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10 Questions with ... Wes Styles
July 16, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. I think there's a solid influx of new bands with a great sound -- Glorious Sons, Badflower, Rival Sons, just to name a few. While it's different by market, the format needs to grow its sound. Our audience's taste is growing, so why aren't we? Yes, your vocal P's will have something to say about it, but how else are we going to welcome in and grow the audience?
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1) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it"?
At 11, I met Jim Loboy (who would become my first PD at WWIZ eight years later ... small world) and loved the idea of radio. At 14, Dom Nardella, WNCD, took me under his wing and showed me the ropes. I knew then that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. So I spent whenever possible learning what I could at the studio, events, concerts, etc. I pretty much got fired from one job because I was spending too much time chasing this crazy dream.
2) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Without question, yes. Through all the peaks and valleys, there is nothing more rewarding in terms of work than this. Plus, being out of the business for a short time I realized that I really don't want to do anything else.
3) You've had a nice run at programming Rock stations over the years, but your last gig before your current one was programming Alt radio down in Florida for WZLB (103.1 The Blaze). How was the experience/perspective of doing Alternative radio for you?
Eye-opening, to say the least. I also had a great mentor in Mike Stern (Jacobs Media). It gave me a whole new perspective on how to run a station, format clocks, and even exploring new sounds. ZLB really helped to reset my mindset on programming overall. Because of my time there I have a fresh new outlook.
4) You moved to Bloomington, IL originally to program Adult Hits WBBE (Bob FM), and now you're also the Brand Manager for Rocker WIHN (Rock 96.7). It must be fun to be back programming a Rock station. How is it going so far with Rock 96.7?
It was a welcome surprise to come back to the Rock world. Things have been good thus far. I'm in the process of making changes to the station from music to imaging, features to clocks. Right now it's all about time management to ensure both my stations get the proper attention.
5) You are running the world famous Bob & Tom Show in mornings on Rock 96.7. How are they doing in the market?
Good. They are a heritage show in the market from the old I-Rock 96.7 days. They have such a brand in the market and the show continues to deliver.
6) You also are doing afternoons on Rock 96.7. Are you doing any special music features or benchmarks in the afternoon?
At the moment, no. As I mentioned in question four, we're in the middle of changing things up on the station and giving listeners something fresh.
7) Now let's talk about the music on Rock 96.7. Just how Active are you in playing new rock as opposed to your library catalogue?
I'd say we're Active but being the only Rock station in the market, we do play a good share of gold too. It's a well-balanced station
8) With your recent perspective on doing Alternative as well as working with other formats, what's your take on current music in the Active Rock format and the Rock format overall?
I think there's a solid influx of new bands with a great sound -- Glorious Sons, Badflower, Rival Sons, just to name a few. While it's different by market, the format needs to grow its sound. Our audience's taste is growing, so why aren't we? Yes, your vocal P's will have something to say about it, but how else are we going to welcome in and grow the audience?
9) In the past, one could always count on Wes Styles doing killer edits of new Rock songs as needed. Are you still weaving your editing magic on occasion?
Your friendly neighborhood Styles is always ready to swing in to action.
10) Finally, what do you like to do for fun/relaxation when you're not in "radio" mode?
Lately the fam has been taking in many games with our local baseball team, Normal Cornbelters. We have such a great ballpark and it's such a fun time.
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