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10 Questions with ... Roach
June 14, 2005
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NAME:RoachTITLE:Afternoon Drive, Owner of The Roach MotelSTATION:KKZR-FM, 93.3 The RazorMARKET:#86, Little Rock, ARCOMPANY:Archway BroadcastingBORN:07/15/1976RAISED:Jacksonville, FL, Columbus, OH, and Gainesville, FL
Please outline your radio career so far: (station/date, station/date, etc.)
2000-2003 - APD/Afternoons for WRUF-FM, Rock 104 in Gainesville, FL, 2003 - Morning Producer/News for WHHZ-FM, 100.5 The Buzz in Gainesville, FL, Dec. 2003-April 2005 - Nights for WRXW-FM, Rock 93.9 in Jackson, MS, April 2005 - Present - Afternoons for KKZR-FM, 93.3 The Razor
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
I started doing overnight shifts whenever I could at WRUF-FM from 2am-6am and within a year worked my way up to Afternoon Drive/APD there for 3 years. I used the on air name of Jason Burns at the time. My early influences would be my uncle Harold, family and friends, Harry Guscott at WRUF-FM, Alex James at WGIR-FM, Mike Killabrew at WXTB-FM, and every other person that I have worked with in the industry.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
My uncle was a radio DJ for over 25 years using the on air names of Johnny Dark and Jonathan Stone. He passed away a few years ago so his voice lives through me! He worked at stations: CKLW-FM, Z93 in Atlanta, WQXI-FM, WKHX-FM, WGST-AM, WKEE-FM, WAKY-FM, and WKLO-FM. Just being around him and always going to concerts gave me the idea of wanting to become a DJ. So, one day I just decided to walk into WRUF-FM for a shot to get on air, and the rest is history. The Roach Motel was then born ...
3) How have the recent FCC regulations impacted the way you program your music and the station's dialogue on the air? What are your feelings about these recent changes?
Here at KKZR-FM, 93.3 The Razor we pay close attention to not drop F-Bombs on the air, because that is usually frowned upon (Jager Bombs, on the other hand, are a different story). Other than that, anything goes!!! I do feel it's unfortunate that we all must watch our "off-color" humor to such scrutiny these days, but I feel that in the long run, it forces jocks to grow and come up with a stronger on air personality for the listeners.
4) What's the best concert you've been to so far this year and why?
Just this past weekend was Riverfest 2005 here in Little Rock. It was amazing. Saw acts such as B.B. King, Seether, The Black Crowes, Trapt, and a few others. The best part was hanging out with Seether and Amy Lee of Evanescence! Amy is from here and I had the opportunity to visit with them while Seether was waiting to get on stage. Seether did a cover of the Deftones' Change In The House Of Flies, and the encore was Broken! No one knew Amy was going to get on stage for the duet, so when she ran out on stage the whole town went f@ckin nuts! To top it all off Kate Hudson walked by and I got a photo with her. I about lost all control.
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5) ell 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?
A Perfect Circle - aMotion, I really like the remix and the DVD that comes with it rocks!! I think Maynard is amazing, and the rest of the group are truly gifted musicians! I have so many freaking CDs it's sick, but I think that is the one that is in the "Roach Coach" out in the parking lot.
6) Please describe the best or worst promotion you've ever been part of?
The best promotion was when at WRXW-FM in Jackson, MS we gave away the 12 Guitars of Christmas. We had a ton of great bands that signed guitars and had a month long promotion to get qualified to win. Qualifiers then came out to a live broadcast, drew at random a particular CD out of a stocking, and whichever artist they pulled out was the autographed guitar they won! The listeners went nuts, some of the females ripped my clothes off, and I used the stocking to cover El-Roacho. Let's say I got a bit chilly.
7) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
I would really like to just gain more knowledge on production and imaging. I think almost anyone can grow in that regard. Not everyone has an ear to create great production or imaging, so it's something I usually try to concentrate on daily. You can find me in the production studio pushing buttons for a good time on a consistent basis.
8) What are your three favorite artists or songs of this year?
Slipknot - Vol. 3 The Subliminal Verses, Mudvayne - Lost and Found?, and Killswitch Engage - The End Of Heartache. Three must have albums!!
9) How do you stay in touch with the latest music trends?
I just read up on the charts, read magazines, and talk with people in the industry. Some of the best feedback I get is from talking to other jocks that I know in the same format and by being addicted to myspace.com! You can check out my page at: www.myspace.com/roachmotel. I can see the email box getting filled up now.
10) 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?
I usually just read a lot through publications and various websites. Bands offer the best up to date news on their sites. I also use The Complete Sheet prep service, blabbermouth.net, and metal-sludge.com. They provide great info and show ideas, as well as news updates. Fark.com is pretty good as well, and I am waiting to find a story about me to show up on there! I also gather ideas from other jocks. It's a good idea to network with as many people as you can and share ideas!
Bonus Questions
Favorite artist you have met?
Dimebag Darrell. He asked if he could smoke me and get a buzz! It f@cking owned! I am thankful I was able to hang out with him and catch him on stage with DamagePlan
Describe your favorite meal.
Beer and Boobs! It's truly the breakfast of champions!
Do you read ... everything? Books, Magazines, etc. Nothing? What's your favorite reading material?
I read a ton of magazines to help out with show prep. Maxim, Stuff, FHM, Blender, Revolver, Rolling Stone, FMQB, Playboy (for the articles), basically anything involving music and hot pics of women.
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