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10 Questions with ... Martin Bandyke
October 9, 2017
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I graduated from the Univ. of Michigan in 1976 with a B.A. in radio, television and film, and from there I worked at brick & mortar record stores in the late-'70s and through the 1980s. I launched my radio career back in February of 1983 when I began co-hosting the late-night "Dimension" program on WDET, the public radio station in Detroit. I became AMD at WDET in 1990, started hosting the midday shift in '91, and then became MD in 1995. I have been the morning-drive host on Ann Arbor's 107one (WQKL) since January of 2006, and I also host the "Fine Tuning" show on 107one Sunday afternoons.
1. How did you become interested in radio?
I grew up listening to awesome AM and FM Detroit radio stations like WKNR, CKLW and WABX, marveling at the music and becoming inspired to be a DJ.
2. How long have you been at WQKL?
Since January of 2006
3. What is your approach for the morning show?
Focusing on the music and the artists, first and foremost -- I work in one of the coolest, smartest cities in the known universe, and our listeners share my passion for the music and want to know the latest about the artists we play. I also interview lots of guests from the cultural scene along with leaders of non-profit groups who do stellar work throughout the Ann Arbor area. I also do lots of ticket giveaways and include news, traffic and weather updates, so hopefully we keep our listeners supplied with great music and all the essential info they need to get through the day.
4. Do you have any regular features on your show?
I do frequent interviews with Russ Collins of indie-arthouse/concert venue the Michigan Theater; Rob Reinhart, host and producer of the nationally syndicated Acoustic Café radio show; Matthew VanBesien, President of University Musical Society; Pam Smith, President of United Way of Washtenaw County; Jennifer Spitler, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County; Tim Grimes, Events Manager of the Ann Arbor District Library; Chrisstina Hamilton, Director of the Penny Stamps Distinguished Speaker Series; and Patrick Dunn, Managing Editor of Concentrate webzine. I also have a music news segment weekdays at 8:20a, plus the Thursday morning Pet-of-the-Week adoption segment with the Humane Society of Huron Valley.
5. What has been your biggest career highlight?
Hmmm, hard to choose between interviewing Elvis Costello a couple of times and meeting the Rolling Stones several times.
6. Do you get involved in the music at all at WQKL?
107one's PD and afternoon-drive host Chris Ammel is in charge of the music, and he is always interested in my thoughts and recommendations about new tunes when he puts the playlist together.
7. Do you represent the station at many events?
I host a number of events throughout the year, including the summer concert series Sonic Lunch; the Ann Arbor Summer Festival; the Ann Arbor Film Festival; the Chelsea District Library Song Fest; and Walk & Wag, the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Humane Society of Huron Valley.
8. Best advice for any young folks who might want to get into radio?
Learn everything you can about all types of music; be willing and able to work the tough shifts that others avoid; and be nice to everybody.
9. Are there any organizations in the Ann Arbor area you like to support both on-air and off?
Humane Society of Huron Valley, Food Gatherers (the Washtenaw County food bank and food rescue non-profit), The Ark (non-profit roots and acoustic music venue) and the Michigan Theater (non-profit indie-film and music venue).
10. If you wanted to completely change careers today, what would you do?
I would be a film editor.
Bonus Questions
Last non-industry job:
My first job after graduating from U of M - I was a delivery person (aka gopher) for the W.B. Doner ad agency from late 1976 until 1978.
First record ever purchased:
First album purchased was Surrealistic Pillow by Jefferson Airplane
First concert:
Donovan and Janis Ian at Detroit's Masonic Temple circa 1967
Favorite band of all-time:
The Beatles
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?
Hanging out at home with my lovely wife Kim Silarski and our feline children -- Alison, Suzy Q and Bonbon
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