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10 Questions with ... Blake Powers
May 26, 2009
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NAME:Blake PowersLAST WITH:KONN (107.1-ONE-FM)/DenverPHONE:H-303.745.7050 - C-720.335.8989EMAIL:blakepowersradio@aol.com
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
Denver! Pittsburgh! Cincinnati! West Palm Beach! Chicago fill-in! Ratings-proven (especially Female) in Top 40, HAC, Urban AC and Country.
1) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I pull one or two weekend shifts with a station here in Denver. Plus, my wife is originally from China and I'm helping her improve her English. Otherwise, I'll have to continue wondering what she's saying when yelling at me in Mandarin or Cantonese!
2) Some people get discouraged or enlightened with the business when they actually step out of it for a while. Tell us your observations from the outside.
Radio stations must evolve faster for today's listeners' needs. One example is how Tim Maranville, recent OM/PD of The Denver Radio Company's Top 40 KONN (now HOT107.1) and Alternative KTNI had two music days per week. Realizing how fast younger demo music tastes change, we began adding music faster ... and seeing our numbers grow the same. Where is it written you can only add music once per week?
Radio is in an era of new rules, so make some of your own and better serve your listeners/customers in new and innovative ways, especially with PPM in mind. In addition, websites are still under-utilized in money-making matters. I have a very female-friendly concept that requires nominal initial investment to give a station a new and major sales opportunity, normally anchored by TV and print. I look forward to presenting it to my next full-time employer and seeing the smile on their face and hearing about monthly sales numbers increasing.
Finally, to be simple, there are (2) things radio/any business can do:
a. be a leader:)
b. or be a follower:(.3) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?
Yeah, I really want to! Despite the economy, budget cuts or any other negative shiz, there are still plenty of days when I say to myself, "Whoa! I had a great time today!" Making someone think, smile, laugh or occasionally get mad at me keeps it real ... and makes those moments on the mic a treasure.
4) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
In 1999, I drove at night straight from Pittsburgh to Chicago, prepped two hours and auditioned mid-6a! Instead of being tired, I was so wired and had a good show. The PD planned to hire me temporarily for mornings. As soon as the legendary Chicago talent they wanted for mornings sat out his non-compete, I would move to PM drive. I couldn't wait! A few days later, the PD called to say another Chicago radio legend suddenly became available and hiring him was only logical. I understood. Nevertheless, my Chicago audition aircheck helped me land mornings in a top-25 market.
5) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
Being that I am ratings-proven in Top 40, HAC, Country and Rhythmic AC, PM drive, middays and mornings, that's where I should be. Plus, I've been told by PDs and consultants that I have a great ear for music emotion, texture and flow -- and should learn Selector or Music Master.
6) Are you able to slow down and enjoy free time doing things with your family and friends that you probably did not have time to do while you were working?
Absolutely! After budget cuts showed me the door in October, I visited my family for the entire month of November. Plus, my wife -- an International Travel Agent -- formerly based in southern China, finally joined me in November after over a year apart. It's been great spending quality time together.
7) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
Before moving to Denver in 2000 to work at former CBS Radio Hot AC KIMN/Mix100, I had never entered any on-air talent competitions. However, during five years with the company, I earned nine Colorado Broadcasting Association Awards, including "Best Entertainment Personality" (two years), which is usually awarded to a morning show. I haven't entered since 2004. Hopefully, I'll have another opportunity in the future to cover more blemishes on my walls. Then again, I've never hung the nine. My wife feels I should:).
8) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
Most? Fun with my listeners! Least? I least miss forgetting to turn in my many remote, appearance and endorsement pay sheets. Oh, do stations like the additional income I normally bring in? So do I!
9) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?
I often do a show in my sleep. At least my wife says so! People are so busy, learn to be a little more patient and forgiving. No worries. Life is a veritable buffet of buffoonery and an occasional slice of pizza.
10) How will this experience change you when you get back to work?
I have some great ideas to better my show. I also have a unique show idea I would love to syndicate. Plus, I've been encouraged by several very well-respected people in our industry to pursue more side work such as voicetracking and voiceovers. I plan to take some professional voice-acting lessons to further my expansion.
Bonus Questions
Care to contribute a low-cost recipe to our "ON THE BEACH" cookbook?
64 ounces of water a day, plus small portions of lean meat, fruits and vegetables will lower your grocery bill, waistline and gastric abilities. If you eliminate the "junk," you'll have more money towards better food and be in better health when that next gig presents itself. My wife just walked in, read what I'm writing, and is cleaning out the pantry. Ugh! I l-i-k-e Reeses! Well, spring is here, so I gotta lace up and aim for asphalt ... whew!
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