10 Questions with ... Brad Stevens

NAME:Brad Stevens TITLE:PD STATIONS:WRXW ROCK 939 MARKET:Jackson, MS COMPANY:Backyard Broadcasting BORN:Fremont, NE RAISED:Kansas City

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

KCHZ (Z95.7) 2000-2001
KQRC, KYYS, KCHB 2001-2003
WRXW ROCK 939 2003-PRESENT

1) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it"?

I think it started in college. I have a Broadcast Communications degree from Ottawa University (Kansas, not Canada) and I was involved in the campus radio station. I just always liked being on the air ... it always felt natural ... like a massage with a happy ending.

2) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?

Actually when I was younger, I wanted to be a marine biologist. Then I saw the movie "Jaws" ...and said, "F#$k that sh$t!"

3) What can we be doing with our station websites to better our stations as a whole?

Honestly, give them a reason to go there. It's really that easy. On our website rock939.com, we have our video of the week, plus we direct people towards our websites for major announcements and to win prizes. Trust me, if a listener can win something, they'll take the time to go to your website.

4) Describe your weekly music meeting: a) What is the process when you listen to new music? b) Approximately how important by percentage is gut, research, sales, video play and chart position when determining the status of a record?

I have a great consultant; his name is Geno Pearson. Geno works for Cornerstone Research and Shane Media. I have only been PD of Rock 939 for about seven months, so it's great to have someone really experienced to lean on. Most of our decisions are based on gut. We really don't get a whole lot of research. Some bands work better in the South than in other parts of the country. For example, 12 Stones is from this area, so the audience has a better connection with them. The same goes for Saving Abel; they're from Corinth, MS. Last but certainly not least, 3 Doors Down obviously is huge as well.

5) What is your favorite radio station outside of the market and why?

KQRC, 98.9 the Rock, in Kansas City. I grew up listening to it; I was home a few weeks ago ... the station still sounds as great as ever.

6) What's your take on current music? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same?

I think all Rock programmers would agree there aren't any bands out there that are re-inventing the wheel. However, bands like Fair to Midland, Avenged Sevenfold and Apocalytica are definitely putting some different spokes on.

7) Tell us what music we would find on your car or home CD player (or turntable) right now and what is it you enjoy about that particular selection?

A band that's in my CD player that i really like is Karnivool. They're from Australia and just have a cool vibe to them. They're kind of like Silverchair ... only talented.

8) Please describe the best or worst promotion you've ever been part of?

It had to have been this past Christmas. We did a promotion called "Shake Santa's Sack." Rock 939 teamed up with Budweiser; we took a sack filled with jingle balls; listeners came out to select locations and "shook Santas sack." If they guessed how many jingle balls were in the sack, they won $500. It was awesome; you can really have fun with the promo, too!

9) What's the best concert you've been to so far this year and why?

Probably the masked maniacs known as Mushroomhead; they came in for our Rock939 freak show, which was our first Halloween show. Great band, great performance ... and amazing live show.

10) How do you stay in touch with the latest music trends?

Usually my mail-order bride keeps me informed; her English is pretty broken, but I understand her some of the time.

Who would be your dream guest on the show?

Ghandi. I would broadcast live from an all-you-can-eat buffet just to see how long he could hold out.

Favorite artist you have met?

Scooter ward from Cold (my all-time favorite band).

What was the first song or full-length release you purchased?

Alice In Chains, "Dirt"