-
10 Questions with ... Twisted Todd
May 21, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. Honestly, I think Active Rock is in a pretty bad slump (and has been for a number of years) with a few exceptions like, most recently, bands like Ghost who are actually bringing something different to the table. We need a new movement in rock. There hasn't really been a major rock movement since grunge and nu metal of the '90s
-
1) What was your first job in radio and early influences?
I grew up listening to local radio and just found myself longing to get into the business. I went to college to become a school teacher but ended up in broadcasting. I had a difficult time getting internships in radio because all the positions would be filled when I started my summer breaks. I finally caught a break and worked all day as an extra hand at a big station event in the early days of 93.3 the Planet. That got the attention of our then-PD and the rest, as they say, is history.
2) What was the defining "radio" moment that made you realize "this is it?"
When I finally got my first full-time gig (the position I currently hold) after eight years as a part-timer.
3) How long have you been at WTPT (93.3 The Planet) and what makes this station so unique?
A grand total of 20 years, not counting a brief stint at 99X/Atlanta that lasted about a year. I think we resonate with our listeners in ways few other stations do. Our devotees are called P1s and they can register a P1 name on our website and it becomes a handle in a fairly tight-knit community.
4) You have the dual role as MD and afternoon host. How do you balance your time so both roles are effective?
Very carefully! Ha ha, no seriously, I just try to manage my time and plan accordingly, using whatever resources I have available to pull it off.
5) Your sister station is WROQ (Classic Rock 101.1). How do you differentiate yourself from WROQ musically?
We tend to be the more current side of a two-sided coin of rock. We do play a handful of classics we share with our sister station, but never more than two an hour. The majority of our golds come from the '90s mixed in with songs from this century (or millennium).
6) What's your take on current Active Rock music and the Rock format as a whole?
Honestly, I think Active Rock is in a pretty bad slump (and has been for a number of years) with a few exceptions like, most recently, bands like Ghost who are actually bringing something different to the table. We need a new movement in rock. There hasn't really been a major rock movement since grunge and nu metal of the '90s.
7) Here's another music question. Name three great new rock bands you like from the last year or so and why?
That's tough because not a lot of bands have caught my attention recently. Ice Nine Kills is interesting but not sure if I am a fan yet or not. They've also been around for a while, but just starting to get mainstream attention. Rival Sons are not my cup of tea but good at what they do. And I gotta show some love for Bad Wolves with how far they've come in the past year.
8) With all of the new Rock out there on a regular basis, I know the station does a daily Smash or Trash feature. How much does a great showing on that feature help a new Rock song get more consideration for regular airplay on 93.3 The Planet?
I'd like to say that it held great bearing on which new songs get added and which ones don't. The fact of the matter is that it's a fairly small sample size in the grand scale of our audience. Don't get me wrong; the ones who vote on a regular basis are some of our die-hards and we love them, but it doesn't give a full reflection of how a song will do on the air.
9) I've heard you're an accomplished rock bass player. How long have you been slapping the bass? Also, please share some of your best musical highlights.
I have been playing bass for nearly 26 years. I have played in numerous local bands and have opened for a handful of national acts but nothing compares to actually sharing the stage with Skillet back in August of 2014 to perform their "Monster" hit with the band in my hometown of Simpsonville, SC!
10) Finally, I know it's been a little over a year or more, but I understand that you and your wife Tessa are the proud parents of your son Gideon. How is parenthood going for you and your wife?
Being a parent is the greatest job I've ever had and being a dad is the greatest title I've ever held and hat that I've ever worn. Don't get me wrong; it is challenging, as anyone who has ever raised a son will tell you, but I would not trade it for all the sleep or lazy days in the world.
-
-