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10 Questions with ... Sarah Vanse
January 10, 2017
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
DEMO: www.sarahvanse.com/demos
Character Reel: www.sarahvanse.com/demos/Characters/2014%20Sarah%20Van%20Sweden%20Character%20Demo%20Reel.mp3
SOCIAL:
www.flickr.com/photos/cajunmoon/albums/72157640476168326 www.facebook.com/sarah.vansweden www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mccormick80757141?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profileI've been in radio since 2001, so I feel like an oldie, but still a goodie -- even though I'm not 40 yet!
In radio broadcasting, I've worked on both sides of I-80; from Washington, D.C. to sunny Sacramento, CA, and at the "center of the nation" in-between! (Belle Fourche, SD)
I've worked at the tiniest station, and have also worked on the 15th floor of Westwood One's building in Silver Spring, MD. At each company, I studied and worked for the Arbitron (RIP) numbers, passionately.
I developed my own studio under McCormick Media Productions. My husband and I produce imaging, commercials, corporate audio products, audio book narrations, and much more.
As of today, I have 16 audio-books published, with a few more in the hopper. (Sarah Van Sweden - Audible.com)
1) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
My husband and I rescued a couple of McCaws in 2012. We have a scarlet diva, and a blue and gold darling. Our four-year-old black German Shepherd keeps me herded towards the kitchen.
We love to ride our Harley and kick up our boots at live music concerts and events, often as part of the announcing team for the community, or our work.
2) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
I fell in love with radio at the beginning of this century, and I don't see an end to that passion. Considering the term "radio" has expanded beyond wires and towers, each day I'm excited at new opportunities in this crazy world of media convergence.
3) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
I've found the best way to get your foot in the door requires multiple forms of communication. The most important though, is person-to-person contact. As electronic means of reaching out may be easier, it does not replace that first impression in person. Sometimes, you literally have to put your foot into the door and walk in confident!
4) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I would love to return to a morning show or midday show, full-time. I'm looking for a company that values talent and hard work. I've been ready for it since the day I was born. My experience and education are my foundation; I'm chomping at the bit to get back on the saddle.
5) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
I'm finding the "courtesy level" among employers varies from professional to disappointingly poor. It's hard not to take it personally; especially when it's so easy to reach out in a plethora of ways, instantly. It can be disheartening, but it does teach one patience.
6) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
I moved from East to West as the recession hit; so I began at a very high per-hour rate that has dropped with each move West. I'm hoping the economy will rebound, and that employers have realistic budgets to hire the right people. I've seen too many times where a company uses interns to avoid hiring employees. Here's hoping 2017 is better!
7) What's the most unbelievable on-air bit you were allowed to do?
I was lucky enough to be an on-air co-host for the 2013 Annual Sturgis Rally & Races at the Legendary Buffalo Chip and in downtown Sturgis, SD. (Buffalo Chip Radio BCR and The Knuckle KNKL.) I'd never seen such a spectacle with hundreds of thousands of bikers converging on a dusty western town. We broadcast on the back of the Harley (or Indian test bike), during wild and crazy Rock and Country concerts, while our parrots perched on our shoulders. During our broadcasts, we were filmed by several networks; The Discovery Channel, County Music Channel, and more. The experience opened my eyes, and enabled me to grow more confident and be ready for anything - absolutely ANYTHING.
8) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
Passionate edge.
As a woman, I have to be especially "ON." And talented to get the job. I'm someone who believes in completely embracing the position, as it relates to the company as a whole. Knowing how important production, imaging, programming and scheduling is, is vital to understanding your role. On top of hardware and software experience, I bring a multi-regional outlook; having been born in Midwest values, soaked in East Coast hustle, and finished off with a Western YEEEHAW, allows me to fit into any market or genre, with joy. Seriously!
9) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
I miss Oldies! The old oldies! I grew up in Motown, so it's hard to imagine a Sunday afternoon drive without some Drifters or Supremes crooning us down the road. Time goes on, though, and Classic Rock is becoming the new Oldies. I hope we can preserve and continue to embrace all of this country's musical beginnings.
10) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
If you dream of being rich, turn around and go back to school for something technical/digital/medical.
If you dream of being on the radio, reaching people, being the life of the party for everyone, then give it a try - BUT - get educated in the engineering, technical, digital aspects of the biz for greater job security.
If I could go back in time, I would have learned more about the wires and connections, the engineering aspects of radio broadcast.
Bonus Questions
Uh oh ... now you're on your own for getting new music. If applicable, name your three most recent purchases since leaving the biz.
- Stevie Nicks
- Rob Zombie
- Tim McGraw
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