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10 Questions with ... Matt Pinfield
November 9, 2021
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. The current state of rock radio is the most exciting and thriving format in my opinion. Rock radio is a lifestyle, sells tickets and remains the most proactive listener fanbase. Rock radio helps nurture and build careers and is the most loyal to its artists. There is so much good music right now, that it keeps it very fresh for me. I love so many things.
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1. What led you to a career in radio?
Since I was a child of 5, I was in love with radio, and it was really all I ever wanted to do. I started in College at Rutgers University in New Jersey. That or being in front of a rock n roll band.
2. Give us a brief history of your Radio career including radio shows that you have hosted prior to “New & Approved.”
1984-1994- Middays/Afternoon Drive Music Director/Program Director WHTG-FM Asbury Park, NJ (Alternative Rock)
1996-2007- WXRK New York City “The Buzz”
2008-2011- Mornings WRXP-New York City
2012-Present- Westwood One/Benztown Radio Networks “Flashback with Matt Pinfield” Classic Rock
2016-2017- KFOG Mornings (Triple A)
2021-present- KLOS “New And Approved”
Over 100 Album Specials and Festival coverage for radio 1995-present3. How long have you been the host of Westwood One’s nationally syndicated “Flashback” show and what makes this show continue to work on Rock stations across the country?
I’ve been the host of Flashback for over a decade. The reason it still works is because the music is timeless-and the segments focused on different years take listeners on a journey back to that time, and the This Week In Rock History features are informative and fun. It’s a great show and I enjoy doing it every week.
4. Earlier this year KLOS hired you to host a Sunday night new music show called “New & Approved.” Before we talk about some of your weekly guests, what is the gist of the show?
New and Approved is a weekly show where we countdown the 10 biggest rock songs in Southern California and on KLOS for the week in rock. I also have interviews every week and we feature that artists music as well. We start with a “Song To Watch” and also feature a local rock artist on our “Local Spotlight”. Gold tracks for album anniversaries, and the stories behind them.
5. Who are some of your favorite Rock Star guests you’ve had on the show so far this year and why?
I’ve truly enjoyed interviewing all our guests. From artists like Angus Young because of our history, to Corey Taylor because of his fearlessness to Taylor Momsen because of how open and honest she was-and Dave Grohl and Sammy Hagar because they are always so entertaining. It’s been a great experience all the way around.
6. What are some of your favorite moments to date on “New & Approved”?
When Angus Young talks about Bon Scott unintentionally endorsing Brian Johnson as his replacement in AC/DC before he died. During the Tom Morello interview when he told me about searching for Bon Scott’s grave in the dark in Australia, and the scary meeting with Chris Cornell for the first time when he asked him to join Audioslave. Speaking of Chris, when Taylor Momsen realizes she was the last person to see Chris alive. Sammy Hagar’s last conversation with Eddie Van Halen. And of course, Dave Grohl’s reaction to learning Kurt Cobain had passed-and sleeping on a sleeping bag and going through a rough time while recording their seminal album “The Colour And the Shape”.
7. You’ve worked on many great radio stations throughout your career but what does it mean to you to be working at the legendary KLOS/Los Angeles?
KLOS is such a legendary station with an unparalleled history. To become part of its legacy is a dream. Working with the great staff and an incredible programmer like Keith Cunningham who has amazing ears-a creative atmosphere where your strengths and originality is always encouraged, and he keeps the air staff united like a family. It’s a pleasure to walk through those doors every day I come through.
8. Let’s switch gears for a moment and talk about current music on Rock radio. How would you access the quality of the new Rock music releases in 2021 and give me a few of your favorites of the year?
The current state of rock radio is the most exciting and thriving format in my opinion. Rock radio is a lifestyle, sells tickets and remains the most proactive listener fanbase. Rock radio helps nurture and build careers and is the most loyal to its artists. There is so much good music right now, that it keeps it very fresh for me. I love so many things. The Pretty Reckless album is still in heavy rotation for me a year later and I think Wolfgang has made a great record with the Mammoth WVH debut. I find something new to get excited about almost every week. I’m really looking forward to the Halestorm album, and I’m happy to see my friend Chris Daughtry getting the respect he deserves. He did Idol to use as a platform to get recognized, but he is a rocker all the way-so I’m glad that radio has gotten behind him.
9. We could do another 10 questions on all the great moments you’ve shared with the biggest Rock stars on the planet, but can you give us one or two moments that you cherish to this day?
I’ve been blessed to interview nearly every rock hero I’ve ever admired and whose music I loved. When Paul McCartney told me, if it wasn’t his wedding anniversary, he would take me to the pub and continue to talk about rock and roll. When I sat with The Rolling Stones for two hours talking about everything under the sun. Bringing Robert Plant record shopping. Singing “Sweet Emotion” with Steven Tyler, singing three classic Kiss songs with the original members. Sitting in David Bowie’s home-helping him sequence an album and switch out songs. Eddie Van Halen playing his guitar from behind me around my neck. Singing Thin Lizzy with Metallica. There are so many. Zip lining across the crowd of 150 thousand in Brazil at Rock In Rio when I hosted the worldwide live stream in 2019. I’ve been unbelievably blessed with some mind-blowing life experiences.
10. Finally, you’ve been very transparent on social media about your continued sobriety and how much it means to you. What would you say to anyone else who has had their own struggles in this area?
I have been very open about my struggles and I’m grateful to have a year and a half/18 months sober now. The rock community supported me in a big way and I’m in it for the long haul. The articles in Rolling Stone and Variety documenting my journey through recovery has been humbling and beautiful. I have endless gratitude for the support of the listeners, the radio and sober friends who have been there. If you are struggling, it’s important to never give up. As long as you are above ground, you can make positive changes in your life. I’m grateful for every day, and every radio show where I can share my passion and love for the music, the people who made it, and the medium that has brought me so much happiness in my life-radio.
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