10 Questions with ... Mark “Elwood” Mailler

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

2002-2005 WCHR (105.7 THE HAWK)/Toms River, NJ - Promotions/Weekends
2005 - 2010 WKZQ (96.1 KZQ)/ Myrtle Beach, SC - Mornings/Afternoon Drive/MD
2010 - Good Day Chicago/Chicago, IL - Traffic Producer/On Air
2010 - 2020 WRXQ - (Q Rock 100.7) / Joliet, IL - PD/MD/Mornings
2020 - Host of "Rock On Studio LIVE" Web Series

1. What was your first job in radio and early influences?

While attending Monmouth University on the Jersey Shore I landed an internship which led to my first gig with WCHR 105.7 The Hawk in Toms River, NJ. I pushed my way into the normal start of Radio setting up promos, remotes, and board op-ing for several shows. Eventually I began doing weekends and fill ins. Growing up In Jersey my early influences were definitely all the jocks on the legendary KROQ in NYC. …Stern , Booker, and then Opie and Anthony were all staples. The best in the game were all in the same place...NYC... and I got to listen to them all "Scott and Todd, Elvis Duran, Matt Pinfield."

2. Was there a defining moment, which made you realize “this is what I’m going to do for a living?”

I don't think there was an exact moment, but it was more of a growing passion that I loved more and more after each opportunity. I knew I loved music and connecting with people. My College Radio Station really set it up for me. That feeling of comradery at the station, talking music all day, then the live events. You know you are at a great station when you walk in and it feels like family every day. I wanted to do something where I had that feeling walking into work every day, plus I get to listen to music, and make a difference in people's everyday lives.

3. What have been some of your most memorable/proudest moments in your radio career up to now?

There are so many but for many different reasons. Hosting and supporting events for local communities and truly making a difference will always be my most memorable moments. We recently started Sponsoring "Honor Children" where we have a huge event to raise money for a local Family who has a child battling cancer. Seeing the Faces, tears, and joy of families is something no one would forget. On the Radio front I would say launching/rebranding of KZQ and WRXQ...At KZQ we switched frequencies and changed formats. It was a battle, but that feeling of launch and seeing all your hard work paying off is the best feeling. At RXQ flipping to Active I got that same feeling, every sweeper, Legal, Promo, Liner, and song in rotation. It’s like watching a baby grow, a baby chugging Monster, In A Pit, in a Slayer Onesie. Lastly winning PD/MD Of Year at RadioContraband and knowing that your peers respect and love what you're doing goes a long way.

4. How long have you been at WRXQ/Q Rock 100.7 and what makes this station unique?

I started at WRXQ in December of 2010 replacing syndicated Bob and Tom, and it was a Classic Rock Station at the time. In 2015 I was given the opportunity to become PD/MD and that's when the flip happened. I think what makes Q Rock Unique, and I don't want this to come out the wrong way, but it's me. "ME" meaning being a Rock Programmer that lives and breathes the format. Looking at the charts is not going to work. You have to have the passion for it. Go to shows, look at the demo there, what band T’s are supporting, streams, YouTube Videos, and taking chances on New Bands as well. While most Rock Stations play it safe playing only the top 10 songs on the charts and then filling spaces with Classics, I try to be on the forefront of new music, new bands, and pushing the limit on tracks. We have to grow baby bands into future headliners or there won't be any left. I like taking those chances on new bands and watching them grow. I don't daypart either. If a song is good enough for 3am, it's good enough for 3pm. If you are going to be Active, BE ACTIVE! Rock Fans know what’s cool and what’s not, they are never afraid to tell you either. LISTEN! Never be afraid to play that track with a powerful breakdown followed by the all mighty scream we all love. I have an unbelievable staff of Chicago Radio vets that includes FREAK, Dawn Avello, and Lou Brutus.

Elwood, Tobias Forge of Ghost, and Elwood’s wife Nicky Welo

5. Before we talk about music on WRXQ, you host the morning show. What do we need to know about “Elwood” in the morning, and is Elwood a Chicago thing?

I knew this would come up. I host morning drive 5am - 10am Monday through Friday. It is a solo morning show that is music intensive. I like to look at it as my time to Jam music and hang with my friends. I try to entertain, inform, and get right back into the music. I love the feeling of being the first voice that people hear each day, being in a person's routine, and introducing them to a new song or band. The 5am Hour is my Morning Mosh Pit...1 Hour Hardcore, Thrash, Metal, it's the perfect alarm clock. The name "Elwood" came honestly because when I was hired my On Air Name had always been "Jersey" ...Stuck with me from Myrtle Beach being that "Jersey" kid at the station, but when I came to RXQ in the Midwest they stated "everyone will hate you before you even start" hahaha...Blues Brothers was filmed just around the corner from the station so a Jake and Elwood reference worked well, and I don't look like a Jake.

6. Now let’s talk about the music on Q Rock 100.7. Being a suburban signal in the Chicago area, how would you describe the music on the station and what Rock stations in the area would you consider competition?

The whole reason we flipped and launched Q Rock was because there was no station in the area playing ROCK...YES there is Alt and Classic but no Active Format besides our family up at WIIL Rock. WIIL Rock has always had great success North and Northwest of the city, and our signal services the South and Southwest. Let’s dominate the Burbs and all around downtown. Having a fringe signal is definitely the most frustrating part, as a majority of our complaints are that our signal is not strong enough. Trust me, I wish I could turn it up! We are a LIVE and Local, New Rock Station that I pride myself on always being on the forefront of new music and getting that new music out to our listeners. I don't really look at other stations as our competition. We are doing something no one else in the market is doing and we know that. Being just on the outside of Chicago we concentrate on the local communities in our listening area. There is a HUGE fan base for Rock and you see that at shows, festivals, clubs, and more. We are here to service that lifestyle, culture, and Family because that's what The Rock Format will always be.

7. Now let’s look at the Active Rock format overall. Give us your take on current Active Rock music and the Rock format overall?

There are so many great bands and tracks out there right now for the Active Rock Format, and there are tons of fans that love and support them, but sadly a lot of programmers are not willing to take chances on a band, play a song with a heavy breakdown, or simply overlooking a track because "Oh the Horror" They scream in it! GUESS WHAT! That's what Rock Fans Need and Love. Literally the best part of songs. You need to do more research then just looking at the charts. Run analytic reports that cross with streams, YouTube videos, and more. If a band is selling out an entire tour but they are "too heavy" for the radio...that's a major problem. I understand that some programmers are stuck in their old ways, but times have changed. People have almost gotten programmed that their local Rock station will never play the bands they love so they turn to a different source to get their music. Rock Radio should be that source! Programmers will say "But what about Sales?" Don’t sales want success? Because playing the same old music over and over and playing it safe will not bring success. I have an amazing sales team that understands you are not just selling the music, it’s an entire culture. That culture is loyal, dedicated, and there when you need them, if the station is there when they need them too. You want to make the format more popular? Do your part in supporting new bands to help them get there.

8. What do you think that Active Rock can do a better job at?

Like I said before...Take more chances, listen to the fans, and don't be scared to turn up the volume! Here's a crazy idea, actually play currents! We have to do our part in the process of watching bands grow and bringing new music to our listeners. Play a new band with a new track, have them on air for interview, and then bring them to town to do a show. We are literally the medium between bands and listeners and we all have to do better.

9. What are your three favorite artists or songs of this year so far and why?

• Falling In Reverse "Popular Monster" - First time I heard this track I knew it would be HUGE! The track has everything and yet I was still scared other stations would not support it. Powerful Lyrics, a snap your neck breakdown, a scream of pain, and a chorus you can’t help but get behind. It took a while but I’m so happy for Epitaph and the band to get to #1.
• Asking Alexandria - "Antisocialist" - This band has been putting out track after track and never disappoints. The new album "Like A House on Fire" brings the guys to a whole new level. Every song on that record could be a single and that's a great problem to have.
• America Prepare for Parkway Drive! All of It! When we talk about grooming new headliners, there is no grooming needed for Parkway. There single "Prey" had over 30 Million streams and still a ton of Rock Radio wouldn't touch it...Is 30 Million Not enough???? Watch Viva the Underdogs and you will get it, if you don’t yet.
• Major Notables - Trivium "Bleed Into Me" Motionless In White "Another Life,” I Prevail "Bow Down", Killswitch Engage "I Can't Be The Only One,” DED "A Mannequin Idol."

Parkway Drive Lead Singer Winston McCall and Elwood

10. Finally, what do you like to do for fun and relaxation when you’re NOT in “radio” mode?

Shows man! I could go to shows seven days a week if I could and trust me some weeks I get there. BUT it is always nice to have a night at home with my beautiful wife, two dogs Lola and Lemmy, a few cocktails, and even then....Having some LOUD Music blasting out of the speakers!