-
10 Questions with ... Brittney Patton
March 14, 2017
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
1. What was your first job in radio and early influences?
Growing up I loved listening to House of Hair every Friday night. It was the highlight of my week! I loved the music and I really enjoyed learning about the bands. An opportunity came up at the local Rock station to do sales. I always knew I needed to be involved in the music scene, and radio was a big part of my life. I viewed the sales position as a stepping stone and worked my way in to an on air position.
2. What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize “this is it?”
I graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Psychology. I planned on going back for my PhD, but wanted to take a break. I ended up landing a management job, made decent money … and I was miserable. I took a huge pay cut to do sales for a local radio station; this was my foot in the door. There was a lack of personality at the station at the time, and I knew that I had what it took to breathe some life back into the station. I taught myself how to use all of the software, the board, everything. One day, I was looking at the board and I decided to pop open the mic and change up the playlist. It was a risky move and I am so glad I made it. People started responding instantly. They loved what they were hearing! I had finally found my place in this crazy world … then, I got fired when the station sold to another company in 2015, and I was crushed. About a week went by and the new owners let it be known they wanted me back … more importantly they “wanted the hate mail to stop” Ha ha. I really had made an impact in Northern AZ radio. It was then I realized “this is it.”
3. How long have you been at KZGL (103.7 The Eagle Rocks) and what makes this station so unique?
I’ve been at KZGL now for about three years. The station really gets involved in the community. We do campaigns, community events, concerts, etc. I like to be out and about. I love interacting with people and getting involved as often as I can. And I play good music. I feel this makes us unique. We’re real, we’re live, and we play the music they want, as it should be. : - )
4. You wear many hats for your company (Great Circle Media) including Marketing Manager for the cluster of stations. What are the stations/formats and what are some of your marketing duties?
My main focuses are programming and the morning and afternoon shows. I do some sales for our cluster of stations including KAFF Country, KMGN Rock, KZGL Active Rock, KFSZ Top 40, KTMG Hot AC, and KTMG-HD2 Active Rock. I mainly develop new features and ideas for the stations, and I just happen to be the one to go out and actually sell my ideas. If it makes sense, I pitch it!
5. You also do mornings on KZGL with your partner Mike under the name The Morning BM. Being the B in the mix, tell us about the morning show. How long have you been doing the show and what are some of the special bits and features you guys do?
We launched Your Morning BM in August, and it has been very successful. Mike and I are natural and bounce off each other very well. One of my favorite features is Today Is… Mike and I discuss the national holidays for the day and then discuss them. It makes for great banter. We also have Storytime In The Old Southwest, which I enjoy a lot. I search the web for random stories or facts and tie them into a personal story. They are usually hilarious and informative! We tried a bit where people would nominate a friend or loved one, maybe even an enemy and we would call them at the ass crack and wake them up … Some people didn’t like to be woken up so early … and it was awesome.
6. Besides your marketing and morning duties, I understand you also program the music on The Eagle. How would you describe the music? Are you Active or Mainstream Rock and how much current music do you play?
I do program the music for The Eagle, and I absolutely love it! We are definitely Active Rock. We currently spin about 45 currents and I keep 10 of those in power rotation. The music is current, relevant, and you still get those favorites you love to belt out … my apologies to your gas pedal! I like to throw in some more alternative leaning songs here and there but I never use ‘genres’ as a go to with adds. If a song kicks ass and rocks, it rocks! And I play it. I love the balance and flow we get on the station. I literally listen all day and make sure everything flows together nicely. I am a tad bit obsessive, but hey! It sounds good!
7. What’s your take on the Rock format and current Active Rock music as a whole?
I think rock is kicking ass! So many new bands are emerging that are really damn good! Active Rock doesn’t get the attention it deserves. And it’s our job to spread the awesome! When people realize how much diversity there is throughout rock, there truly is something for everyone. Rock is real, raw, and emotional, and people can relate to it. I think Active Rock as a whole should never be taken lightly ... It always has and continues to kick ass!
8. I know it’s early in the year, but what are your three favorite artists or songs of this year and why?
I am so in love with September Mourning right now! “20 Below” is a fantastic song, and the band itself is phenomenal. The storyline with September Mourning, the energy, the shows. All-around excellent! An outstanding transmedia project.
Avatar blew my mind with The Eagle Has Landed, then they came back with New Land. These guys are so talented and they put on such a show! Avatar are extremely creative and entertaining. Never pass up a chance to see them perform, holy cow!!
And Oh My God! …You cannot deny the powerhouse that is The Pretty Reckless. The new album is incredible. I’ve been a huge fan since Light Me Up and they never cease to amaze me album after album. So much raw energy, life, and talent within this band.9. How much does The Eagle use social media (Facebook and Twitter) to interact with its listeners? Give us an example of a social media campaign that worked.
I stay very involved on social media. I love doing Facebook contests that require interaction. We had a really awesome contest we did on Facebook last year we call Tattuesdays. Users would send in their best tattoos throughout the month, and every last Tuesday of the month, we would have everyone vote on their favorite tats. People got really into it and we saw some beautiful artwork and got some great, constant interaction. After voting closed, we would hook up the top-3 tatted individuals with gift certificates to a really awesome local tattoo studio. We are bringing Tattuesdays back for spring this year. I’m excited! Show me your tats!
10. Finally, I understand you grew up in the Flagstaff area and actually majored in Psychology in school. Are you glad you chose radio in your hometown instead of a career in Psychology?
Definitely! I’ve always wanted a career in music, and my long-term plan with psychology was to do music and art therapy. I want to help people. Music has always helped me, and has always been my go to in dark times, and many people turn to music. One song could change someone’s entire outlook. I love that I can help this music make it to their ear. We also tell stories. If someone is having a rough day, you can be the person to help them out, be their friend, and be there for them. I am extremely happy that I am able to do what I do and make a difference for people. Radio is powerful. Music is powerful. I am where I was always meant to be, doing what I was made to do.
-
-