10 Questions with ... Chaos

NAME:Chaos TITLE:PD/ PM Drive STATION:WVRK MARKET:Columbus, GA COMPANY:Clear Channel BORN:Narragansett, RI RAISED:When I grew up I wanted to be a DJ, but they said you can't do both...

1) What was your first job in radio?

First paying gig was as a News reporter covering town hall meetings for the city of North Kingstown. The station was located in a trailer, which previously had been a chicken coop. I would fall asleep during the Monday night squabble fests and record taxpayer responses and town council member "actualities." I'd voice the opening set up, and wrap around the news story editing in via cart, cassette and OLD reel-to-reel. One afternoon, I was prepping for a parade and was in the station early when the GM got the call that the afternoon DJ wasn't going to show up. He looked at me and said, "Here's your big chance."

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

98 Rock in Tampa! I can taste the grits and hear the thump all the way to Georgia

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

The mainstream Rock format is the BEST it's ever been! OMG, between the KILLER classic artists and head bangers -- GNR, AC/DC, Metallica, Crue, Candlebox -- and newer rock, the format is oozing plutonium.

4) If you could add any one full-time position to your budget with no questions asked, what would it be?

Afternoon-drive female sidekick. Syndicate a safe, yet interactive "tap dancing on the landmines" rock show.

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

Jackyl in Atlanta was a chainsaw party. I didn't realize the Atlanta Tabernacle had so many rooms upstairs.

6) 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?

New AC/DC, Aerosmith "Get Your Wings," Seether "Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces," Beatles "LOVE," Pink Floyd "TheWall" -- and a local band out of Fayetteville called The FIFTH makes me tingle!

7) What was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you at a remote?

I introduced Jesse James Dupree & Dixie Inc instead of the opening band: Jesse James Dupree's son Nigels band as the headliner on stage this past weekend!

8) What is the most rewarding promotion or activity your station has ever been involved with to benefit the community or a charity?

Rock 103 teamed up with the 26th Annual Toys for Tots Bike Parade this past Sunday. Three Columbus City Police Cars began the parade, followed by 10 Phoenix City, Alabama motor squad motorcycle police, then the Rock Humma. Behind us, Santa Claus and the rolling sound of thunder from almost 3,000 motorcycles from everywhere in the region, riding with newly donated toys for the Columbus, GA Valley Rescue Mission. There's nothing like seeing the faces of kids these go to as we filled a tractor trailer and three 24 foot-long trucks with toys for tots from top to bottom, floor to ceiling.

9) Most of us have known or even worked for a "colorful" owner/GM/air talent. Care to share a story?

At one station near a lake in a city, one of the owners filed a stolen property claim on the CDs that were given to us for free, but stolen from the company van.

10) How often do you do remotes and which work best for the station?

We're #1 biller and killing in the ratings. We are in high demand and extremely active because we appeal to a wide demographic. We went to Atlanta for a meet & greet with Theory Of A Deadman Thursday; our 19th Birthday Concert Bash with Jesse James Dupree & Dixie Inc. Friday; an adult toy store Saturday and the Toys 4 Tots bike run Sunday. Tuesday and Wednesday we're at car dealerships and an audio car stereo shop. Thursday we'll be at the final Madden NFL '09 competition at Buffalo Wild Wings. Sponsors, the local video store and hundreds come out to slurp Budweiser, watch and play football on plasma TVs, win Rock 103 swag and eat wings!

Favorite artist you have met?

Steven Tyler

What do you do in your spare time?

Shoot concerts as a photographer.

How do you stay in tune with your audience?

I hang out with them

Your radio or records' dream gig?

Being able to focus and grow and afternoon rock show in a large or major market without the other 75 hats ...

What is the best advice you would give to young programmers/promotion people?

Have a healthy collection of swag as your 401k