10 Questions with ... Sid Black

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

I was lucky enough that my last day of college radio was also my first night of clocking in and doing my first professional on air shift. It was an over-nighter at 103.9 The Eagle, KILOs Classic Rock Format Sister Station (now RXP @ 1039). I was terrified. My early influences came from growing up in Colorado Springs and listening to the very On Air Talent that became my co-workers. I fully understand when people say to me; "You don't look like how I pictured you" because I lived it, walking through the halls of the building for the first week. I felt that I already knew and had an image in my head for every person I was greeted by and introduced to. None of it added up.

2. Was there a defining moment, which led you to radio as a career?

No one defining moment but I look back on my upbringing of being a music fanatic and being able to attend live shows regularly from age 14. Colorado Springs has always been a live rock town and just an hour drive from Denver so bands would play Denver one night and be in Colorado Springs the next, or vice versa. Being exposed to that culture early and often with the nearest club/arena just miles from home; by the time it came to figure out what I wanted to do with my life, the music industry was the one and only option. I got into Radio in college and fortunately haven't had to look back since.

3. How long have you been working at KILO and what makes this station so unique?

I've been in the building going on 17 years, this year. Between working at The Eagle for a year and a half then jumping a conference room to plug into KILO. I think what makes this station so unique is Live On Air Talent, listenership and artists are valued. KILO was built by the Southern Colorado community and they are just as much a part of its success as anyone. That goes for all the bands and artists that have been over the airwaves in the past 40 plus years. This station doesn't exist today without any one of those three contributions. Plus, we are a big military town with people coming and going which has built a huge out of state following. It's not uncommon to get requests from across the nation or even around the globe.

4. Before we jump into the music on KILO, you do afternoons on the station. Do you do any special music or content features?

My On Air content is always weaving relevant news/pop culture/off the wall stories into the music. I'm fortunate to have a show that's all about the music first and foremost, everything outside of that is just in hopes of creating a conversation with the listener. The first thing top of mind Special Music Feature wise would be KILO’s Krank It or Kram It. It's a segment where listeners get to vote a song in or out that we do during weekdays. KILO has never shied from getting listeners' opinions on what hits the airwaves but to be able to give them the platform to voice their opinion live on the air, gives them the opportunity to really be a part of what's going on.

5. I know you recently took over as MD from Shawn Rock who is now programming sister station KRXP. What is the biggest adjustment for you moving into this new and important position at KILO?

The only adjustment to MD is sitting down and scheduling. Music conversations are had with everyone on the staff, programming or not. All of us are music geeks so that conversation is had naturally. From my experience over the years, I know what does/doesn't work with our station. It’s smooth sailing from there.

6. Describe your weekly music meeting with PD Ross Ford. Approximately how important by percentage is gut, research, sales, video play, streams and chart position when determining the status of a record?

Our music meetings are organic. We cover everything that is out there but keep the focus narrowed to what we think will work best. Streams/Video Plays don't get a lot of merit. What matters is our gut feeling on a record and then getting that to our audience that tunes in every day. Charts, Sales and Research is a tool to see where things are headed but not top of the list of final decision making, either. If I had to put a percentage to it; I'd say 75% Gut and Listener Reaction, 25% a mix of the rest.

7. What's your take on current Active Rock music and the Rock format overall?

Rock. Is. Not. Dead. Active Rock is lucky to have heritage bands that have put the format on their back all these years and still remain relevant to this day. There's something to be said for AC/DC to hold their own so many years later with a band like Bring Me The Horizon. There's also a place for new artists to shine in Active Rock. The sky's the limit for the format and Rock N' Roll in general. It's exciting.

8. KILO has long had a reputation as a “tastemaker” station…especially when it comes to hard rock and metal…how do you balance that so it doesn’t adversely affect the station’s cume...especially during the day?

All of that goes into trusting our instinct. "Heavy" doesn't have to be feared to the casual listener if it fits into what you have going on. Plus, with heavier acts like Slipknot, Lamb Of God and Killswitch Engage becoming so commonplace over the years, it makes it a little bit easier to float other projects in that vein. I know we get away with it a little more than the next, but that's because the chance was taken, our listenership accepted it and now it's expected. That doesn't just go with heavier genres of rock but all genres in general. It's a fun station to program with the liberties we are able to take.

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

Ayron Jones is an artist I've enjoyed getting into, with so much heart and soul to what he's doing. Gojira is a band I'm glad is starting to get their due. They are an act that's proof a heavy sound doesn't have to be frowned upon, and their musicianship stands tall. Find me better drum fills and all -around body of work than what Mario Duplantier is currently doing (I'll wait). AC/DC is a top favorite so far this year. "Power Up" is a solid record and releasing it in late 2020 brought a little bit of hope and normalcy to such a down time.

10. Finally, on the personal side, what do you like to do for fun and excitement when you’re not in radio “work” mode?

Typical Colorado answer would be getting outdoors and in the mountains as much as possible with hiking, biking, skiing.