10 Questions with ... Greg Gattine

1. How did you become interested in radio?

In 1980, I heard a commercial for The Connecticut School of Broadcasting and realized I could get a job doing what I did after school every day.

2. You have been at WDST a long time now. How has the stationed evolved?

We've branched out into the concert and festival business, putting on a couple shows every week and starting The Mountain Jam Festival 13 years ago at Hunter Mountain.

In 2016, we started a Supporter Drive asking listeners to get involved financially with a one-year subscription of $100.1. Supporters get invited to concerts on our Soundstage, get first dibs on concert tickets and get commercial free hours.

In 2015, we started The Radio Woodstock Cares Foundation which makes donations to local non-profit organizations. We're always looking to get more involved in our communities and pay it forward whenever we can.

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

Exciting. I'm always looking for the next GREAT song. I don't think genres or categories matter too much to our audience, they have broad tastes and like the fact that we play 50 years of rock n' roll records.

4. How are your music meetings conducted?

It's an open-door policy. Friday mornings MK and I get the latest stack of records and play them for anyone at the radio station who wants to join us and give their input. Then we kick 'em out, and MK and I decide what makes the cut.

5. What new artists are you most excited about?

I dig the retro soul/R&B sound that's been happening the last decade. Really like Jen Cloher, Strand of Oaks and Real Estate. And I love Lukas Nelson's new stuff.

6. Tell us what Dennis Constantine's role is with the station.

Dennis is a casual consultant. He's there for us to bounce big picture ideas off. Just knowing I can tap into his head at any time gives me great comfort.

7. What is the reach of the station's signal?

We go almost 40 miles down the Hudson River into Putnam County, north to Albany, and east to Dutchess and Greene counties.

8. Do you enjoy a strong internet following for the station?

Yeah, because of the Woodstock brand we have listeners all over the world.

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

The cliché: "Be True To Yourself."

10. What is the best advice you would give to young programmers/promotion people?

Do it. Don't be afraid to try something new and never be afraid to fail miserably.

Last non-industry job:

Truck driver

First record ever purchased:

First album was Rufus "Tell Me Something Good"

First concert:

Queen/Thin Lizzy

Favorite band of all-time:

The Rolling Stones, The Rolling Stones