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10 Questions with ... Billy The Kidd
April 10, 2007
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NAME:Billy The KiddTITLE:On Air (6-10p)/Music Director/APDSTATION:106.1 KISS FM, KHKSMARKET:Dallas- Ft. WorthOWNER:Clear Channel
Please outline your radio career so far:
1999-2000: 93.1 WDRQ/Detroit, Intern/Parttime
2000-2005: Hot 100 & Wild 100.3/Dallas, Nights1) In a nutshell, what's the key to your station's dominance in Big D?
Well, dominance is a pretty intimidating word; it is definitely a constant battle down here! You can't even put it into words JUST how important Kidd Kraddick and his show are to the station ... it's unreal. Patrick Davis is an incredible PD, and his sole focus is always on the best interests of the station, plus with Steve Perun being involved. I really feel like we have the ultimate team! The music cycle has been good to us, and I think that our attention to detail in EVERYTHING we do has helped a lot.
2) We hear that your morning show's not bad. Run down the REST of your airstaff.
Ha, yeah, like I said Kidd Kraddick is THE weapon. Man, I love our staff. Cruz is on 10a-2p ... he sounds great, and his Kiss n' Tell feature has become an awesome benchmark! We lost JJ to Z100 ... damn JJ ... ha ha (BUT, we're happy for him!). We were thrilled to snag Atom Smasher from Houston for afternoon drive. He's awesome. That Billy The Kidd guy at night is OK, pfff, whatever. Then we have the super Latina Gina Lee Fuentez on 10p- 2am, and Junior Late Night creeping in the overnights. Always live, it's nice!
3) Sum up the state of the format's music as we head into the Spring Book. What new tracks do you think will be getting you big ratings?
I like the way our music feels going into the Spring Book. I love having songs like Avril's "Girlfriend," Maroon 5's "Makes Me Wonder," Robin Thicke, and a lot of secret weapon records that I think will be our KEY to success, and cutting through in the DFW market.
4) What stations do you share the most audience with?
Well, our CUME is pretty healthy, so we share with a lot of stations. After being in this market for a while, you realize you share with everyone from Urban to Country! It is extremely competitive. It feels like every station is after us.
5) What song has surprised you by becoming a hit?
I was hesitant about totally embracing Carrie Underwood "Before He Cheats." I felt like it was a hit, but I just didn't know if it was a hit for KISS. But after hearing it on the air a couple times, I realized it was a total KISS record and a female anthem. It really worked and is still working for us.
6) What other stations do you respect, and/or watch?
I could list a TON of stations, a few are... Z100, KIIS, KISS in Boston, 933 FLZ, WKQI and Hot 99.5 DC, just to name a few!
7) What led you to a career in radio?
I was lucky enough to start in a big market like Detroit after I realized I didn't want to be a Detroit Cop (what was I thinking!?). I have always loved music and have written and performed, but never thought I could do it for a living. I thought radio would be perfect to do both music AND make a living. I went to Specs Howard Broadcast School with Niko (Z100). He then hooked me up with an internship with Lisa Lisa and Tic Tak at WDRQ! That's how it all started.
8) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
How you could live in Detroit and NOT listen to WHYT. Man, I use to LIVE on that station when I was a kid. I also listened to WJLB growing up!
9) What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod?
Patsy Cline! Love her.
10) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
MUSIC, music, music -- its all I do.
Bonus Questions
BONUS QUESTION: You aren't one of those stinkin' COWBOYS fans, are you?
HA! Of course I am, I have been here for seven years now! Go Boys!
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