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10 Questions with ... Mike Hsu
June 17, 2008
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NAME:Mike HsuTITLE:Midday HostSTATIONS:WAAFMARKET:BostonCOMPANY:EntercomBORN:October 15thRAISED:Massachusetts
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
My fist job was at an AC station in Pittsfield, Massachusetts; I think it's market 915. Lots of Michael Bolton and Kenny G. Years of therapy are finally starting to make a dent. I grew up listening to WAAF and interned with Charles Laquidara and The Big Matress at WBCN. Again, still in therapy.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it"?
What could I do that involves the least physical activity. Actually, my family traveled quite a bit when I was young, and we spent hours in the car listening to radio all over the country. It sounded like fun to me. Again, therapy is helping get over that.
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now what you didn't then, would you still do it?
I would still do it. This is one of the most interesting and challenging jobs out there. It was a much different business when I started. I don't think anyone could have foreseen the changes.
4) Where do you see the industry and yourself five years from now?
I see the professional sports steroid problem crossing over to radio. Jocks with giant necks and back zits, tossing their PDs through windows. It's really going to be a problem.
5) 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 think the percentages change from song to song and week to week. We used to have an actual gong on the PD's desk. If we thought it sucked, we would bash that thing. You should have seen some of the looks from the label reps. It was lovely. (That wasn't Ron Valeri.)
6) What is the biggest change that you'd like to see happen in the business?
I would like to see stations retain the flavor of their markets a little more. We have such a great music scene in Boston and the people here are very opinionated about everything. I would also like to see stations broadcast from space.
7) What's the best concert you've been to so far this year and why?
I recently went to see Apocalyptica. It was so weird at first because I'm used to the standard guitar, bass, drum, singer formation. Four guys with cellos rocking with the authority of Iron Maiden was very cool. The crowd was an interesting mix of Metal head/Goth types with Berkley kids and Finnish ex-pats with practical outerwear.
8) 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?
Right now I'm listening to The Raconteurs' "Consolers Of The Lonely." I love their fearlessness in taking on styles. I'm also a Rush geek, so I've been hitting "Snakes And Arrows" and "Hemispheres." I have been discovering a lot of new stuff through podcasts. RCRD LBL has a great one. I discovered Jamie Liddell there and Panthers.
9) What was the biggest gaffe you've made on air? (dead air ... forget a mic was still on ... etc.)
I've dropped a few f-bombs. I've insulted a few charities. I once did a stunt where whoever brought in the most election signs for recycling got $5,000. Unfortunately I went with it Election Day morning. Apparently it is illegal to instigate the theft of political signs during an election. The FBI had some questions. I also received a cease-and-desist order from the producers of Sesame Street Live. I'd rather not get into that one.
10) What is the most rewarding promotion or activity your station has ever been involved with to benefit the community or a charity?
WAAF does the "Rock And Walk" to benefit the local food banks. There is a pay-to-play element on-air and we have a few jocks walking to Boston from various points, collecting money along the way. I've walked a few times and the generosity is truly inspiring. The greatest parts to me were people giving money who had received assistance from the food banks a year earlier. It renews my faith in humanity every year.
Bonus Questions
What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Once you get used to something, it changes.
Who would be your dream guest on the show?
The founding fathers. Everybody is always saying, "That's not what the founding fathers wanted." I'd love to know what they were really thinking.
Name the artist/act (living or dead) you'd love to meet and why?
I would love to put Ted Nugent and Tom Morello in the same room.
What was the first song or full-length release you purchased?
My first 45 was "Rock-N-Roll Hoochie Coo" by Rick Derringer. My first album was either "Kiss: Alive II" or "Wild And Crazy Guy" by Steve Martin.
You're stuck on a deserted island and you get to pick one artist to be stuck with you. Who would it be and don't limit it to our format?
Scarlett Johansen. She's an artist, right?
Who is the most amazing talent you've worked with?
Of course, my current boss, Ron Valeri. He's a super-genius who deserves a raise and a handjob every month. I interned with Billy West for a little over a year. Watching him work was an amazing experience.
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