10 Questions with ... MK Burnell

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

When I was hired at WDST for the Saturday afternoon air shift, I was 90% of the way through a degree in International Relations, with no particular post-grad plans. It didn't take long for me to decide I wanted to change gears and get serious about my work at Radio Woodstock. I launched an original two-hour program dedicated to showcasing the local music of the Hudson Valley, "Locally Grown with MK," in February 2016. I also spent time working in the Promotions department and picking up pointers from Production, wanting to learn as much as I could about all areas of the broadcasting industry. But my passion has always been in choosing and presenting the music that makes WDST what it is, and I was delighted to be offered the midday shift in September 2016. I've been extremely fortunate to work with, and learn from Jimmy Buff and Greg Gattine, who have graciously welcomed me into their office and patiently fielded a barrage of (sometimes very silly) questions. I'm thrilled to be continuing my systematic infiltration of every aspect of radio as I step into the role of AMD at Radio Woodstock.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

Both my parents come from broadcasting: my father in television news, and my mother in both TV and radio. So I was intrigued early on, but it took me a surprisingly long time to reconcile my passion for music and my comfort in front of a microphone into an interest in pursuing a radio career myself. I can honestly say, though, that I was interested specifically in working at WDST -- I've been a fan of the station since long before I ever considered being on air.

2. How long have you been with WDST?

I came on board in the summer of 2015.

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

Eclectic! That's what made me a fan years and years ago. Not a day goes by that I don't have something unexpected pop up in rotation. We're all about quality, and that's what I love -- like, we don't just play "My Old School" over and over because it's the Steely Dan song everyone knows. We'll dig deep and play "Barrytown" or "Home At Last" because they're just great songs. And, of course, we also curate some of the best new stuff in the same spirit. We're not just picking up the new songs every other station is playing so we can keep up - we're choosing music that fits our vibe and that our listeners will love.

4. What new artists are you most excited about?

Just off the top of my head ... I love what artists like Valerie June, Leon Bridges and JD McPherson are doing, that kind of old-soul revival sound. I also think there's some really exciting stuff brewing regionally centered around this dedication to putting on a really wild, memorable live show -- Bella's Bartok and Big Mean Sound Machine are prime examples.

5. Tell us about your Locally Grown show.

I've been a musician in the Hudson Valley scene for years, meaning I know a ton of musicians in the Hudson Valley scene, and when I joined WDST the first thing I wanted to do was find a way to use that platform to showcase all the talent around here. There's a ton of it! So that's what it's all about -- I take submissions from local artists and I seek some out myself, all over New York state but with a focus on our immediate area, sort of Poughkeepsie to Albany. I do live in-studio performances, I've put on live showcases at area venues ... it's been a blast, and I recently celebrated the show's one-year anniversary!

6. Favorite artist you have met?

Robert Plant. Although that actually wasn't via WDST. I was his waitress! But he was so incredibly cool and approachable despite being a living legend. He signed my jacket (a custom painted Led Zeppelin denim jacket I happened to have in my car because I'd seen him at Mountain Jam the night before) and talked to me about music for, like, 20 minutes. It's gonna be hard to top that.

7. What is your typical day like?

Coffee and breakfast at my desk while I catch up on emails, then I'm on-air from 10a-2p. At noon I do the "Lunch Lounge," our all-request lunch hour -- that's always a blast because our listeners give me so many great suggestions to work with, and then I get to work my magic to string them all together in the best possible combination.

8. How much are you involved in the Big Mountain Jam event?

Last year (my first MJ with the station) I was there pretty much all day, every day. I can't even express how much I loved it -- I love festivals to begin with, so to be behind the scenes, interviewing artists, introducing bands, and reporting on all the fun was a dream come true. Being about 10 feet in front of Beck while he did his set didn't suck either.

9. What would surprise people most about WDST?

I think probably just what a small, intimate operation it is. Before I worked there, I thought of WDST as this big, established institution ... it is established, but it's definitely not big. It's been around for over 35 years but it's still very much an independent station.

10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ... ?

... Facebook messaging my boyfriend to get his Lunch Lounge request (dude's got good taste).

Last non-industry job:

Bartender

First record ever purchased:

I'm 27, so it was a CD ... and it was Mandy Moore's "So Real." I stand by it. Mandy's still cool as hell.

First concert:

Gym Class Heroes in Hartford with my best friend

Favorite band of all-time:

It's a tie between Steely Dan and Of Montreal

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

Getting outside with my big fluffy dog, and rocking the lead vocals in my funk band!