10 Questions with ... Randi Scott

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

Early influences: Ok, let’s flashback to the 80s - in high school I was one of 15 students selected to participate in a broadcasting pilot program and I went on to obtain my BA in broadcast journalism at the Walter Cronkite School of Broadcasting at Arizona State University. I volunteered as a DJ at our campus radio station KASR and eventually landed the music director, program director and station manager positions consecutively and recognized for excellence. Those were paid positions, so I suppose you could say my first radio job was at ASU. I also anchored our ASU Southwinds news program, executed videos interviewing local musicians and attended music conventions. Ultimately, I was selected for an internship at KTAR in the newsroom and I also interned for Capitol Records in the A&R department. My first official radio job was at 1060 AM KUKQ the alternative to 98 KUPD. In addition, I worked on-air at 93.3 KDKB “Everything That Rocks” before going fulltime at 100.7 KSLX, the valley’s classic rock station. It’s full circle for me as I have always worked for the same valley “rock cluster or trio”: KUPD/KUKQ, KDKB, KSLX

2. Was there a defining moment, which made you realize “radio is what I want to do for a living”?

“You’ve got a voice – use it.” While working part-time in radio, I was also a valley educator for 15 years teaching gifted English literature and writing. Although I’m passionate about writing, literary analysis and education, I’m also fortunate that my innate communication skills work in the classroom and also on the radio, television and social media. I’m lucky to have the opportunity to be a warm voice and a companion to our listeners who join us to hear their favorite classic rock.

3. How long have you been rocking on KSLX and what makes this station so special?

I’m celebrating 10 years fulltime with KSLX this year – four years Nights: 7pm to midnight and six years at Middays 10am-2pm. KSLX is special because it’s the station I grew up listening to with friends, musicians, in between classes at ASU… KSLX is part of our valley community, at work, in the car, at the gym, hiking, poolside, etc. it’s the classic rock station that originated with “beautiful music” and gave our audience a chance to win the “Ultimate Garage” listen for the swoosh of the “X” and of course, Nights With Alice Cooper, the valley’s ultimate companion on the radio.

Randi and Alice Cooper

4. Following the Mark & Neanderpaul morning show and any content heavy morning show is always a transition for middays. Do you do any crossover talk with them or do you get right to the music in middays?

Mark Devine is an absolute professional and he transitions nicely to middays with a quick segue letting our audience know what I’ve got coming up next. I enjoy working with the talented, fun, funny, and genuinely kind - Mark Devine! - I’m also fortunate that 98 KUPD’s John Holmberg has been a great mentor and friend. We appreciate our listeners as they say, “Hey, I listen to Holmberg in the morning then catch up with Randi on KSLX at 10am!” So, to your point, I greet our audience at 10am and get straight to the music. Occasionally, our program director will schedule “Win 10th Row Tickets at 10am!” which is nice!

5. Before we talk about your midday show, you did “Gettin The Led Out” for several years. What is it about this band that resonates with you?

It’s important to establish your voice in radio with a solid feature and it doesn’t get any better than playing some of the greatest rock epics of all time via “Gettin The Led Out” straight up 7 o’clock with three in a row from the mighty ZEP.” I got lucky in that as I transitioned out of teaching many of my students and their parents tuned in to KSLX to learn more about the early influences of rock & roll. My focus was always on the roots and inspirations of Led Zeppelin’s core material; which essentially makes listening to their records a more fulfilling experience. With Led Zeppelin there is magic and to paraphrase the Beatles “where did it all come from?” I facilitated a timeline with carefully crafted 30 sec breaks to celebrate the larger-than-life presence of Page, Plant, Jones and Bonham. When you have a moment listen for the walking bass lines or magnetic sounds of any Led Zep track or sit back and simply enjoy the riveting confident spirit of Physical Graffiti.

6. On your current midday show, do you do any other special music features?

Well, that’s a fantastic question! - I’ve suggested features, however, since my ratings are consistently top tier, typically first or second place, our program director doesn’t seem to think I need a feature. The bulk of our KSLX features, prizes, promotions go to our Morning show. That said, recently, we added the National Anthem at noon to celebrate America and salute our healthcare, front line and everyday heroes. It’s a positive feature that resonates as we all make the choice every single day to remain optimistic and resilient. It’s also a platform to salute our military heroes, recognize musicians like Bret Michaels for his work with our vets and anti-bullying campaign in addition to incredible musicians like Carlos & Cindy Santana who have set up campaigns to end world hunger. The list goes on and on as altruistic folks continue to step up and I’m delighted to share those positive efforts Middays on KSLX!

7. You also do “’Randi’s Rock Report” on the KSLX web site. Tell us about that?

Since I did not have a Midday feature and very little promotion on our website, I decided to uptick my blogs with my music news feature: “Randi’s Rock Report”. It’s a no brainer really – I relate to our audience in their desire to stay informed and celebrate our musicians, so, I gather/select relevant music news content and create “Rock Reports” with audio clips. It’s another way to connect with our audience, showcase current projects and provide another platform via our website that links to social.

8. I know you love doing Rock interviews as well. What are some of your most memorable interview moments and with what artists?

The chance to interview the iconic Don Henley regarding the Eagles “Hotel California” tour was fantastic and I am humbled. Meeting Alice Cooper was great and his Solid Rock Foundation is an incredible resource for valley teens. Speaking of valley musicians, I’m proud of the words and music feature I put together with local AZ musician Roger Clyne. We spent some time at his favorite Tempe cantina discussing music, inspiration, tours, Peacemakers shows in Mexico and I agree with Roger, “your vocation should be your vacation – here’s to life!” Also, I’ll never forget my conversation with Charlie Daniels, his wise words on life and the story behind “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.”

9. You are also very active posting on your Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages. As a radio personality, how important is touching base with your audience in this fashion?

It’s incredibly important to utilize social media in a positive way that engages and reaches your audience. I’ve kept my eye on that prize so to speak, not to seem cliché or trite, but technology dictates the name of the game, especially now. In fact, when executed wisely, it provides an indelible difference with a lasting impression. I’ve always positively delivered this concept and will continue to evolve it. I’ve established a solid KSLX community via social media and it continues to grow and when it comes to video, I simply need a professional cameraperson… I’m a perfectionist with a solid vision; therefore, it’s important that I work with trustworthy professionals. Video reach is on my checklist and I understand this synergy with radio. Stay tuned! ;)

10. Finally, with all of this on your plate, what do you do for fun and relaxation when you are not in radio/media mode?

I’ve always been athletic. It’s essentially my relaxation and I’m at my best when I’m active or on a spin bike with fellow adrenaline enthusiasts! I also get a kick out of watching the International World Jet Ski Finals in Havasu as I enjoy riding stand up jet-skis FAST, I play piano, ride horses, ski Deer Valley and when time allows visit my favorite beach. Recently, I’ve realized watching Greg Gutfeld and Jesse Watters makes my day as they offer a few laughs and often, perspective.