-
10 Questions with ... Sara Parker
February 5, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. 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
-
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 a full decade 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. Last year we be celebrated the station's 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 10 years here is a mere drop in the bucket compared to everything that has gone over the airwaves since 1968.
Sara and Metallica's James Hetfield!!4) Congrats on your recent (and well-deserved) promotion to MD. What does this new title mean to you?
To be a part of MMR for even a fraction of the station's 50-year history is such an honor. To be named MD at the home of radio titans such as Pierre Robert and the Preston and Steve Show is the opportunity of a lifetime. It's an exciting time to be a part of rock radio -- and the music industry in general -- as it evolves and grows.
5) Besides MD, what are some of your other duties at the station?
I also 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. We co-host another podcast called Attack Of The Brackets (Season 2 is about to make its debut). On the air, I host my own show on Sunday afternoons, and I do a ton of fill-ins, especially during the summertime when everyone jets off to the Jersey shore.
Sara and Jaxon!!6) 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.
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.
The Late Chester Bennington and Sara8) What are your three favorite Rock artists or songs so far this year and why?
Mark Morton feat. Chester Bennington - "Cross Off" (a talented guitarist and a beloved vocalist created something that ended up being very poignant. It struck a chord with so many people. I can't wait to hear the rest of Mark's solo album.)
The Revivalists - "Change" (I challenge you to listen to this song without dancing)
Fever 333 - "Made An America (they gained a ton of momentum in 2018 and show no signs of slowing down)"
Also looking forward to releases from several heritage artists this year -- Tool, Pearl Jam, AC/DC and more.
9) I also am aware that you are a huge fan of Dorothy Martin and her band Dorothy. When did this Rock Star "girl crush" begin to happen?
It's less of a "girl crush" and more of a "respectful admiration" (but yeah, you caught me ... I'll talk about her music to anyone who will listen!). I've been a fan of Dorothy since the album ROCKISDEAD and I love how she's developed her artistic style while remaining authentic. She's surrounded herself with a great team, too.
When I look at our playlist and see names like Dorothy and The Pretty Reckless alongside mainstays like Halestorm and Joan Jett, it makes me proud. We're finally starting to see the acceptance of female presence in rock as more than just a gimmick. It's a beautiful thing!
10) Finally, 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! People need to pay attention to their post-MMMbop discography. On their recent String Theory tour, they played with an orchestra and it blew my mind! If you're able to see them live, GO DO IT. You will not regret it.
-
-