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10 Questions with ... Annie James
June 1, 2009
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NAME:Annie JamesTITLE:APD/Morning DriveSTATION:WKOAMARKET:Lafayette, INCOMPANY:Schurz CommunicationsBORN:Kokomo, INRAISED:Mostly Kokomo
Please outline your career so far:
I worked as a board operator and weekend on-air personality at sister stations WIOU, WZWZ/Kokomo, IN. I've been at WKOA/Lafayette, IN for the past 15 years - first in overnights, then middays and mornings for the past six years.
1) What/who influenced you to try a career in radio? Did you always know this was something you wanted to do for a living?
I've known since I was about 12 that radio was where I wanted to be. When I was growing up, the radio was on more than the television in our house. The local morning guy, Jay Ferguson, at WWKI always had so much fun on the air. I liked the idea of entertaining an audience, making someone laugh or repeat something you had said. To have the chance to do that and be surrounded by music, it seemed like the perfect career for me.
2) How would you describe your first radio gig? Did you have any mentors early on?
Sleep deprivation sums it up!!! Working part-time at three stations will do that to you. The shifts seemed to run into each other. The trick was keeping my air name and call letters straight for three different formats. Luckily that came to an end when Don Riley hired me for overnights on WKOA. Don was an excellent mentor for me. He taught me discipline and structure while still giving me the encouragement to be creative.
3) Looking back, which years of your life hold the best musical memories for you- and who were your favorite acts at that time?
Music has always been a big part of my life. I could sing John Denver songs word for word before I was five years old, or so my mom says. She introduced me to James Taylor, The Eagles, Bob Seger and Fleetwood Mac when I was young. Once I got into high school, I started singing locally and by that time had taken a real interest in country music. The Judds were my favorite then.
4) We hear you are quite the adventurous one - in the last year, you have flown a plane, jumped out of a plane and taken your first "polar plunge" for charity. What is a "polar plunge," and which of those three was the easiest to do?
I do tend to "jump" at the chance to try new things. The polar plunge is an annual event in our area. It's an opportunity to raise money to provide grants for classrooms in local public schools. We each gather sponsors, dress in silly costumes and then head to the city park to plunge into the freezing cold water of a swimming pool-in the middle of winter. This year's plunge was held on a snowy day in February. Actually, jumping into the water was easy because after standing in the snow for half an hour I already couldn't feel anything.
Out of the three, I'd say jumping out of a plane at 13,000 ft. was the easiest for me. Don't think I plan on taking any more flying lessons, but I would love to do another jump. There's nothing like the feeling of just letting go and falling at 133 miles an hour! (As long as the shute opens!)
5) When you aren't jumping out of planes and into freezing cold waters, what are some other hobbies or interests that you enjoy outside of radio? Describe your ideal day off.
I love to run and work out every day. It keeps me energized, and I need that for the early morning schedule. A perfect day off for me would be sleeping in past 5am and a day by the pool, maybe writing a song or just being with my family. I can do the relaxed thing, but if an offer to jump out of a plane came along I'd be up for that too. I'm thinking about scuba diving this summer.
6) If you could have any other job outside of radio, what would it be?
I'd be Keith Urban's backup singer or Pamela Anderson's stunt double.
7) There's a lot of great music out right now. What are some artists or songs that you are high on at the moment?
Eric Church seems to be coming back strong with his latest single "Love Your Love The Most." I'm glad to see that happening for him. I'm also enjoying Miranda Lambert. This girl is not just a young, beautiful singer; she is an amazing songwriter. "Dead Flowers" is one of my favorites right now.
8) Name three people you admire, inside or outside of the industry, and tell us why.
I admire my mother for her optimistic nature and funny sense of humor, and for helping me find and develop my own strengths.
Our afternoon guy, Bob Vizza is a legend in this market. I hope to have the longevity and the following he's had in his career. Despite some very serious health issues, he doesn't complain and maintains a happy, energetic attitude for his show. He is a true professional and knows exactly how to reach his audience and they love him for that.
My friend John Stevens Jr. is an inspiration for his ability to craft a song. He is a wonderful singer/songwriter. He's also a talented guitar player and his ability make a room full of strangers feel like his closest friends by the end of a set always amazes me. After years of focusing on my radio career and family, I'd almost forgotten my love of singing. He helped me find that part of me again.
9) If you could give record reps one piece of advice when dealing with radio what would it be?
Put more importance on the small markets. That's where country's core audience lives- it's the heartland of our format.
10) What is the best advice you've ever been given?
If you're having a bad day on-air, stick with the basics and press on. Don Riley told me that when I first started at WKOA. It's also good advice for off-air.
Bonus Questions
1) What kind of music can be found on your iPod or in your CD player at the moment?
Faith Hills "Cry"- I still think that is some of her best work.
2) What was the first album you ever bought?
I think it was Synchronicity by The Police.
3) First concert you ever attended?
The Judds
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