10 Questions with ... Sara Parker

1) What was your first job in radio and early influences?

Radio has always been present in my life. As a kid, I listened to Q102 here in Philly, and then shifted to Y100 when I began exploring the rock realm. Hearing Preston and Steve in the morning and Matt Cord after school was part of my routine. I was devastated when Y100 flipped formats; this was just before the dawn of downloading and streaming, so that was my primary source of new music. I checked all of the radios in my house that day thinking it was a technical glitch, but alas, it was not.

Years later, Jim McGuinn (see question #2) introduced me to Preston and Steve, who had been at WMMR for a couple of years at that point. I joined the show's intern staff, and I've been lucky enough to stick around WMMR ever since.

2) Was there a defining moment when you realized a career in radio was it for you?

I studied music industry at Drexel and took a Radio 101 class taught by Jim McGuinn. I didn't recognize his name at first, so I totally geeked out when he told us on the first day of class that he'd been the PD of Y100! I loved doing my final project, which was creating a business plan for an imaginary station, with clocks, promo budget, on-air lineup, everything (and I got an A! not too shabby). I was intrigued by all of the different components needed to create a successful radio station, and decided to pursue it.

3) How long have you been at WMMR and what makes this station so unique?

This summer marks eight years at MMR for me, and I never take that for granted. It's the people here that make it special. Everyone is passionate, kind and invested in this brand, and our listeners hear that passion and reflect it right back to us. MMR's heritage is another unique component. Next year we'll be celebrating our 50th birthday, and every day we utilize all five decades' worth of rock n' roll history, from Pierre Robert's countless interviews to our throwback concert coverage to songs from our in-studio MMaRchive Sessions. My eight years here is a mere drop in the bucket compared to everything that has gone over the airwaves since 1968!

4) You wear lots of hats at MMR besides Music Coordinator. Give us an idea of some of your other duties at the station.

In addition to handling all of the new music that comes through, I produce the afternoon drive with Jaxon during the week, and we have a blast! This includes curating Jaxon's Local Shots Podcast, featuring bands from in and around the Philly area. I also host my own show on Sunday afternoons, and I do plenty of fill-ins, especially during the summertime when everyone jets off to the Jersey shore. I've done literally every possible shift here on MMR (again, never taking it for granted!). Shout out to Bill Weston for tolerating my awkwardness when I first cracked the mic and allowing me to find my own voice.

5) Describe your weekly music meeting with PD Bill Weston and APD Chuck Damico. Approximately how important by percentage is gut, research, sales, video play, and chart position when determining the status of a record.

It's a healthy mix of all of those things, but 'gut' takes a slightly larger piece of that pie. We pay attention to the charts, but we don't live and die by them. MMR's slogan is "Everything That Rocks," so it's a balancing act: having the right amount of hard rock, alternative, classic rock, and a couple left-of-center curiosities thrown in for good measure. We take artist relationships into account, too - not only our own relationship with a band, but how that band connects with the city of Philadelphia.

6) There's a great story I've heard about you attending a live show with the Swedish band Royal Republic, and then telling Bill and Chuck about it, which led to the station adding their single. Can you elaborate on this?

Long story short: Back in the springtime I went out to Voltage Lounge, a tiny bar, where they were opening for Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes (another awesome act). Usually before I go to a show I research the bands a bit, but I had zero time that day, so I went in knowing nothing about Royal Republic. What I learned at the show is that they're from Sweden, this was their very first American show, and they are explosive live! Listening to their record, "Weekend Man," on the way home that night solidified my initial reaction -- this band is fantastic!

Our music meeting happened to be the next day. I tried to hide my excitement when I played "Baby" for Bill and Chuck because I wanted to get an unbiased opinion from them. They agreed that it's catchy as all hell, and we added the song that same day. So far the reaction has been favorable. Needless to say, I can't wait for Royal Republic to come back to Philly!

7) What's your take on current Active Rock music and the format as a whole?

The definition of "rock" is constantly evolving, and that's a good thing. Rock fans are hungry for fresh sounds. Sometimes it's scary to branch out, from both the programming and artist perspectives, but the payoff is a well-rounded playlist and a fulfilled audience that doesn't feel like they're being force-fed the same thing over and over. Also, the number of women in the format is steadily growing, which is encouraging. I hope that trend continues.

8) What are your three favorite Rock artists or songs so far this year and why?

Well, we covered Royal Republic, but there's also Royal Blood, who just ooze rock n' roll. I love Dorothy for their sultry, swampy vibe. Everyone here at MMR is excited for the new Foo Fighters album, myself included. I also dig new Mastodon, Black Map, Dinosaur Pile-Up, Gojira ... That's more than three. I'm (not) sorry.

9) Do you have any other "Guilty Pleasure" artists or songs "outside" of Rock you care to share with us?

I feel zero 'guilt' about this: It may be because I'm a massive metalhead, but people are always surprised to learn that I adore Hanson. They're insanely talented! More people need to pay attention to their post-MMMbop discography. Most of their upcoming tour is sold out, but if you're able to see them live, GO DO IT. You will not regret it.

10) Finally, with all of the duties you have at MMR, what do you like to do to relax when you're not in "radio" mode?

Even outside of work, I'm constantly seeking out new music, especially metal and punk (and if you have recommendations in ANY genre, tweet at me! @radio_sara). There's a lot to do in Philly, especially this time of year, so I'm usually out at a show or a new restaurant. The foodie scene here is as robust and diverse as the music scene, and I take in as much of both as possible!