10 Questions with ... Megan Phillips

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• Radio Promotions: Fisher Radio/Seattle - 1999- 2008
• Assistant Music Director: KPLZ/Seattle - 2008-present
• Music Consultant: 2009 - present

Alternate email address: MPhillips@fisherradio.com.

1) What Got You Interested In Radio?

My family has been involved in radio for my whole life. Both my dad, Kent Phillips, and my Uncle, Scott Phillips, have been DJ's in Seattle for as long as I can remember. I grew up going to lots of radio promotions and various concerts. My dad would bring home new music that none of my friends had heard before, and I used to think that was SO cool.

When I turned 15 years old, it was natural to start working radio promotions for Fisher Radio Seattle. I absolutely loved it! My passion was with the music. So eventually I started learning how to schedule music from Alisa Hashimoto. She is a scheduling queen! I was really lucky to have been able to learn from the best! Her passion for music was contagious, and I soon found myself transitioning solely into music scheduling.

2) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

KPLZ and the Z morning crew, "Kent and Alan" of course!

3) Describe a typical day in your position?

A typical day in my position would entail turning on my computer, putting on my glasses, and scheduling like crazy! I take a break to work out while listening to my iPod full of new music. Then, I sit down and go back to scheduling.

4) What do you like best about your job? Least?

I love being able to listen to music and be current on new artists. Although I have no musical talent myself, I like living vicariously through the talent that I have the privilege of meeting!

I used to be a competitive dancer growing up. I taught ballroom dancing at Arthur Murrays while I was working promotions at Fisher. In a way, scheduling music allows me to dance in my head. It's really fun! I memorize the openings and endings of songs. Then I make sure they flow in rotation, I move to the music in my head. If I can't dance through the segue-way, it's a no go. Sounds crazy? It probably is. But I think that is why I enjoy the tedious nature of plugging songs into a computer program.

Which leads me to the least favorite part of my job: sitting at the computer all day! It can be wearing on your eyes. I have had to start wearing glasses!

5) How do you stay in touch with the latest music trends?

I check Allaccess.com:), I listen to the label reps, I read my e-mails sent with links to new music. I go on Rhapsody, MySpace, I-Tunes, and I still go to record stores and actually listen to albums. Although now, with all of the work that I have now I don't have much time to do the last one.

First and foremost though, I listen to my friends and what they like. This one is HUGE! It's amazing what a team of people finds rather than just me. I look at their playlists on Facebook and MySpace. And they call me if they find cool new stuff. My cousins in college are a great resource. College students tend to have extensive playlists with artists I haven't heard before.

6) How have music file sharing services, affected the way you program to your audience?

Now, more than ever, it is apparent that people listen to the radio to hear songs they know and love, not music they haven't heard before. THAT is what I-Pods, Pandora, Rhapsody, You-Tube, MySpace, etc., are for. It really is very easy to find new music on your own. (You can just watch grey's anatomy and start your own personal AAA playlist!)

Now, our focus, more than ever, is on making sure we play hits. This means, stations I program might take a little longer before they play the new artist's music. From a music director's perspective, this kills me, since the joy of being in this industry is meeting passionate, talented, new artists. You want to help them out, but at the same time, you have to play what the people already know and love! (Not that the people wouldn't like new artists, they just have to become familiar with them before they love them...usually.)

7) How do you feel about the new royalty rate increases for Internet radio and proposed royalties for terrestrial radio?

Radio is a promotional tool for artists and labels to showcase their music. These added costs seem excessive to me. In other industries, if you want to promote your product, you BUY advertising. I know the economy has taken its toll on many facets of the music industry. I just don't know that this is the answer.

8) How much time do you spend surfing the net?

ALL DAY LONG!!

9) Tell us what music we would find on your I-Pod right now and what is it you enjoy about that particular selection?

My I-Pod is an insanely eclectic mix of everything! I am not exaggerating! I think the only sound absent is "Screamo." I have Disco, Rap, Jazz, Pop, Alternative, Country, Americana, Oldies, 80's (I guess that's the same as "Oldies" now!), Christian, Reggae, Techno... you name it, I have it. I don't go into super in depth in any genre, but I have the hits from most!

10) Why would someone listen to your station instead of listening to music on their iPod?

I think people still listen to their radios in their cars and in their offices because it's free. You can't beat that. And all the work is done for you!

There are many times when I get in my car and I haven't prepared CD's or playlists to listen to. So I just flip on the radio and, all of my favorite tunes right there waiting for me! It's so simple. You can't beat the simplicity.

1) What are your hobbies?

In the winter I LOVE cross country skiing. Just me, myself, and my iPod in the snow! You can't beat that! In the summer I love boating on Lake Washington. And year round, I go to Bikram Yoga with my dad. Bikram yoga is 90 minutes of yoga in a room that is 110 degrees! It takes some getting used to at first, but once you do... you're hooked for life!

2) What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A pediatrician.

3) What's your favorite fast food?

Starbucks...Hands down! I'm addicted!

4) Your radio or records dream gig?

I would love to be an American Idol winner and record an album that sells like crazy! It's never going to happen since my singing, at its best sound likes a crying baby...but it's my dream regardless.

5) What "reality show" could you see yourself appearing on and why?

I would love to be on "The Bachelorette!" Twenty-five guys competing for me! Who wouldn't want that?!?!?