill his shoes!
6) What's your take on current music?
Is it as good as say, six months ago? Better than it was? Same? Elaborate please! Right now Country music is in a weird place, I can't figure out where we are going. Every time I think we are on one path, all of a sudden everyone releases songs that take us down a different road. We went from all drinking songs to very spiritual songs within just a few weeks. I wonder where we are going next?
7) Favorite artist that you have met?
There are so many that are amazing. I have always loved Reba. Kenny Rogers was awesome and Dolly Parton was a dream come true. I think the coolest artists to have fun with are Jo Dee Messina, Trick Pony and Neal McCoy!
8) What's the biggest record that you completely missed on?
I don't miss on many, but most recently was Little Big Town's "Boondocks". I hate to say, I didn't call that one a hit... boy was I wrong.
9) Most surprising record of the past 12 months?
Gary Allen's "Best I Ever Had". Gary did a fantastic job on a remake of an already amazing hit from Vertical Horizon. I can't believe that song could get any better!
10) Who are your programming mentors?
Bud Ford, Peter Theil, Bill West, Pete Salant, Justin Case, Jay Thomas, Stu Grey, Keith Kaufman and Meg Stevens... I like to get all angles in on programming... each person has a different flavor that I have taken along with me at one point or another.
Bonus Questions
1) Do you read...everything?
Books, Magazines, etc. Nothing? What's your favorite reading material? Not a big reader... usually reading Suzanne Durham's Fodder emails and the latest trends on music from Jen Thorpe. (She loves using my own station against me when I make my music decisions) Gotta love the reps that keep you informed!
2) Do you have Musical Guilty Pleasures?
I find myself listening to Eminem from time to time and I am a huge Cake fan. I find myself listening to them over and over and over in the car.
3) You are on a desert island...what 5 CDs are in you portable disc player?
Jo Dee Messina "Delicious Surprise", Ryan Shupe & the Rubberband "Dream Big", Cake "Prolonging the Magic", Rascal Flatts "Feels Like Today" and at least one of Ozzy's albums to take the edge off from time to time!
4) Describe your favorite meal?
Any meal that I don't have to cook and/or pay for! Otherwise, pecan crusted chicken, twice baked potatoes, asparagus, fresh rolls and blackberry cobbler!
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