-
10 Questions with ... Joey Tack
August 18, 2009
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:Joey TackPOSITION:MD/nightsSTATION:WKHT Hot 104.5MARKET:Knoxville, TNCOMPANY:Journal Broadcast GroupBORN:DeWitt, IARAISED:Quad Cities, IA
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I was hired by Jim O 'Hara at Clear Channel/Quad Cities on December 26th, 1999. After fours years of part-time/swing shifts... (Everything from overnights on the Hot AC KMXG to filling in on country station WLLR) I accepted the MD/nights position at WHTS, where Tony Waitekus was PD. A little over a year later, Russ Allen hired me for the night-jock/MD slot at WKHT in Knoxville, TN.
1. Why Radio?
I remember Ron Evans at KMXG/WLLR asked me this when I was first hired...my answer then was "because I like attention." That's probably still true, but I also loved how I felt when I listened to the radio and how it acted as an escape from my sheltered childhood.
2. Do you remember what you wanted to be, professionally, when you were 12?
That was probably around the time I discovered radio, honestly I don't remember any goals before then. However, Dad tells me when I was 5 or 6 I said when I grew up I wanted to be a preacher or photographer for Playboy...atta boy.
3. Isn't your brother in Radio? Have you ever worked together?
Haha oooh Jesse Tack at Night on B105 in Cincinnati. This is my identical twin and he's very talented. We were both hired by Jim O 'Hara at the age of 16 and Jesse has done some amazing things in markets like Kansas City and Cincinnati. We absolutely disagree on certain programming theories, he works in Country and I'm in Rhythmic radio. One day we will make a great morning show with our two very different personalities that will hit the audience in a way they've never heard.
4. What's the highlight of your radio career to date?
Besides the initial hire at age 16...I'd say our "Tack Gives Back" radiothon for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of East TN that was held just about a month ago. More than any bit, stunt or artist I've met... this was the most rewarding thing I've been able to do. In our first year, with no corporate sponsorships, we raised $1350 and 86 volunteers in 6 hours. Kids in our community will directly benefit from this...I'm so happy I could be a part of it.
5. You're the MD at WKHT...ever think about what's next as a programmer?
If you asked me two years ago, I would have had a completely different answer. I would have talked about eventually programming a Ttop 40 or Rhythmic station in a small to medium size market, from which I could develop my skills and move up from there. However, with the economic collapse, some of those dreams have been put on hold as I hold on to the job I have. But yes, I'd love to one day be in a position to develop talent and implement so many of the things I've learned over the years.
6. Tell me about your "alter ego" CrackaJack?
Haha, this guy is talented and you should play his song "Outta My Head" featuring Gorilla Zoe. (Which I'd be more than happy to email to you) Anyhow, before we developed "Tack Gives Back" into a radiothon, we originally conceived a mock mixtape to benefit Big Brothers and Big Sisters of East TN. I wrote and recorded an original song under the name "CrackaJack," as not to take away from the artistic integrity of the project. After playing the song for a few weeks (#1 phones, what???) we revealed that CrackaJack was indeed Joey Tack. At the same time, we announced that all online sales of the song would benefit Big Brothers and Big Sisters of East TN. I'm very proud of how it all turned out...please visit myspace.com/crackajack865 to hear it.
7. Who do you consider to be your mentor(s)?
Jim O 'Hara (WLLR-KMXG/Quad Cities), Tony Waitekus (WIFC/Wausau), Red Hot Brian Scott (KBEA/Quad Cities), Russ Allen (WTMG/Gainesville), and so many more.
8. School is starting up at the University of Tennessee. How does that affect the vibe of the station?
UT football really consumes everything here. If we aren't tapping into that vibe through station contests and weekend promotions...then we simply aren't relevant.
9. We're more than half way through 2009. Got any particular goals for what's left of the year?
Personally, I'd like to still put out a CD w/ some original material on it. After recording one song, I don't want to stop. As for radio...just staying relevant and employed is a fair goal.
10. If you were to leave Radio today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?
I'd love to learn more and get some real hands-on experience as a studio engineer/producer. I love to create things that move people emotionally.
Bonus Questions
What's your dream market?
Well, NYC comes to mind...but so does Chicago. I just want to work somewhere that allows me to play radio and have fun. Live events, concerts, charity events... some cities are more accessible to that.
If you had the opportunity to compete on any two TV reality shows, which would you choose?
I don't watch much reality TV... so let me just pick American Idol. Imagine the promotion for the radio station.
-
-