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10 Questions with ... Garner Goin
March 12, 2019
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1) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize that this is what you wanted to do for a career?
I have a vivid memory of watching Dr. Johnny Fever drag a needle and scream "Booger!" into a mic. That was it for me. I was in awe that you could have a job where you could act like a complete maniac and get a paycheck. I got on the air at a 100-watt station when I was 15 and have been doing it since.
2) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Absolutely. I feel grateful every single day. This path has given the most improbable experiences, friendships and challenges. I am having more fun and being more creative and challenged today than I ever have been. If this radio gig goes away, my only other option would be working at a haberdashery with Nigel Tufnel.
3) Can you give us a quick look at your career highlights with stations and positions up to now?
I have been very fortunate. I have spent the majority of my career in the same building surrounded by, and working with, my second family here in Denver. I started at KBPI in 1991 driving vans and hanging banners. 1994 I became Promotions Dir. for 103.5 The Fox and then upped to PD for 103.5 The Fox in 1998. I had a lost weekend as PD for KFOX/San Francisco from '13/'14. I came back to PD The Fox and KBPI in 2015. During that time, I've also focused on Digital for the Denver region.
4) You're the PD for both Active Rock KBPI and KRFX (103.5 The Fox). How long have you been rocking with these stations and what makes each of them unique?
Both are heritage stations here in Colorado. I have been lucky enough to be a part of/witness the evolution of KBPI since 1991.When I first started with KBPI, we were at the 105.9 frequency. Since then we have been moved to the 106.7 frequency and we today we live at 107.9. Tim Hager and JoJo Turnbeaugh's vision of truly Rocking The Rockies became reality in 2018. We now can be heard up and down the front range at 107.9 from Northern Colorado to Colorado Springs. 103.5 The Fox's approach is a pretty simple. Rick Lewis in the morning, timely/topical/attitude in-between the records/repackaging the music/ Denver Broncos. Both can be heard everywhere with the iHeartRadio app
5) Let's start with KRFX. You have market legend Rick Lewis in mornings. What is the latest with Rick in the am and give us a quick run-thruough your KRFX personality lineup.
Rick has been on The Fox since 1990. He realized when PPM came to Denver that the meter is indifferent to heritage. Rick continues to lead in AM's because he has adapted. He has never sat back and coasted. He and Kathy Lee continuously evolve their approach. When I returned, I saw an opportunity to "graduate" a couple of heritage talent from KBPI to KRFX, and Tim Hager encouraged and allowed me to secure the amazing line up we have on KRFX. Susie Wargin does middays, Gregg Stone is afternoons and Shark does nights. We also recently brought Roach back to help with weekends. Roach is the voice of the Super Bowl and the Olympics and has been a market staple for decades. At a FOX staff meeting, there is over 200 years' worth of Denver/Classic Rock experience sitting at the table ... impressive and smelly. We are also very fortunate to be the FM home of the Denver Broncos. Our production from Eddie Barella is a very important part of the mix as well. Voice work from Brian Christopher and Josh Goodman help deliver the dry/sarcastic/self-deprecating positioning that has been part of the fabric of the station since it started.
6) How is the station positioned musically in the market and how much, if any, Rock artists do you share with KBPI?
Denver is a very crowded Rock market. Want Led Zeppelin? KRFX, KQMT, KXKL, KBCO, KBPI and a few rim shots are offering it. So, with The Fox the focus is on in between the records and repackaging to differentiate. Our music is tighter than most Classic Rock stations, but we balance that with some a very adventurous music quality approach. We put significant effort into digging deeper into our core artists. Recent music burns have included highlighting members of the 27 Club, revisiting historic Classic Rock performances at Red Rocks and Classic Rock Rehab, where we shared the story's and music of artist that have been open about their recovery. A few months ago was the 50th anniversary of Zeppelin's first performance in North America, which happened here in Denver, so we spent time looking at that performance.
7) Now let's talk about KBPI. Market vet Willie B rocks mornings. How is he doing in the market and who are the rest of your personalities on the KBPI?
Willie B sits at the head of the table of the BPI family. KBPI is core driven and Willie B has spent 25 years super-serving the BPI family. In the past year, Willie has donated 100 cars to BPI family members who were in need, remodeled a house for a BPI family member who was in a jam, the list goes on and on. Willie also sets the tone for our relationship with clients. No matter where we stand in ratings, KBPI delivers for every single client. He also is the face of and drives the major events that KBPI hosts annually. This year will be our 15th Annual Rock & Roll Car show, which is the biggest car show in the state. In middays we have Laura Hall; afternoons are hosted by Beardo, and Eddie does nights. Our presentation in Colorado Springs varies slightly. Willie does a music-intensive presentation and our music has been adjusted based on the landscape of that market.
KBPI's lane is narrow. Eight of our top-10 artists are market-exclusive to KBPI. One of the goals Brad White (KBPI APD) and I had was to push the lane a little wider. The station had been programmed very niche, but we are slowly expanding to a more horizontal music approach without spending too much time in KTCL's or KRFX's lane. We do occasionally rub shoulders with 93.3. Between KRFX, KBPI, 93.3 and KBCO in the building, it's inevitable that we will blur the lines ... BUT Scott Arbough (KBCO) , Nerf, and I have all worked together for so many years, we are able to keep it civil with minimal violence/bloodshed when that happens.
8) Now let's talk about the music on KBPI. How Active with currents is the station musically?
We take a pretty cautious but yet fluid approach. Occasionally, an artist/track happens where you jump on immediately based on gut. We got on Greta & Glorious Sons early. Badflower came in and did a session for us and within five minutes of the performance, we jumped on that. That being said, we are probably more methodical and judicious than other Active Rocks and once we find a monster, we ride it longer than most.
9) What's your take on current Active Rock music and the Rock format overall?
There are those in the format who have a tendency to look at past cycles with rose-colored glasses, but I think it is in a very healthy place. That being said, here are a few staples in the Active Rock format that have gotten Groundhog Day-like ... using a formula release after release and expecting stations to follow suit, BUT there are so many new acts as well as a few heritage acts taking chances that are starting to take the limited spots those bands used to fill by default. It's benefiting the audience and the format.
10) Finally, with running two major Rock stations in Denver on your plate, what do you like to do for fun (any hobbies?) when you are not in "radio" mode?
I do a lot of charity work with rodeo clowns that suffer from Coulrophobia.
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