10 Questions with ... Kevin Kollins

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• KGLI/Sioux City - 1988-1991
• KDWB/Minneapolis - 1991-1992
• KGLI/Sioux City - 1992-1995
• WIFC/Wausau - 1995-1996
• WZEE/Madison - 1996-1997
• Jeff McClusky & Associates - 1997-2009
• Off the Chart Music, Inc. - 2009-Present

1) What made you want to get into the music business? Who were your early mentors?

I was working as a club DJ and at radio stations simply to put myself through college to become an attorney. It wasn't until my sophomore year that I met my mentor, Dave Diamond, and he talked me into sticking with it for a career. He's a legend! Pretty much everything I learned about radio I learned from him. One of the original "Boss Jocks," who helped The Doors get started, wrote with Janis Joplin and Strawberry Alarm Clock, worked at stations like KFRC, KFI, KBLA, KIIS and KRLA to name a few. He really went out of his way to teach me how radio works and about all the small things that are so important in programming. Dave and I still catch up several times a year and it's always a treat!

2) What was your first job in the music business?

My first gig was as a club DJ in Sioux City, IA. About a year after that I got my first radio job at KSCJ in Sioux City. I did weekend overnights running "Talk Net!" My first promotion job was with Jeff McClusky & Associates, I was there for over 12 years until I left to start my own company last year.

3) What is the first artist you ever worked to radio and what are you working now? What's the difference between the two?

Spice Girls "Wannabe" was the first really big record I remember working. It was hugely popular. It probably compares to the Justin Bieber craze that's going on now. They're both simply worldwide sensations and have great hooks in their pop songs.

4) Has the consolidation of radio made the job of promotion harder or easier?

It's made it more difficult, mostly because of the time constraints that programmers have to work with. Their plates are so full. It's very difficult to get the time with them that you need.

5) If you could change one thing about the current state of radio, what would you change?

I wish there was more local talent. I think it's very difficult to groom the next round of great DJ's. And more importantly, the limited amount of talent that stations now have.

6) Who is your favorite artist that you have ever met or worked with?

When I worked for JMA, we were a big part of Garth Brooks transition to Chris Gaines which was a great concept but it just didn't translate. He was a joy to work with and went out of his way to do anything we asked.

7) What current artist do you see having the ability and skills to stick around for several records in today's instant gratification oriented society?

Taylor Swift. Her current record is a bit one dimensional for me, but she's going to grow and mature as a song writer and be around for a long time.

8) What can radio and record companies be doing with their radio station web sites to drive more music fans to these sites?

Record company web sites need to add more exclusive content such as interviews, live sets, and behind the scenes footage. Make it a destination for listeners to go for more of their favorite artists.

9) What are the biggest changes you would like to see happen in the music industry?

I think subscription service is the way to go. A tiered system that has a monthly fee attached. For a set price you're allowed to download a certain number of songs that month. Cable companies, cell phone companies, etc., all have gone away from the per piece model to the monthly model. There's a great new company that has just gotten out of beta and I hope it goes public soon. Check out www.freeallmusic.com.

10) What do you feel is the most important issue facing record labels in the current business environment?

Working with new media and finding ways to monetize it to help replace traditional sales revenue.

1) What do you do in your spare time?

I have three young daughters so I spend a lot of time with them. I'm also a big believer in volunteerism. I donate my time as a foster parent, with the local food pantry, with the Sheriff's Department, I'm on the board of the PTA (yes I'm the only guy!) and I also coach youth soccer and softball.

2) Do you read.....everything? Books, Magazines, etc. Nothing? What's your favorite reading material?

I love reading biographies, especially the ones from the music business. I also love true crime stories. I have TONS of books from these genres. Some of my favorites are, Motley Crue's "The Dirt," Boy George "Take It Like A Man," and Chuck Klosterman "Fargo Rock City." Right now I'm in the middle of Ozzy Osbourne's "I Am Ozzy." I would love to hear some suggestions from the All Access Readers!!! Please email me!

3) What are some of the artists we might find on your MP3 player?

I love Pop music. I'm a big 80's fan, so for old school I like U2, Prince, all the synth stuff and the hair band hits. Regarding current music, I like The Fray, B.O.B., Black Eyed Peas, The Script, and Spose to name a few!

4) What was the first concert you ever attended?

It was John Cougar-1982 at the Sioux City Auditorium. "Jack and Diane" had just become a monster hit!

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

KQKQ-Sweet 98 in Omaha, and KDWB in Minneapolis. It was the biggest thrill when I ended up working at KDWB!