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10 Questions with ... Steve "McVie" Solomon
April 11, 2023
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
It all began as a teenager in New Haven interning at 13 WAVZ/KC101 in 1981. After college graduation began my full time career the very next day at WKPE Cape 104 Cape Cod on May 19, 1985! Returned to CT from 88-91 for stints at WKSS "Kiss 95.7" and WILI "I-98". Then off to the Seacoast of New Hampshire and WERZ as night guy and MD. In 1993, I got my first PD gig, and the opportunity to build and eventually bury WRZE "The Rose" back on the Cape, where I spent most of the next 16 years. Fast forward to 2012, when I was fortunate to help build Codcomm, now Coxswain Media where I continue.
1. How would you describe your first radio gig?
This should be a 2-parter. My first part time gig was WLYQ Norwalk, CT (Q-96) under the late Mike Raub. I was so lucky to work with legends like Pat "Kid Kelly" Phillips, the late Spanky McFarland, and Al Levine "on the scene." Those airchecks got me that first full time experience at Cape 104, where once again I was so fortunate to work besides some future major market talent. Blessed would be the best description!!
2. What led you to a career in radio?
Being born and raised in New Haven! Literally the radio I listened to as a child has molded my career. Whether it was 13 WAVZ, "96 TIC", or W- NNNN-BC, this was always the way radio was supposed to be!
3. You've spent 30+ years on the air in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. What's it like to do your thing every day on 'The Cape?'
On those rare occasions when I wake up on the wrong side of the bed, I ask someone to give me a swift kick in the ass, to remind me just how grateful I am!!! And it's not about the beach, as half the year the weather actually sucks. It really is about the people, and the places. Cape Cod is a very special place.
4. The legendary John Garabedian has been a part of your professional life. Are there some memories that stand out?
Too many to mention…. I could probably write my own book about it. Chapter 1 would begin in 1992 and my first visit to Open House Party! The highlight of this story takes place in 2012, when I received a random call from John inviting me to lunch at the 99
Restaurant. Apparently he was interested in the bankrupt Cape Cod properties. My first question… "When do I start?" The rest they say is history!
5. You're on the air daily doing middays on sister station Frank FM. What is it that you still love about being on the radio?
Hitting the post!!! No honestly, it still amazes me to this day that I'll say something stupid on the air, and my phone will light up with the silliest of responses. If I may, allow me to comment on the bad reputation of "voice tracking." My listeners assume I am in the studio. Entertaining, being local, topical, relevant, and giving away crap are all part the job. Anything less are just excuses used to blame the delivery method. (bandwagon over)
6. How do we become more attractive to the potential Gen Z and Generation Alpha audiences?
By putting LiveLine on the air!. I am not being compensated for this endorsement! Mason single handedly is making live, interactive, fun radio a reason why young people are coming back to radio. He relates to anyone from my 9 year old son to your grandmother. He engages social media by directing them back to the live on-air content. I am most proud of being the first affiliate and the self-proclaimed flagship station!
7. Like most everyone, you have oversight of more than one station these days. How do you keep all the plates in the air?
I take occasional naps in my office recliner! Honestly, I call it rigid flexibility. I am very disciplined at getting the top priorities completed daily, then cherry pick at the rest of the heap without burning out.
8. What's your all-time favorite backstage memory?
Michael Bolton in 1992. He grew up in the house next door in New Haven when I was a kid! My uncle was his baseball coach. He remembered everything!
9. What was your favorite station(s) to listen to when you were a kid? Jock(s)?
New Haven was the center of the radio universe in 1978!! It all started with 13 WAVZ! Pete Stone (Salant), and late greats Curt Hansen and "Smokin Willie B Goode" who later invited me to be an intern were my idols!
Then (drumroll please) there was WTIC-FM "96 TIC". As the story is told, the Mike Joseph "Hot Hits" format is the reason I still have the "fire" still lit to this day! Whether it was Broadway Bill "Lenke" Lee, or the late Bob "Bobby McGee" Cummings, this is what radio was supposed to sound like…..
10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
With apologies to the many I don't have room to mention, I am going to start with my most recent and go backwards. John Garabedian obviously has taught me so much over the past several decades. I strive daily to continue his legacy, and thank our current owner Steve Chessare for allowing me the opportunity! Combine the expertise of Pete Falconi, Jefferson Ward, Bill Jacobs, Lauren Palagi, Vince Cremona, Rob Walker and The Makkay family, and that's my unbreakable mold!
Bonus Questions
With the venue of choice at your disposal and an unlimited budget, which 6 acts would you pull together to throw a massive listener concert?
Just so happens this summer is jam packed with classic acts all coming to Mass! Which includes Joan Jett, Bryan Adams, Lionel Richie with EWF, Janet Jackson, and throw in Madonna! Could you imagine?
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