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10 Questions with ... "Eric Sean" Casucci
June 20, 2006
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NAME:"Eric Sean" CasucciPOSITION:OM/Middays/MixerSTATION:KISV HOT 94.1 & KEBT THE NEW 96.9 "THE BEAT"MARKET:Bakersfield, CACOMPANY:American General MediaBORN:Poughkeepsie, NYRAISED:Modesto, CA
1. What was your last non-Industry job?
Rubbing lotion on female midget strippers in Vegas.
2. What got you interested in Radio?
Honestly, I used to be in a group, I thought I was a rapper, they played my song on a college station in Stockton, Ca. (KUOP) and interviewed me, I guess I had a good voice and response; they invited me back to co-host the show. R.I.P... E-Man!
3. You recently moved to Bakersfield to take the OM position at KISV. Can you talk a little about your team at KISV.
That's exactly what it is...A TEAM! A great one at that! Our Morning guy, Romeo is the rhythmic Howard Stern. People can't turn him off. I do Middays to stay in touch with what the market needs. Our afternoon /Imaging guy Randy is very well known within the market, He has been here for quite a while. J Reed is the PD/MD/Nights, we knew each other from KHTN/MODESTO-MERCED where we worked together at beginning of our careers. He is amazing at what he does, and doesn't need me to hold his hand. He leads the staff, and they respect him. We have James doing the Slow Jams, and ladies love the guy. Mixers are great and open to learn more programming strategies.
4. What's the highlight of your radio career to date?
I don't really like to settle on one thing, cause then you have no future goals, but did really enjoy being on tour with E-40 as his tour host in 2002, after my gig at KBOS (B-95)/ Fresno. And I feel blessed to be in the position as an O.M over 2 stations. I definitely look to future within this company. (A.G.M)
5. American General Media has just signed on a new station in the Bakersfield market (KEBT). What's unique about the new station?
A lot, It is a perfect variety station for 18-54 year olds, The New 96.9 The Beat, Bakersfield's R&B And Old School. I'd like to call the format "Rhythmic AC" Thanks Greg! It has music from Barry to Beyonce, Gap Band, Prince, Stevie B, Rick James, Keyshia Cole and Even Ne-yo. Once you turn it on memories flow, and the hits from yesteryear to today keep the beat going!
6. Think back to your start as a weekend jock. What has changed the most about how your approach your job?
Ha-Ha, funny Pete! Are you talking about the time you were my PD, and I made sound effects of drowning people and people falling from the Titanic, over that Celine Dion song? You called me and asked, "What the F*CK are you playing!? Now I'm that guy asking my jocks, "What the F*CK are you playing!?" I haven't done another remix over the last 9 years.
7. Who do you consider to be your mentor(s)?
LEE "CAGLE" at WBTS/Atlanta, PETE JONES, JON CHRISTIAN, E. CURTIS JOHNSON, BAKA BOYZ as Mixers, BIG BOY as an on air talent! And anyone who does this cause they love it, not because it's a job.
8. Any regrets in your career to date?
Not really r, I look at everything as a learning experience, whether I do right or wrong, I've had a lot of obstacles, but I have tried to overcome them and move on!
9. What's the biggest surprise that most beginning jocks discover about the business of radio?
Pay!!! I get mad at these newbies. Everyone wants to be an instant star! I use to beg to do weekend overnights. Hell...I did street team for free for two years before I got a shot on air. Now people expect to jump right in to a prime shift and think they know it all.
10. If you were to leave Radio today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?
I'd love to be on the road with an artist, maybe as a manager. I want to start a record label, too!
Bonus Questions
What element of the programming of a radio station is the most overlooked?
I think music is the main course, promotions are the potatoes, marketing is the vegetables, and imaging is the salt, pepper, and spices to make it that much better. Jocks present the live and local appeal to tie it all together. It can be a well oiled machine if done right. I believe the key is being visible to your audience. Get your promotions vehicles out there. When you see a McDonald' billboard you want a cheeseburger, right? You've got to get stuck in the minds of your audience. When they see stickers, billboards, shirts, people will tune in. Another overlooked tool is playing music for your market, charts can only tell a part of the story. Call local mom and pop stores and see what is selling. Find out what people are asking for, and use request sheets. Go to night clubs and see what songs people react to. Fforget new music1st, recurrents tell who you are, people love familiarity!
A freak gravitational shift has added three hours to everyday. What would you do with those extra three hours?
Call my boy Tony Tecate KSFM/Sacramento, and go back to Hawaii, we were there for his wedding! Amazing! Then go to the ATL and drink patron with Cagle and Lil Jon, Fly back to Cali, visit the Yay area and drink Rossi and get Hyphy with 40 Water. Wait, can't I do all that in 3 hours?
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