-
10 Questions with ... L.A. Lloyd
May 26, 2006
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:L.A. LloydTITLES:PD/Afternoons & HostMARKET:San Antonio, TXCOMPANY:Cox RadioBORN:Raleigh, NCRAISED:North Carolina
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
First job was WKZQ in Myrtle Beach, SC. I was a board op for the legendary "Freakin' Deacon," who did his show live from Ocean Blvd. Should be in the Radio Hall Of Fame.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
I listened to a rock station (WQDR...now country) in Raleigh, NC and my favorite DJ was John Lisle. I looked forward to his show each night and it was then I decided I wanted to have some fun like that. After all it beat working in a tobacco field in North Carolina. The great thing is John Lisle does mornings in San Antonio on 99.5 KISS where I am PD. Small world in broadcasting? You know it
3) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?
I believe I would have like to have been a singer even though I have interviewed enough bands to know that is hard work and you have to be extremely lucky and all the planets have to be aligned in a certain way. Dick Clark has outlasted a lot of bands so I figure it is better to be on this side of the mic.
4) How do you feel terrestrial radio competes with the satellite radio and Internet these days?
I think there will always be a need for terrestrial radio but with more competition than ever from satellite radio, IPOD's and every other means imaginable to control your music, local radio has to find ways to reinvent itself. Change is great because it should motivate you to keep up with the latest technology and offer your listeners more information about the bands they are passionate about. I think if you play the right songs mixed with great personalities, you will have a winning radio station.
5) Where do you see the industry and yourself five years from now?
I hope to continue as PD at KISS. It is by far the best station and company I have ever worked for. Virgil Thompson, KISS GM, is the man!
I hope to have the Rock 30 on the air in all 50 states and to take it International.
With the onset of HD radio, we have the opportunity to challenge ourselves with relevant programming for our local audience.
6) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?
Losing touch with the audience. Again, I believe radio stations should do as much research on their listeners as they do with their music. Find out what that 18-34 male likes if that's who you are going after. What is their lifestyle? Then find compelling promotions and be a part of that lifestyle. What can you do to get that person to actually look forward to be involved with your station? If you don't have what they are looking for, they will find it somewhere else.
7) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff?
Calvin Hicks, who programs WMGB in Macon, GA. Calvin and I first worked together in Myrtle Beach, SC at WAVE 104 and became great friends. We each had like 50-shares there and we just packed up and moved to LA. It was very surreal. After we would drop off our demos each day, we would then go and sit in the audience with every late night talk show in Los Angeles. He and I still talk every week about radio and our families. Good friends like that are hard to find. Also, Lynn Hernandez at KMOD in Tulsa...This dude is a music lover and is a great jock!
8) What's your take on current music? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same? Elaborate.
I think current music is somewhat better than it was 6-12months ago. Thank God for Red Hot Chili Peppers "Stadium Arcadium" and Tool's "10,000 days." The format needed it!
9) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
Since the Rock 30 has a guest co-host each week, I am constantly trying to get my interviews better. I realize these bands have been asked the same questions many times. I ALWAYS do research on the bands I interview and try to find out something about them that they don't get asked everyday. There is nothing worse than to hear someone interview an artist or band that doesn't have a clue about them. It makes it uncomfortable for the DJ, the band and the listener.
10) How do you stay in touch with the latest music trends?
I talk with everyday people like my neighbors, their kids, and especially KISS listeners; People that are not involved in the music or radio industry. I ask what they are into and how they are getting it...radio, Satellite or downloads. You would be amazed what you can learn if you listen.
Bonus Questions
How did you get your on-air name?
I moved from Los Angeles to Norfolk, VA to help Chris Corley sign on the alternative WROX 96X. There was a part-time jock (Hobie Stevens) that kept calling me "Lloyd from LA or 'I like to call him LA Lloyd.'" Chris was very adamant about not using that name. However, I was doing an appearance for the station and they had an ad in the paper that said come meet "L.A. Lloyd." After that, Corley said, "Well hell it's in print now so I guess you are stuck with it."
What is your favorite TV show?
HBO programming is the best for me Sopranos, Deadwood, Entourage...Big Love...I mean who doesn't love a show about polygamy?
Favorite artist you have met?
Recently...Black Stone Cherry...the nicest bunch of guys ever. I hope they make it big.
Name the artist/act (living or dead) you'd love to meet and why?
I enjoy hanging out with my wife Kathi and family. I have 2 daughters Taylor, 6, and Ava 2. Can't make it through the day without them
-
-