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10 Questions with ... Freeze
June 28, 2005
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NAME:FreezePOSITION:APD/AfternoonsSTATION:KXJM (Jammin 95..5)MARKET:Portland, ORCOMPANY:Rose City RadioBORN:December 3, 1975RAISED:Sacramento, CA
Please outline your radio career so far: (station/date, station/date, etc.)
I started at KSFM/Sacramento as an intern for the DAVEY D morning show and worked closely with EBRO, now at WQHT (HOT 97). EBRO then launched KBMB and needed people to work for Top Ramen. I was hungry (Not for Top Ramen but beggers can't be choosy). I started my first full-time airshift as well as being Promotions Director there at KBMB. I moved to KWIN/STOCKTON as MD/Nights. From that point, I moved to nights at KSFM/Sacramento and then here to KXJM/Portland where QUAR (my co-host) and I have moved from nights and been killin' them in afternoons for about 2 years.
1) What was your last non-Industry job?
I worked at a local video store. You think listeners are bad with the "I wanna request a song but I can't remember the name"? Imagine an entire room full of videos and someone saying "I want to rent a movie but I can't remember the title, it has a guy and a girl and at first they don't love each other, but then...." you get the picture.
2) What got you interested in Radio?
Honestly, I never imagined it was a possibility until DAVEY D walked into the video store and hooked me up with his home number and the station number. Interning on his morning show and seeing EBRO on the floor sleeping between on-air breaks, showed me that it was possible to be successful and be yourself. I was in love with the idea.
3) What's been your biggest disappointment in Radio?
Even though I'd do the same thing in their positions, the fact that people are voice tracked in MAJOR markets. It seems like all the "dream gigs" that I wanted growing up, are held by somebody who lives in another state.
4) You're the APD and afternoon personality at KXJM. If you had to make a choice between the two, what would it be?
Six years ago I would have said on-air because everyone gets into this industry to get a little "shine" time. But now, after almost nine years of consistently being #1 in my daypart, I realize that some things come naturally and other things are learned and challenging. Being a PD is one of those things and I am looking for more than a paycheck and a bonus, I'm looking for a challenge..
5) Where do you see yourself in five years?
As a west coast PD/On-air guy...mornings or afternoons. I am dying for the opportunity.
6) Who do you consider to be your mentor(s)?
In no particular order; MARK ADAMS, BYRON KENNEDY, MICHEAL NEWMAN, P.K. of "THE PLAYHOUSE", EBRO and TIM MCNAMARA.
7) You went from night jock to responsible APD guy. Was it a difficult transition, putting yourself in the position of programmer as opposed to the night guy always skirting trouble?
More than anything, being a night guy so early in my career and life allowed me to get it out of my system by the time I moved here to Portland. I feel like the transition from nights to afternoons/APD here at KXJM fell in line with me finding new priorities in life such as a wife and daughter. I also have a great amount of respect for my current PD MARK ADAMS and have found it very easy to shut up and be a sponge around him rather than the know-it-all night guy I once was.
8) Tell me about your partner in the afternoon?
CAREEZY or "QUAR" as those close to her call her, is a blessing to have with me. We just clicked and when I say that, I can't even tell you how real that is. She is also our Assistant Promotions Director and is really a well-focused, dedicated worker. When we are on-air she is the one getting things in order and correcting me while I drive recklessly through the shift. It's a great combo and I've never in my life laughed for four hours a day the way we do everyday. We just "get" each other like we've been friends for 15 years.
9) If you were to leave Radio today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?
I'm told I could make A LOT of money as a car dealer, but I almost take offense to that. I've been interested in working with disenfranchised youth because in this industry of superficial rewards, that kind of work would reward a part of me that has been neglected for nine years.
10) It's Monday...you discover that you are somehow out of clean underwear. You're about to be late for work. What's your next move?
Are you assuming I wear underwear?
Bonus Questions
What's your dream market?
Honestly, if I'm doing my dream gig of PD and on-air, I would care less what market it's in as long as I can support my wife and daughter on my income and help younger people get better and achieve their goals.
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