10 Questions with ... Timmy Daniels

NAME:Timmy Daniels TITLE:Afternoons/Music Director STATION:104-7 KCLD MARKET:St Cloud, MN OWNER:Leighton

Please outline your radio career so far:

30 Years old, Married (Jodi), 1 Daughter (Lydia), Air Force Veteran.

Interned at KEEY and KDWB in 1995, but ended up joining the U.S. Air Force from 1998-2004. KGOT/Anchorage, AK, PT/Swing Sept. 2001-Nov. 2004. Nights/MD Nov. 2004-Nov. 2005. KCLD/St Cloud, Afternoons/Music Director, Nov. 2005-present

1) How would you describe your first radio gig?

My 1st REAL gig was at KGOT in Anchorage. It was AWESOME! I was a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force moonlighting at KGOT on the weekends, using my leave days to fill in at the station whenever they needed me. I quickly became a household name around town -- even just being the weekend guy. I tried a few times to get an early release from my Air Force contract to go FT there, but ended up fulfilling my full obligation, which ended up being better in the long run anyway. After three years of PT experience and three years of incredible coaching from Stu (PD/morning host Bill "Stu" Stewart"), I was more than ready for the FT night gig! In the summer, I'd get off at midnight, and drive home without my headlights on because it was still light out!

2) What is your favorite part of the job?

Music! That's why people listen to KCLD. I love every aspect of it. I compile info from a myriad of national and local sources every week and mix in a little gut at our weekly meetings to make the best decisions on what to play (adds, category movements, etc).

Scheduling to me is a balance of art and science that you have to have a passion for to execute effectively. I can honestly say I do my absolute best every day, and put out what I believe to be the best product for young women in and around St Cloud.

3) What artist would we be surprised to find on your I-Pod?

I don't have an iPod, but I LOVE music from the '50s and '60s. I'm on a Buddy Holly kick right now.

4) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?

I'm NOT gay.

5) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff, and why do you like them?

There are MANY I admire for different reasons. At the risk of sounding cliché -- Scotty Davis. I can pick KDWB up here, but I can't ever listen to him because we're on at the same time! One thing I learn form Scotty (if I go to the Twin Cities on the weekend) is the art of talking "to" and not "at." I've come a long way with that thanks to him. Eric Tyler at KBKS in Seattle is great, as is Dave-O in Jax and JJ Kinkaid at Z in NYC. All those guys have made it big, and continue to do the things that got them to where they are. They remain humble and appreciative and have good attitudes. That's why they'll continue to be successful. I also wanna give props to Jason Cage in Little Rock, the KING of controversy. We'll run out of Internet if I name everybody in radio who I like...

6) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

KDWB! It was listening to Dave Ryan and Tone E. Fly that pretty much sealed radio as my career choice. I was also a big fan of KCLD, and it baffles the hell outta me that I'm an integral part of this awesome station today. (I grew up 35 miles away!)

7) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?

I have a few. Being a daddy is incredible (Lydia is 1 on April 18). I love to cook -- always trying new recipes; I'm a big Minnesota Twins fan. Golf is great, so is fishing, and I wish I could go bowling more!

8) What music do you listen to when you're not working?

If there's music playing around me, it's KCLD 99% of the time. I'm listening for music transitions, a stale gold, etc. to help me tweak my Music Master rules if need be so that I can hone our product even more. It'll never be perfect, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't shoot for that. I'll bet the same is true with lots of MDs.

9) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?

I LOVE making people laugh. I'm blessed to have 100,000 watts to make thousands of them do it every day! It's also very cool to see how excited people are to meet you when they can put a name to a voice. That will never get old!

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

Reliability = Stability. Be the guy people can rely on consistently, and you'll consistently have a job!

BONUS: What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to be a TV Meteorologist (which could still happen someday) and a professional golfer, which will NOT happen. I get free golf sometimes though, so I'll deal!