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10 Questions with ... Dino D'Addario
July 31, 2017
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- WXZL & WRNR /Annapolis, MD 1993 - 1996
- WOSC & WWFG/Salisbury/Ocean City, MD 1996 - 2001
- WXFB & WSMJ/Baltimore, MD 2001 - 2006
- Sirius XM/Washington, DC 2006 - 2009
- WJQB/Tampa, FL 2010 - 2015
- WSTR & WQXI/Atlanta, GA 2015 - present
1. What Got You Interested In Radio?
My dad is a retired major from the Baltimore City Police Department, a former member of the elite Homicide Division and Technical Advisor of the TV show, "Homicide: Life on the Street" (shameless plug for Dad).
He knew everyone ... and when I was 10, we took a tour of a local radio station. I remember following my dad and our guide through the offices ... then on to the studios. We stopped and I gazed through the glass ... staring at a cloaked figure behind the microphone. The red ON AIR light came on. The control board lit his face as the glow of a cigarette swayed in the darkness. He spoke into the mic about the song that was ending ... chatted with a caller who was working the late shift ... mentioned a local business and told the city what station they were listening to. At that precise moment, I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to be the one in the darkness, flying by the lights of the board, speaking to the city. I even spent time rewiring two old turntables so I could practice segues at home. Years later, my dad took me to my first class at broadcasting school, and the rest is history.
2. Who do you consider your radio mentors?
- Dan Turner - Audio Branding Executive at Mood Media
- TJ Roberts - TJ Roberts Voice & Creative
- Tony Lorino - Program Director WSTR Star 94.1
3. How do you customize your imaging and everything else that goes "between the music" to reach your target demographic?
At Star, we use listener testimonials to tell our story. It brings the station closer to our target demo by integrating them with our skilled VOs.
4. Besides your own, what are some of the other stations that you think have really great imaging?
- WHTZ (Z100)/New York - Effective Branding
- KUDL (106.5 The End)/Sacramento - Sharp & Creative
- WWDC (DC101)/Washington, D.C. - Direct, full of attitude
- Radio X/United Kingdom - Effective Branding
5. Who are some of your favorite radio voices?
Really? I'm gonna forget someone and they'll be pissed! So I'll apologize now.
However...
Growing up in the Baltimore / DC area, on-air, it was Chuck DeCoty on 98 Rock & Tony Colter on DC101. They were the "Johnny Fevers" of my youth. These guys oozed coolness. I was lucky enough to work with Tony during my years at XM.
Since I've become a Prod guy, it's been all about station voices. There are so many talented people in the industry that I've been fortunate enough to work with, but two names that come to mind are Dave Foxx & Ann DeWig. Dave's voice has an effortless yet commanding sound that makes you stop and take notice. Conversely, Ann's "Anti-Announcer" approach to VO is relatable with a side of cocky that everyone can appreciate.
6. How are you using new audio technologies to work with the music you program on your station, in production, and in your personal life?
My PD, Tony Lorino, loaned me his Echo to take for a test drive and within minutes, I had to have one. Now, we're using Alexa in some imaging to remind people that they can continue to listen to our station at work, home ... all weekend ... by the pool ... during a cookout, etc. Go ahead, try it..."Alexa, play 94 point 1."
7. What should radio be doing now to secure a role in the future of the ever-changing media landscape?
In a word: accessibility. As consumers, we demand better, more versatile products.
By now you know I'm a huge fan of voice activated devices and it's no secret they are quickly becoming the next wave of how we consume music and information. As a communication industry, radio needs to embrace this type of technology and proactively educate consumers on its accessibility.
8. What do you believe will be the next trend in audio technology?
I can't wait for the big clear touch screens like on CSI Miami. I'd LOVE to edit audio on one of those! Seriously, for me it's always a question of quality. We've all heard bad, overly compressed files and it's refreshing to see that much of today's technology is driving toward higher quality audio for the office, the home, and in your cars. It'll be interesting to see how quality improves by 2020 and how it compares to today.
9. What's the best sweeper you've ever heard?
I can't limit it to just one. First - "If you can't listen to Rock 103 at work...QUIT!" It's been used many times but I still love the attitude.
Second - Early in my career, I worked at a rock station in Annapolis, MD. We had a sweeper that told the listeners to change the station. We'd monitor our competition during our air shifts and when they were in a stop set, we'd air the sweep ..."Don't believe that THEY play a lot of commercials? Go check them out, we'll wait...(elevator music).....See! More music all the time!" It was risky, but like so many other stations we did it anyway.
Lastly, I'm a big fan of Artist Branded Song Intros that are seamless and incorporate your brand into the song itself. To me, the best sweepers are the ones that keep you moving forward and never looking back.
10. What is the one truth that has held constant in your career?
People come and go. Formats transition. The only constant in this industry is change.
Bonus Questions
Who is your best friend in the business?
Kevin Kash. We became friends when I was his intern many years ago. Kevin is a great talent, programmer and one hell of a funny guy. Just ask him...he'll tell ya. He's like a brother from another mother who has given me advice about the business, guidance as a production person and we both share confusion about the popularity of Mumford & Sons...I mean, really...WTF?
Who is the most amazing talent you've worked with?
Hands down, TJ Roberts. I worked with TJ when I was on Maryland's Eastern Shore and we remained great friends until his early passing. TJ taught me the art of and appreciation for production and station imaging. I'd shadow him while he put together creative that was way ahead of its time. After he moved to Baltimore and I grew into my own imaging style, we'd still call each other and play sweepers or promos and share ideas. I miss him both personally and professionally.
Tell us what music we would find on your phone or your MP3 player right now and what is it you enjoy about that particular selection?
I tend to binge listen to artists more than playlists. I'll spend a weekend immersed in Pink Floyd (my all-time fav band), Tom Waits (I love his lyrics and musical experimentation), and movie soundtracks (doesn't everyone listen to "Night of the Living Dead" when cruising through a cemetery in Pittsburgh?). As for the zombie soundtracks, my wife says I'm a tad twisted.
What advice would you give people new to the business?
Own it! Take responsibility for your short-comings, learn from your mistakes, celebrate your successes, and remain humble. Also...never stop learning! There is always something new and fast coming up behind you so you need to be ready for it.
What do you consider the key to your success?
Being flexible and ready to learn.
- As a Commercial Prod guy, I try to educate the AEs (so they can educate their clients) on what works, at the same time, understanding what they're up against. It's not easy to sell air.
- As an imager, get inside your Program Director's head and crawl around. Get to know his/her vision of the station's message and share ideas.
- Pay attention to the details. It's a fast paced industry but I never sacrifice the quality of my work for the sake of expedience.
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