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10 Questions with ... Johnny Maze
August 9, 2005
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NAME:Johnny MazeTITLE:PD/AfternoonsSTATION:WRXW (ROCK 93.9)MARKET:Jackson, MSCOMPANY:Backyard BroadcastingBORN:New JerseyRAISED:Houston, TX
Please outline your radio career so far: (station/date, station/date, etc.)
APD/MD KXCS College Station, TX 95-97, On Air KTBZ Houston 97-00, APD/MD KCCQ Des Moines, IA 2001, PD KSYR Shreveport, LA 2002, PD KRXE Lafayette, LA 02-04, and now PD WRXW Jackson, MS Oct 04-Present1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
I started out in the promotions department of several Houston stations in college and
and then got my first on air gig in College Station, TX. Early influences would have to be John Lander, Stevens and Pruett, Moby growing up in Houston and even Scott Shannon and Howard Stern when I spent many summers on the east coast
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
As a kid, I was always a fan of listening to the night jocks with all their craziness. Then, when I was in 9th grade, I won a pair of tickets to see Motley Crue from 93Q in Houston. That pushed me to get involved in a local college radio station that allowed non students, and then from there I was on my way.
3) What makes your station or market unique? How does this compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?
We are the only "new" rock station. We kicked our main rock competitor out of the sandbox and they returned to all classic. We focus on our demo and deliver to that demo the best we can. Plus there is no alternative station in this market. We dabble a little with alternative records, but JACKSON is a ROCK town, so it's almost the "harder the better" approach.
4) Where do you see the industry and yourself five years from now?
There will always be a music industry, just more choices: radio, internet, cable television, satellite. I hope to still be involved in programming in one of those areas. Radio seems to be more my thing, since I do like the local aspect, but satellite certainly intrigues me..
5) Besides your own, what is your favorite radio format?
I hate to say it, but the Jack format is pretty cool. The "oh wow" and the train wrecks crack me up. But this new approach of WXRK could be a great thing for rock.
6) What's your take on current music? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same? Elaborate.
I think it's good: The new System Of A Down, Disturbed, Seether, Foo Fighters, Mudvayne ... and I am psyched for the new TOOL.
7) If you could add any one full-time position to your budget with no questions asked, what would it be?
An assistant to me. I need to get some early morning rounds in during the week, my golf game needs a lot of work. Seriously, someone that can be an off air assistant to do whatever is needed.
8) What was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you at a remote?
A listener came up to me and asked a question and I answered with a "yes sir." Well the "guy" was a girl with short hair, male clothing, and deeper voice. I basically, just turned and walked away.
9) Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?
For me it's production. I am decent, but I don't have the pizzazz of doing a killer commercial. And with station websites, it would be easier if I new how to design things myself. It's a challenge to get your idea across to the webmaster.
10) What is the best advice you would give to young programmers/promotion people?
Learn everything. This business changes all the time and, with consolidation, you have to know many areas. It will help you in the long run. For promotion people, having relationships is the key.
Bonus Questions
What do you do in your spare time?
Sleep, Golf, Texas Hold Em, and hanging with my dog at the park
Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ______?
Caffeine, myspace.com, yahoo.com for fantasy baseball, cnn.com and allaccess.com.
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