10 Questions with ... Jenn Brewski

NAME:Jenn Brewski TITLE:MD/middays STATION:KCLB MARKET:Palm Springs COMPANY:Desert Radio Group BORN:Los Angeles RAISED:Los Angeles

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

KVLI & KCNQ - 6/99-10/00 News Director
KLLY & KKBB - 9/01-7-02 Weekends / Spokeschick
KHawaii & KISS - Middays / Nights
KCLB - Middays / Music Director

1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?

My first paying gig in radio was News Director for QAB Media's KVLI and KCNQ. At that point I was happy to have any job in radio, but that really wasn't where I fit. I'm a music lover and grew up listening to KROQ. Thankfully four years ago I found my home at KCLB.

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

Oh. yes. There was a LONG moment when I seriously contemplated transferring from California State University of Bakersfield to California State University of Long Beach because they offered a BA in Radio and Television Broadcasting. At that point I still hadn't decided on a major, didn't know what else I would possibly be happy doing for a living, and had such fond memories of playing around doing cable radio in Hollywood on the weekends as a teen. In the end I didn't transfer. I stayed on at CSUB studying Math and Geology, but picked up my first paying gig as a jock, weekend overnights at KLLY.

3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now what you didn't then, would you still do it?

Absolutely! Though, I wouldn't suggest it to anyone with the desire to make lots of money.

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

Huh, I'd still be in rock and roll. You know, minerals, earthquakes ...geology reference, it's tired, I know.

5) What makes your station or market unique? How does this compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?

Well, this market, like any other travel destination, is comprised of locals and visitors. Consequently, there is a bond between locals like family and an appreciation of the visitors. That lends itself to different issues in the community than one would find in, say, Bakersfield. I've been in Palm Springs so long, I'm part of it now, I don't even think about it. Something to keep in mind, though, for anyone new to this type of market.

6) 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?

Ah, the music meeting ... Well, we don't typically listen to new music in the meeting. I listen to it in my car. I would listen in the office as well, but the CD player is broken, LOL, radio, gotta love it. Then at the meeting, our awesome new PD Jennifer Shevlin, wonderful consultant Steve Young and I discuss chart position and research on what we're already playing and what's new. In between there'll be a random "that's a great track" or "that song sucks." That said, I'd say when it comes to what we add, it ends up 70% chart position, 20% research, 10% gut and 0% sales and video play.

7) What is the biggest change that you'd like to see happen in the business?

I'd really love to see more GMs with a real appreciation for good radio.

8) Besides your own, what is your favorite radio format?

Classic rock.

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

Best concert this year was just a few weeks ago, when Bloodsimple opened for Hellyeah at the Key Club. That show was F&@%ING incredible. The sound was awesome. Bloodsimple nailed it. The vibe in the club was as intense as it gets. Then Otep played. Then Hellyeah took over and tore the roof off the place. The only thing that would've made that show any better would be if Bloodsimple could've played a longer set. I guess they had to cut it short. If you get a chance to see them, don't miss it.

10) 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?

LOL, Bloodsimple's new one Red Harvest is in the car CD player. That's how good that concert was!

What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

My one truth is that my worst day in radio is better than doing anything else.

Favorite artist you have met?

Vinnie Paul is my favorite artist that I've met. He was super-nice and a furry-like Grover.

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

The first music I purchased for myself was Lita Ford's "Close Your Eyes Forever" on 45.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time I go to concerts or go to a bar with live music.

Who is your best friend in the business?

I have so many great friends in the business, but currently my closest friend in the biz is Kayla Stone, middays on our sister station KDGL. I see her every day and we have so much in common, it's creepy. She's one of the coolest rocker chicks out there.