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10 Questions with ... Maynard
September 9, 2008
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NAME:MaynardTITLE:APD/MD/AfternoonsSTATION:WCPR-FMMARKET:Gulfport-Biloxi, MDCOMPANY:TriadBORN:IllinoisRAISED:Various Parts
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I have done stints at WCLM, WQZK, WVOD, WAFX, WFQX, WASP, KITI, KRSQ, WOKV, WFYV and presently, WCPR .
1) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it?"
In college, back in the late '80s, I thought I wanted to get into TV and broadcast production. So, I jumped on that track and took a few classes. (Turned out to be really, really boring.) A buddy of mine volunteered at a local campus radio station and I sat in with him a few times, playing tunes and gabbing and having fun. I started paying more attention as to how the local commercial stations conducted their business ... I visited KXRX in Seattle and got a glimpse of Crow, West and Vanderpool (among others), doing their things ... and I was hooked. I understood it, I "got it." I enrolled in a broadcasting trade school and never looked back.
2) How is the relationship between programmer and record label changing? For better or worse?
Since the labels, these days, are armed with better audience, marketing and sales research, there's more of a sense of immediacy as to what's going on music and product-wise. We share virtually every shred of information with 'em, 24-7. That may not necessarily be good news to artists who could use more time to develop.
3) 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?
OM Kenny Vest and I usually get together once a week and go over "the stack." I don't like to go by just what the charts show (but yes, I admit, there are some instances where some tracks' success cannot be ignored). We've taken plenty of chances on new, untested and uncharted stuff over the years, which is where the gut comes in. I do solicit opinions from my staff on new stuff if I'm on the fence about a particular track.
4) Anybody you would like to give props to for helping you along the way?
Yes. David Moore, for convincing me that I didn't suck and showing me how to get focused. Patti Haze, for her professionalism. Jay Taylor, who showed me that there's nothing wrong with being pragmatic and organized.
5) What gets you upset at work and how do you channel your anger?
Laziness. People who refuse to do their jobs or give half-assed performances piss me off to no end. People who also don't appreciate their jobs piss me off -- today, jobs in our industry represent less than one-quarter of one percent of the U.S. workforce
6) How often do you do remotes and which work best for the station?
I don't do them very often; I leave that job to the Type-A "charismatic superstars" I have in the stable. We're big on bar, club and show remotes; they tend to be the most successful. We try to do at least two or three-hour long street hits per week with free schwag and goodies at various locations to get visibility. It works well; people love seeing us pop up in their neighborhoods.
7) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Everything we do in this business is subjective. Don't ever think you're doing a bad job. Don't ever think you're doing a great job. Learn to trust yourself and your instincts and always be ready to learn something new.
8) In today's world of multi-tasking and wearing many hats, how do you find time to show prep and what sources do you use?
Thanks to Al Gore for giving us the Internet.
9) What is the best advice you would give to young programmers/promotion people?
Learn to adapt, keep your ego in check, and let people do their jobs.
10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
I suppose I could have handled a few situations here and there a little differently, but I feel that I've paid my dues and have earned the spot I'm sitting in today. Could I have gotten here faster? Maybe ... but I wouldn't have any friends left.
Bonus Questions
Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Vault. I need more. More Vault, dammit. I'll be their spokesperson.
What is a typical day like in your position?
I schedule, work on-air, write promos, produce imaging, work on our website, talk with the aforementioned record peeps, create new wacky outgoing voicemail messages, bitch at my midday guy for talking too much, listen to new tracks, write countless (work-related) e-mails, and IM psycho ex-girlfriends.
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