10 Questions with ... Kain

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

My radio Vietnam began 10 years ago at 98.9 Magic FM, KKMG, pulling overnights for a few years, I got my first-full time gig up in Malone, NY/Montreal, QC with WYUL Hits FM doing nights. Landed at KRPX in Corpus Christi and found out we were flipping when I took the night spot at Q 94.5 in McAllen, TX. Came back to Colorado and went to The Legendary KILO. Most recently found my way to the western slope of Colorado and am somehow hauling my ass outta bed at 4a on a regular basis.

1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?

KBPI in Denver and the old Peak, which sadly flipped to a Spanish format "back in the day." That was sad. I learned about Rage and Chili Peppers from them and was forced to quietly listen to the line-crossing overnights of 'BPI. Used to stay up late to catch Art Bell on Coast to Coast when it was still the real deal. I met him at a book signing in Denver as a kid; that made my day.

2) Tell 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?

Right now, some live Rage Against The Machine is in. "No Shelter" ... need I say more? I'm always going between all kinds of stuff ... Dead Kennedys... The Clash... Iggy Pop/Slash "We're All Gonna Die" makes me want to listen to it again and again as of late ... and crank it (for the children).

3) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

At least have a basic idea how to do a little of everything. Learn as much as you can from as many people -- the more the better. You never know when it will come in handy ... or when you'll be called upon to use it. And network with whoever you can you don't know when you'll need them, or they'll need you.

4) What is the most rewarding promotion or activity your station has ever been involved with to benefit the community or a charity?

Going Homeless For The Holidays is always a great event, living in dumpsters for two-and-a-half days raising money and canned good for the community food bank. Making a return this year for just in time Father's Day, once they get everything squared away, is another vasectomy.

5) Most of us have known or even worked for a "colorful" owner/GM/air talent. Care to share a story? (The names can be changed to protect the innocent).

What story?

7) What's the closest you ever came to getting arrested for an on-air stunt? Or did you actually get arrested?

Depends on if you mean the time I was in handcuffs and in the back seat of a cop car for wearing lingerie that my summer day sweat destroyed before the bar remote we were going to give it away at. Or the time my OM had to go to court with me and my dad when the morning show had me yell at drive-thru employees to win tickets? Or the time...

8) 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?

That's how I spend my evenings once I leave. It's all prep... I spend hours coming up with a prep sheet at night and keeping up-to-date on as much as I can. I've found I can be on top of things a day or two before the mass media and generic services. Which makes it all worth it to me.

9) As an air-talent how has industry consolidation helped or hurt you? What effect has industry consolidation had on the way you program your station?

It's hurt everyone. I know some great jocks who have moved on to other things or decided to pursue other things because of the way things have been in the business lately. It's sad to see excellent talent leaving the business, considering it or being underutilized.

10) What is the best advice you would give to young programmers/promotion people?

Stop handing these kids who know nothing exciting opportunities in the business. Make them work for it. Otherwise you end up with kids with pants that are way too big for them; they know next to nothing and can't truly appreciate it. What happened to paying your dues?

What led to your station's recent ratings increase?

It's easy to carry your own demo. If you can't have that handed to you then you're doing it wrong. I am surprised at the amount of ladies and moms who listen. I'm all about holding down the core and stealing the fringe at the same time.

How do you keep tabs on the competition? When your competition attacks you on the air, how do you react?

I worry about me, and that's more than enough to deal with.

What was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you at a remote?

I had a small girl turn to her mother at a car remote and ask "Mom, why does that man have hair like a girl?"

How do you keep tabs on the competition? When your competition attacks you on the air, how do you react?

I worry about me, and that's more than enough to deal with.

What are your three favorite artists or songs of this year?

The entirety of the Serj Elect the Dead Symphony

Valleys of Neptune from Hendrix

Your Decision - A Chains

What is your favorite TV show?

South Park is kicking ass this season... It's Always Sunny In Philly...

Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?

Coffee... strong black coffee...

What do you like best about working in this format?

Being able to actually be me and not having to hold back and water things down.

We've seen the Imaging Director position develop in the last few years. What will be the next job/position developed?

Facebook updater / Facebook friend thief...

Do you read.....everything? Books, Magazines, etc. Nothing? What's your favorite reading material?

The ShitMyDadSays Twitter feed is always a good laugh.