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10 Questions with ... Mistress Carrie
April 9, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. We are on the verge of an exciting new era in Rock. Critics have been saying Rock is dead for decades, well "we're not quite dead yet." It's cyclical. In the age of anything is possible with a computer, I think people are gravitating back to the imperfections of rock. Hip-Hop has become the mainstream ... and rock is rebellious all over again. And there are a LOT of kick-ass women with something to say, and finally Rock radio is ready for them
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1) What was your first job in radio and early influences?
WAAF was my first job. I started in 1991 as an intern; I fetched coffee, made copies, filed the mail and dubbed cassettes. I did whatever they needed. I was lucky enough to learn under people like Mark Razz, Opie & Anthony, John Osterlind and Greg Hill, people who have had long and successful careers and who were willing to teach me and give me great advice. I paid attention. I got on the Street Team in 1994 when I graduated from college, thanks to Ron Valeri, and got a shot on the air in 1998 where I have stayed ever since.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it?"
I had been around WAAF for almost eight years, both as an intern and as a Street Teamer. I applied for every job, and I applied to be O&A's producer, so I made a demo. I didn't get the job, but then PD Dave Douglas asked me if I ever thought about being a jock. I said no and walked out of the room. When I told Opie the story, he called me an idiot, told me that I was stupid, and said that I was just "offered a job by one of the most influential Rock stations in the country, in one of the biggest markets, and that I should turn around, go back to Dave's office, apologize for being an idiot and say YES!" I told you they were there for great advice, and that I listened. Soon after,O&A got fired and I was the night jock at WAAF. I think all of our careers are doing just fine.
Had I not taken Opie's advice that day, who knows where I would be.
3) How long have you been at WAAF and what makes this station so unique?
I've been here for 28 years this July, 21 of them on the air, and two things make it special -- the city and the people who work here. Boston is unlike any other city, and the staff members of WAAF are a product of that city. We are so interconnected with the area and the audience. It's a very special relationship, and I am very lucky to be a part of such a great team in such an amazing city. And if you are a transplant like our PD Joe Calgaro, we make you a Bostonian pretty quick. It's an intensive program that includes learning to love Tom Brady and the Red Sox. Joe is a work in progress on that front. However, when it comes to reestablishing our Rock credibility with our audience and the industry, he knows full well how to do that. Adding currents back where they belong on WAAF has brought back our edge, and with that great on-air features, contests and artist-based content. The audience has taken note of it, and the feedback has been immediate and positive! WAAF is set on a course that ROCKS and the future is bright!
Mistress Carrie Day Proclamation from the Mayor of Boston (April 17, 2018)4) You have the dual role as APD/MD and midday show host ... how do you balance your time so all roles are effective?
I try not to do one while I am doing the other. If I'm on-air, I'm on-air, and if I'm scheduling music, that's all I do. I work a lot, it's the only way to do it all. But I love the work both in and out of the studio. It's never boring, and it constantly keeps me guessing. I'm not sure how I did it without an iPhone though.
5) In your role as midday host, I'm sure you've interviewed plenty of rock Stars. What are some of your favorite interviews and why?
I got a harmonica lesson from Steven Tyler, a guitar lesson from Joe Satriani, I sang Walk on stage with Dimebag Darrell, lost a bet with Zakk Wylde and had to wear a Yankees jersey to Ozzfest, watched Shinedown do "Simple Man" for the first time on my show, sat down with James Hetfield backstage at Gillette Stadium (home of the Patriots) and got my first Gold record from Godsmack, a local band we helped get off the ground. That's what comes to mind. They were all very surreal experiences. Talking to Jimmy Page, trying to understand Ozzy, and trying to talk to all nine members of Slipknot, in masks, with one microphone was interesting to say the least. Is the Mayor of Boston considered a rock star? He declared April 17h, 2018 Mistress Carrie Day in the city! It's NEVER boring around here.
Carrie and Metallica's James Hetfield6) Boston is such a unique music market because of the major college influence in the area. How does this influence the type of Rock WAAF plays?
Boston gets 750,000 college kids who move into town every September, and they leave every June. It's always been a great Rock town, but it definitely has an Alt tilt. We try to play the best Rock has to offer, no matter what label is has. Active, Mainstream, Alternative ... it really doesn't matter what you call it, our audience, like most Rock fans, has very eclectic tastes. If it's good, they want us to play it. They don't care what you call it. Besides, if they leave after graduation, they can take us with them with the Radio.com app. So they never really leave Boston!
7) What's your take on current Active Rock music and the Rock format overall?
We are on the verge of an exciting new era in Rock. Critics have been saying Rock is dead for decades, well "we're not quite dead yet." It's cyclical. In the age of anything is possible with a computer, I think people are gravitating back to the imperfections of rock. Hip-Hop has become the mainstream ... and rock is rebellious all over again. And there are a LOT of kick-ass women with something to say, and finally Rock radio is ready for them.
Carrie and her pug Autumn8) In reading your bio page on the WAAF website, I was struck by all of your interesting passions and hobbies, and I quote- "I'm the WAAF MD, a Harley rider, licensed skydiver, pug owner, Boston Marathon Tough Ruck finisher, amateur marksman, military supporter (callsign: Narko), veterans advocate, guest lecturer, motivational speaker, baker, gardener, and all-around thrill seeker." Where do you find the time to do all of this?
Well first of all, shame on me for not updating my title to APD (Thank you, Mark Hannon and Joe Calgaro). I really don't like sitting still, so I am always busy doing something. Some hobbies are tough during the winter, so I focus on the others, and when the weather finally breaks, I can't wait to get outside. In the beginning, I let my job define who I was as a person, and I soon realized that was a huge mistake. Now if I want to do something, I just do it. You only live once; why waste it on the couch?
9) I know that you are a very strong advocate of the military and all it stands for. Why are these men in uniform so important to you?
I was raised in a military and first-responder family. I'm actually researching my family's history in the military now; it's a tradition we are very proud of. I'm not medically eligible to serve (no, not bone spurs) so it was instilled in me that we all have a part to play in this great experiment in democracy. So, I do my part by supporting those who have signed a blank check in service to the rest of us, made out in the amount of their own lives. Imagine the selflessness, to be willing to die protecting a stranger? The least we can do is support those willing to pay such a price. My two trips embedded overseas (Iraq 2006 and Afghanistan 2011) only solidified my stance. They had my back over there, and I will have their backs here at home.
Mistress Carrie Skydiving!!10) Finally, I understand you are participating in this year's Boston Marathon run on April 15th. What do you have going on for this year's Marathon?
Remember what I said about wanting to do something, and just doing it? Yeah well, this is the craziest one yet! I've been training all year, and it's almost time. I'm running to raise money and awareness for the Home Base Program, which treats active military, veterans and their families, who are battling the invisible wounds of war like PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, addiction issues and family struggles. I have a $10,000 fundraising goal that I am close to reaching, and my months of training are about to be put to the test. It's also the first time since the bombing in 2013 that the marathon has fallen on the 15th of April, which is One Boston Day now, and they are dedicating the memorials to the victims this year, so there is a lot going on come Patriots Day! Bring on the WAAF party at the finish line!
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