10 Questions with ... Dent

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

WXEG/2000, WTUE/WXEG/2000-2005, WEBN/WOFX/2005-2007, WXEG/2007-Present

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

My first job in radio was doing weekend overnights for WXEG. I couldn't believe I got a job right out of college! I had made it ... or so I thought! My early influences were Eddie Fingers and Bob the Producer, who I interned for on the WEBN Dawn Patrol. A special thanks to Rob Calvert, a.k.a. Spamboy, for bringing me on as an intern. I think that internship beefed up my resume just enough to get me my first paid gig.

2) What led you to a career in radio? Was there a defining moment that made you realize "this is it"?

Blind luck? Dumb luck? No luck? I don't really know. One day I was a roller rink DJ and the next I was enrolled in broadcasting school! I've always been a music junkie, so I just gravitated towards the radio side once I got going in school.

3) If you were just starting out in radio, knowing now what you didn't then, would you still do it?

Call me dumb if you want to ... but absolutely!

4) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?

Who knows ... I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life until I got into radio. I'd hope that I'd still be doing something with music ... playing in a band or perhaps teaching music in a school setting. I've been playing drums and percussion since high school.

5) What's the best concert you've been to so far this year and why?

The best concert I go to every year is X-FEST in Dayton, Ohio. Why? Because X-FEST is the BEST FEST! We know how to throw one hell of a party and I love every second of it!

6) 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 I'm listening to a band called Kopek. They are from Dublin, Ireland, but they just came to the States and will open for Hinder. Check them out! I've also been listening to Underoath's latest album a lot!

7) Please describe the best or worst promotion you've ever been part of?

One of the worst was when I was working at WEBN. We did a promotion with a water park in town. We had lined up a band to play an acoustic set at the park. We drove the band to the park via limo. The water park brought pizza and drinks for the band. They ate lunch, but the lead singer refused to play the acoustic set. We begged and pleaded, but it wasn't going to happen. And it didn't.... That was the most quiet limo ride back to the station ever. Can you say awkward?

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

American Bang, Red Line Chemistry, Kopek ... also Circa Survive and Terrible Things. All great bands that I've gotten into within the last year!

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

Make yourself as valuable as possible. Learn everything you can and be willing and ready to take on new tasks. These days everyone is wearing 10 hats ... the more you know how to do, the more valuable you are and more likely you are to be working!

10) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?

Sure, I can look back and think, what if? But had I made a different choice then, who knows where I'd be now? Looking forward though, I can use those "regrets" and "missed opportunities" to help me make decisions about the future.

Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?

I'm always looking to up my game.

What was the first song or full-length release you purchased?

The first rock album I ever purchased was Nirvana's "Nevermind!"

You're stuck on a deserted island and you only have five CDs with you. What are they?

Pearl Jam "Vs.," Live "Throwing Copper," Dave Matthews Band "Before These Crowded Streets," Tantric self-titled debut, Sick Puppies "Dressed Up As Life." And Cake "Fashion Nugget" if I could have six!

What do you do in your spare time?

Lots of family time! I have a 3 1/2 year old and a 3 month old. Both boys! My wife and I love to travel and love amusement parks!

Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ______________.

Checking Facebook from my mobile phone.

How much music do you listen to each week?

Well, I have an hour drive to and from work each day... you do the math!

What is a typical day like in your position?

Busy! Everyday is different but one thing stays the same... There is a ton of work to be done!