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10 Questions with ... Scott Gaines
January 26, 2010
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started at AM 750 KSEO in Durant, OK, spinning records in 1987. I bugged the PD that I wanted a job and he made me come back and watch him do his afternoon show. I pulled his records and carts and helped with pulling wire and weather. I did that for three days and then he started showing me the board, then I fell in love. He had me segue records and learn to cue them up. Friday of that week came and he said to me, "Oh by the way, you're going to be on the radio today ... it's all you!" I did my first 3-7p shift and never looked back ... it was awful and I have the tape that NO ONE has ever heard except a handful of people. I NEVER regret that day and THANK YOU, Bob Sullins for believing in me. You started this bug that has never faded or gone away.
I have lived the radio gypsy lifestyle. After college, I lived in several towns/cities doing mornings and afternoons and nights and even overnights, but landed in Dallas in 1997 and worked there until 2005 when I moved to Detroit to work at WDTW for three years as APD/MD/PM drive. CC had the mass exodus in 12/08. I was caught up in that, so I moved back to Dallas and started with Cumulus FM 93.3 Quality Rock, which -- start to finish -- stayed on the air for about five months ... and I am out again. So I am on the hunt again and willing to relocate. I know there is something out there for me. When it's ready, I will be there.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I have faith in God that he will take care of me. That's the only way I can survive without going crazy. Times are hard, but you know that times are hard for a lot of people ... and I am okay and I will be okay. I know there is a plan for me. I have my days where I hate life and MOST people, but I come around and realize it won't last forever and I will be okay.
2) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?
Yes, I have no talent nor skill to do anything else .. .the bug has its teeth in me way too far to quit ... and I don't quit.
3) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
Eight months.
4) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Networking ... make friends and always be ready ... maintain ALL relationships.
5) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
I am not just saying this, but All Access. I have applied for many jobs on here, plus many stealth jobs, too.
6) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I still want to be on the air. That will never change ... but I want to continue with programming and music. I LOVE IT!
7) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
Kinda low and slow .. .not too quick on the callback or e-mail, but with the amount of people who are applying for jobs, they can't get back to everyone, and I know that, too.
8) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
They are lower but are starting to come back and find steam again. If you just wait out this bump, I believe this will pass. I am such an optimist!
9) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
I have experience and know-how, I am a JACK of all trades, I can voicetrack multiple formats and can program music and pull live shifts and appearances and cut spots and manage budgets and stay socially active via Twitter and Facebook and blog while updating my own station page daily with show content. I am THE GO-TO GUY... It gets done! I CAN DO IT ALL and VERY WELL,I might add.
10) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
I get this question a lot. I always tell the kids, if you LOVE IT, people will know ... if you are just trying to collect a check, people will know. If you lay down at night and can't sleep because your putting together tomorrow's show in your head, you have found more than a job ... you've found a career, and those are the people who PDs dream about. BE THAT PERSON.
Bonus Questions
Care to contribute a low-cost recipe to our "ON THE BEACH" cookbook?
CHEAP CHEESEBURGER MAC
- 1 pound of lean ground turkey meat - (brown and drain)
- 1 can of Rotel MILD or HOT tomatoes and peppers
- 1 family size box of Mac and Cheese
Stir together, it goes a long way and it's awesome and cheap. :)
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