10 Questions with ... Jess

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

My first job in radio is actually with Rock Rage Radio! I would say early influences, radio-wise, would be Flintstone, who was on KTUX here in Shreveport. I just remember always hearing him on the radio, and Gary McCoy who was on KXKS but actually was the OM/PD for all the previously Clear Channel, stations in my area. As a matter of fact, I did a job shadowing with him in 8th grade; he was very welcoming and happy to show me around the station for the day and teach me about radio. But I also need to mention my father because he instilled a love of music in me and always randomly tested me to see if I knew the band/song that was playing on the radio.

2) What was the defining moment that led to a career in radio for you?

When some of my favorite Rock stations started changing formats and the musicians, venues and rock music fans needed an outlet to get the exposure and hear the music that they love. I made it a mission to get involved and help every musician I can get the most exposure possible that are from my area or touring into my area.

3) Tell us about Rock Rage Radio and how long have you been working for them?

Rock Rage Radio is the leading online rock station in the world with staff and street team members in over 35 states and several countries, with a total combined reach of about 1.4 million people weekly through on-air, online and social media outlets. We play all different genres of rock and metal and in addition to the big names that everyone is familiar with, we also are a huge supporter of the local and regional bands from all over the country, and even other countries, out there with great music fighting to be heard. I've been with Rock Rage for almost two years now.

4) You are the host of The Sideshow on Rock Rage Radio. When does that run and tell us about the show?

I just got a new time slot, which is Wednesdays from 6-7:30p ET. I like to have variety in my show; sometimes I'll have a theme and match all the songs or bands to the theme, and other times I choose to just have a really good evolving flow of styles of rock. I love to sandwich really great local bands next to bigger name bands to help get people interested. Sometimes I feature an interview I've done with a band. Overall I just want to be able to introduce people to good music and give them a reprieve from whatever is going on in their life that they feel like they want a break from.

5) I also understand that Rock Rage Radio is also developing a sister station called Brews Radio that you'll be assisting in programming. Please elaborate.

Brews Radio will be operating under the same idea as Rock Rage Radio, but instead of playing any rock/metal genre, we will be focusing on Alternative styles. I don't have an official date to share with you for our full-fledged launch, but I am excited about it. I was thrilled that John Kunz, the owner of Rock Rage and all its fellow stations, approached me about assisting in the launch and programming.

6) What in your opinion are the main differences between "terrestrial" radio and Internet radio, and what advantages does Internet radio afford that terrestrial doesn't?

I feel like the largest difference in Internet radio and most terrestrial radio is the freedom of choice in what is played. There is a huge advantage in being able to hear a song, know it is good, and being able to play it without being held back by the fact that they're a local band or unsigned band or that maybe a song doesn't fit perfectly into a certain style of the rock genre. If it jams and it is a type of rock, then it rocks and I'm gonna spin it!

7) You were at the recent Kilpop Radio convention in Las Vegas. Besides meeting lots of new people in Rock radio, what was your biggest takeaway from the event?

Well, first of all I loved attending Kilpop; I did meet a ton of people and I appreciated feeling welcomed into everything. I think one of my biggest takeaways would be that no matter what our job title is, all of us in this have a deep rooted love for Rock music and we're all ready to see it at the forefront and stop being cast aside and undervalued.

Jess with Red Sun Rising at Kilpop Convention

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

Rock is my heart and soul. I love the variety in it and how it is always evolving. I know a lot of people complain about current Active Rock in general, but I'm excited for it. If people are complaining and saying there isn't anything good anymore, then they're either not looking and listening or they're just regurgitating things they've heard other people say. Maybe both! There are a ton of great bands on the horizon making fantastic music, joining some of the big names that are still making great music.

9) What are your three favorite Rock artists or songs of this year and why?

Favorites are always a tough choice to narrow down! Luckily for me, it's still pretty early in the year, so maybe that will help me out. I would have to say that I'm really digging the new Godsmack song, "Bulletproof," because bravo to them for not being afraid to take a departure from their typical style, and even acknowledging that they may lose some fans in the process. Change isn't bad and I'm eager to hear the rest of the album. Next up I'll go with From Ashes To New and their song, "Crazy.".\ It can be hard to come back with a new vocalist, but I think they're doing just fine with that, and I just love their unique fused styles sound as it is. Lastly I'm going to go with a local band, Bibeau, with their song, "Leeway." It is their current single off of their brand new album and they have an awesome prog sound and a killer vocalist.

10) Finally, I understand you used to be involved with animal welfare where you live in Louisiana, and started a local nonprofit cat rescue that still operates. How is that going?

That's right! I've always been passionate about animals and I started volunteering regularly with one of the nonprofit rescues in Shreveport. Eventually I was hired on as staff and through certain turns of events, I departed and assisted some other people in starting a second cat-specific nonprofit rescue in the area called Port City Cat Rescue. I'm no longer a part of it, but I'm happy to say that it is still going and thriving! I believe last year they took in and adopted out almost 450 cats!