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10 Questions with ... Kain
June 21, 2005
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NAME:KainTITLE:NightsMARKET:McAllen/Brownsville, TX (#60)COMPANY:EntravisionBORN:July 10, 1984 (turning 21 soon, so buy me some Jager, it's my favorite!)RAISED:Colorado Springs, COAOL IM:KainNation
Please outline your radio career so far: (station/date, station/date, etc.)
Well when I was 16 I decided I wanted to be in radio thanks to Johnny G at 94.5 KILO. Called some stations and Jason Hillery the new PD of KKMG at the time (Now PD of Wild 99.7 in Green Bay, WI) had me filing production orders and stuff after school. Stuck with that and 2 weeks later landed weekend overnights on 98.9 Magic FM KKMG. Where I soon found myself doing stunts for the afternoon show with Bad Boy Rob Ryan. Then I ended up being the Magic Morning Show with CK and Lazorman stunt boy "Dumbass," as well as various swing shifts.
Stayed at KKMG about 3 years. And learned all I could from everyone (THANK YOU MAX DUGAN - FORMER KKFM PD - NOW 94.7 THE ARROW PD IN D.C. AND WIFE SCHELBY MIDDAYS FOR EVERYTHING INCLUDING AIRCHECK SESSIONS WHEN I DIDN'T HAVE A PD!) Got my GED at 17 and worked my ass off to find a full time gig. Landed myself at 94.7 Hits FM WYUL in Malone, NY broadcasting into Montreal, QC. I had a kick ass night show there for a year where I took nights to #1 in one book (BBM aka Canadian ratings). I still can't get those listeners to stop IMing me!
A year later found myself in Corpus Christi, TX where I wanted to be for three years. Jason brought me down to visit and I fell in love with the city, station and Whataburger! Got my start in Rock radio - the format I always wanted to work - at KRPX 107.3 The X. Started as the night guy and soon moved to Mid-days/Asst. Prod. Dir. My roommate/APD/PM Driver "Dimebag" Dave taught me the formatics and schooled me in the rock music I didn't know. Dug 90's rock growing up with KILO and KBPI! Stayed here for the last year and a half although the plan was to stay much longer. But hey this is radio!
Then about a month ago my buddy Hitman at KFRQ Q 94.5 told me they had an opportunity for me to do the night show. After a lot of debate whether I wanted to leave a city and station I love and convincing the fiance we decided to move 3 1/2 hours south to the border! The Kain Nation Night Show is back! Border to border baby! Takin' names so watch out!
1) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
I heard Johnny G doing his birthday bit about how he was turning 18. I was 15. I thought hell I could to that too! Get paid to entertain! I was hanging out at an annual Territory Days remote with Val Hart. Saw how the station influenced the listeners and how much they loved the station as much as us. I knew radio was my drug of choice. I got hooked and the needle hasn't come out since.
2) What makes your station or market unique? How does this compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?
We're 10 miles from Mexico, making a majority of the population being Hispanic. That rocks. Still have the South Texas atmosphere, palm trees, beach and all that of Corpus. Back to border radio like in Malone, NY/Montreal, QC. And back to corporate radio like at Citadel in Colorado. It's pretty much a little of all three places I've been so far in one. Except in the building we have TV stations as well.
3) How do you feel terrestrial radio competes with the satellite radio and Internet these days?
If people just want music they'll listen to CD's or whatever. However if they want REAL LOCAL ENTRTAINMENT they'll flip it to Q 94.5.
4) Where do you see the industry and yourself five years from now?
I see myself involved in programming. I'd love to program a rock station and make it kick ass. Possibly one that is just kicking off. That would be a helluva time! Right now I'm young and all about being on air and doing what I do best and love. Right now I'm trying to learn more and take a kick ass opportunity by the horns and rock out! This is radio... do any of us know where we'll be in five years?.
5) What is your favorite radio station outside of the market and why?
94.3 KILO and 106.7 KBPI. Grew up with both. I still have love for KRPX 107.3 The X.
6) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
NETWORK! NETWORK! NETWORK! The people you know makes all the difference! I hear about kick ass gigs all the time from friends. Becoming part of the team at KRPX and KFRQ was because I had friends there. I've helped friends I've met in the business land gigs because I knew about things going down. Also... DON'T BURN BRIDGES. It sucks ass!
7) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
I'm always trying to improve my people skills. I've come a long way since I started in radio almost 6 years ago. But I think it's definitely something important in this business we should all continue to work on. In the office, on the air, off the air, with clients and just everyone in general. I believe if people like you they'll listen to your show/station because you're a cool person and they can see that's genuine. They won't if you're a genuine ass. Don't give them a reason to switch or listen to a CD or iPod.
8) What's the closest you ever came to getting arrested for an on-air stunt? Or did you actually get arrested?
There have been several times. When I started doing stunts for the Magic Morning Show we played a game called "Ya want a piece of this". Caller on the line me at the drive-thru of a fast food place. All I could say was "Ya want a piece of this well let's stop outside!" Cops were called. They wanted to come to my house. I sent 'em to the radio station! Thanks Bobby Irwin for getting me out of that. Another time I was on a street corner modeling lingerie for the afternoon show. The cops were called because people thought I was a battered woman or something!
9) How do you stay in touch with the latest music trends?
All Access and various trade magazines and by reading band websites. But most importantly I listen to what the listeners say. Because their opinion is what ultimately matters and keeps the Ramen on my table!
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 wake up in the morning before I go to the station and get my prep services. Read through them. Find myself some relevant content for the day. But I like to use my own life as prep. My life is crazy drama sometimes... just like everyone else's. I love using my life and experiences as prep. It makes you real and down to earth and listeners who comment and have the same shit going on make you feel less lonely! I also watch the news a lot. Stay on top of current events. As well as staying on top of bands. And reading lots of guy magazines... Maxim, Stuff, Playboy, etc.
Bonus Questions
What is your favorite TV show?
Family Guy! I love [adult swim]! I'm also really into HBO series. Mostly OZ. Don't be your station's prag!
Favorite artist you have met?
I've been fortunate to meet a lot of cool artists and party with them.
Vanilla Ice and I have done Jager shots. Dimebag Darrell and I had the awesome opportunity to meet and shoot the shit. And Shadows Fall and Slipknot know how to party! Oh yeah Ryan Cabrera signed my chest!
How often do you air-check your own shows? Is it mandatory that you run tape everyday? Also, can you honestly critique yourself?
I am a pack rat. I have my very first tape. It sucks ass. It's the worst thing ever. I'm all pukey and don't know what I'm saying and trying to be the coolest guy ever and I'm not. And I sound like a girl. I aircheck my shows now to see how bits went and how they sounded "on the air". Listen to tape on the way home after my shift. I hate hearing myself but it makes me better. Plus I pick up all my crutch phrases and stupid stuff I say. But it makes me a better jock the next night! And hell if I can tell my PD what I need to improve on it makes his job easier and aircheck sessions shorter! I HATE being in "the chair" listening to tape!
What do you plan to do different this year, regarding work, family, or both?
I'm focusing more on everything. Giving 200% instead of 100%. I'm grateful I have a great opportunity and I plan on taking it and creating more of a name for myself as well as more opportunities!
Who is your best friend in the business?
I have a ton!
Jack Mehoff - KILO
Justin Wright - K92
Jason Hillery - WILD 99.7
Jonathan - WNHT
Roach - The Razor
Greg Hunter - KBEA
Mo Bounce - Kansas City
Jammmmmmmmmerrrrrrrr and Val Hart
The Freak at 97 X in Panama City -
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