10 Questions with ... Kenneth Carrow

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I joined MKS 14 years ago, have been Music Director for five years.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

Loved music since I was a small child, played in bands, wanted a career change, got an offer to do a midnight shift and took it.

2. Who are your mentors?

Greg Camp, Dave Shepard

3. How would you describe the music on the station?

Quality Rock and Triple A

4. What new bands are you most excited about?

Fitz and the Tantrums, Gregory Alan Isakov (not a band, but I plug him every chance I get), Iron & Wine, Junip

5. What are some of your biggest challenges as an independent station?

A small radio station means everybody has to wear a whole lot of different hats. Sometimes those hats don't fit, but you make the best of it.

6. What is your typical day like?

Well since summer has got here I usually start the day with a morning swim, then it's off to the station and get my prep for my shift, which runs from noon till 7p. Then catalog any new CDs that have arrived, then check e-mails, then check any production work that needs to taken care of, then check daily downloads of shows and usually finish the day around 7:30p.

7. Of all the skills you have gained through the years, is there an area you'd like to improve?

All of them! I try to get better at everything each time I do something

8. The station also cover Cardinals baseball during season - tell us about that.

We had Cardinal baseball on our AM till the early 2000s, when we were forced to switch coverage to our FM. So the games really impact programming during the season, as day games can wipe out an entire shift. Having said that, we are proud to have been associated with such a locally important franchise for over half-century, and we also have a very stable revenue stream, which is always a good thing in radio.

9. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

Treat people with respect and you will be respected by people

10. If you wanted to completely change careers today, what would you do?

Documentary cameraman.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?

Playing bass in my band, brewing handcrafted ales, traveling, swimming, watching Zombie movies, video gaming

Last non-industry job:

Geo-technical consultant

First record ever purchased:

Yard sale copy of Abbey Road

First concert:

Sammy Hagar

Favorite band of all-time:

The Beatles (honorable mention to WEEN)