10 Questions with ... Mo Better

NAME:Mo Better POSITION:PD/Handy Man STATION:KXHT Hot 107.1 MARKET:Memphis, TN COMPANY:Flinn Broadcasting BORN:New York, NY RAISED:New York, NY

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Wow! Ummm... WRPS/POTSDAM, NY - KBXX/HOUSTON - KTFM/SAN ANTONIO - KXHT/MEMPHIS - In between all of that... DAD!

1. You're from New York with time in Houston and San Antonio, how was the adjustment to your move to Memphis?

Adjustment? Easy when you have no job and someone offers you one, it's really easy to move.

2. What's the best part of working and living in the Memphis?

The city is located right in the middle of the country so a flight to NYC, or Vegas quick. The city has a great live music scene, and with the casinos in Tunica, Mississippi about thirty minutes away its hard to beat that. Plus, with the Civil Rights Museum, Graceland, Stax Museum, and Beale Street there's enough history for everyone.

3. Memphis is a musically vibrant city. Do you think you can be a successful PD in Memphis without being really ready to immerse yourself in the market?

Hell no. Memphis is like no other market on the planet. It took me about 2 years to understand how listeners vibe to music out here. You have to discover music in many ways... Mixtapes, mp3's, CD's, friends, enemies, everywhere. I'm glad that our station plays more local music than any other station in the country. But to be successful out here you have to pay attention to the trends... right now it's the same here as across the country... this damn dance song craze. But I think there will be a new wave of improved crunk coming but with a twist. And seriously... autotune should be given a rest. It kills me that people who can actually sing are using this shit. Long live, Jay-Z!

4. I remember the buzz I got the first time I heard my station blaring from a convertible at a stoplight. Do you still get that charge when Hot is bumpin' on a stereo?

No, I expect it to be on everyone's system. If I pull in a gas station and someone isn't listening to Hot, then I asked them, "why not?" This is the best research you will ever get.

5. What would you like to do more of in 2010?

Give back more to the community personally. I think we could all give a little more and stop being so damn greedy.

6. How's the wine collection coming along?

The wine collection is still growing... my favorites right now... Clos Du Bois, Cakebread, Casa Lapostolle.

7. What's the hottest thing on the streets of Memphis right now?

The pavement... Its hot as a M#$% F#@^

8. Let's say you...Mo Better, not the station, is going to throw a party for your family and best friends from all over the country at a local clubl. Money is no object, who do you book to play the show to help create the perfect party atmosphere? Pick one band/artist and one mixer.

Artist: Prince (and only because the great MJ passed away) Mixer: Toss up between the 2 most underrated cats I know... DJ Enuff & DJ Latin Prince

9. If you could take one restaurant in Memphis with you to your next gig, which would it be?

Mesquite Chophouse in Southaven, MS (Steaks are better than Ruth's Chris)

10. Your VP/GM tells you that you've got budget for an additional fulltime staffer in 2010. What position would you fill?

Mine, so I could retire and play golf.

What's your dream radio market?

New York! If you want to be the best you have to be in the biggest market with the beasts.

The one thing we could use more of in Memphis is?

Record execs who actually come out here and realize that this city is the best kept secret for new talent of all genres.