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10 Questions with ... Koyote
January 27, 2009
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NAME:KoyoteTITLE:Imaging Director/afternoon-drive jockSTATION:KRZRMARKET:Fresno, CACOMPANY:Clear ChannelBORN:Stockton, CA. (Actually I was mixed in a drink shaker!)RAISED:Fresno and Sanger, CA
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
103.7 KRZR/Fresno, CA: On-air 1999-present; Imaging Director 2004-present
KALZ (Alice 96.7)/Fresno: Imaging Director 2007-present
KHGE (Big Country 102.7)/Fresno: Imaging Director 2006-present
KMRQ (Rock 96.7)/Modesto, CA: 105.7; KRAB (The Fox)/Victorville, CA 106.1; out of market tracked shifts middays, afternoons & nights 2004-2006.1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
I started out interning for the morning show that I grew up listening to -- the Front Row Morning Show on 103.7 KRZR I also worked with our afternoon show at the time, The Meat Shop w/Mike Bower. (It resulted in many a hangover,r but Mike taught me a lot). I remember listening to shows like Bo Rayus & The Zoo crew, Christopher Rude & The Rude Brothers, and just thinking they were insane and that I wanted to do that. My dad also had an old reel-to-reel and lots of old records, so as a kid I would make my own radio station.
2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it"?
I actually played football with the husband of one of the KRZR morning show hosts at the time (Jen Lipp...HEY, SKID!) and he came to me saying that they were looking for someone somewhat deranged to do stunts. I went full-time doing nights when my PD/mentor/Jedi Master E. Curtis Johnson came to me stating that, "If there was an open mic in the building, you were on it anyway, so we might as well make it legit."
3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now what you didn't then, would you still do it?
Absolutely ... every day since I started this has been like Christmas. God forbid I ever have to get a real job!
4) How do you keep tabs on the competition? When your competition attacks you on the air, how do you react?
Criticism is the best form of flattery. BRING IT! The way I see it my station kicks a@# and the competition licks it!
5) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
The minute you feel completely comfortable on the air or think you're "da man" or "da woman," YOU ARE DONE! I love the fact that I still get butterflies every time I hit the mic.
6) What was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you at a remote?
I actually had to chug a pitcher of non-alcoholic beer and then proceeded to spew it back up in front of a few thousand people. It was kind of a double whammy, as beer is my true love, and I felt like I was cheating on it both by working and by drinking wannabe beer!
7) What's the closest you ever came to getting arrested for an on-air stunt? Or did you actually get arrested?
I was actually escorted out of a convenience store for doing a stunt where I attempted to return what we had made out to look like a used condom, stating that it claimed to be ribbed for her pleasure, but she didn't enjoy. That ...and I actually utilized the assistance of a visibly pregnant woman to further show the clerk that the damn thing didn't work!
8) How do you stay in touch with the latest music trends?
You've gotta be in the trenches and interact with your listeners. The only "research" I believe works is getting with your customers and finding out what they want.
9) 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 do wear many hats -- and the way I look at it, as I mentioned earlier, is you have to be personal with your audience. It's not about you; it's about them and you have to not only be relevant to their wants and interests, but be willing to throw yourself on the sword and sacrifice (whether it be your dignity, self-respect, or ex-girlfriend's phone number -- if she's reading this, scratch that last part).
10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
A reoccurring theme has been stated to me by several people that I consider teachers in this business. They have told me to diversify as much as possible and learn all you can. I would like to think that I have listened to and put into action that lesson. Again, you have to believe in what you're shoveling. I am 100% behind my stations and I try to "sell out" to the fact that I will do all I can to get the job done. That being said, you can never "top out." Take advantage of every opportunity. I've tried to do so and if I had to say I had any regrets, it would be that I could ALWAYS DO MORE!
Bonus Questions
Favorite artist you have met?
I've had the privilege of meeting many artists from many diff. genres. The guys in Metallica are great interviews; Ozzy was definitely not what I expected and was one of the most personable people I've met ...and Snoop Dogg could be one of the funniest people alive! I'd also like to make it up to Jewel as when I met her at 5a at the station, I didn't know who she was. We were actually interviewing her boyfriend at the time, who was a pro bull rider. She was less than pleased that I didn't recognize her. (I did think she was cute, if that counts for anything).
Name the artist/act (living or dead) you'd love to meet and why.
Led Zeppelin, as I have grown up and am hooked on their music. From lyrics to style, I truly believe that they are a genre unto themselves.
How do you stay in tune with your audience?
Get out there and interact. I truly believe that I relate to my listeners because the only difference between me and them is a mic. I bartend at a buddy's bar once a week and have a blast, because it's kind of just turned into a free-for-all with the listeners. I love talking to them! Besides that, you need to be out at events; whether it's concerts or whatever, you have to believe in what you're shoveling!
What do you plan to do different this year, regarding work, family, or both?
As I've mentioned several times, you have to interact with your audience. I'm actually getting married and having a son this year ... and besides proposing on the air I, to a degree, work aspects of my life into my show. It's been fun not only for my family, but for the listeners, as we all can get a laugh out of each other. Plus there's nothing like living your show. I'm still tripping that she actually said YES!
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