10 Questions with ... Amber Elaine Hoback

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I moved to Sonoma County, CA while in graduate school almost nine years ago. My first radio job was working on the street team for all the stations of Wine Country Radio, then working my way up in responsibilities to eventually become Promotions Dir. of KRSH, and now in programming.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

Well, my interest in music has forever been fostered by my father. Singing along in the car to the radio was a daily activity. As soon as I moved to Sonoma County, I found The Krush 95.9 and could not believe such great radio existed! While I have always loved radio, it was specifically the type of radio The Krush provided that really sparked my interest in regards to a career -- showcasing music I had never heard outside of my own discovery and a community atmosphere I wanted to be part of.

2. How long have you been at KRSH?

A little over eight years, programming for almost three years.

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

The Krush offers an eclectic assortment of music ranging from Bluegrass to Rockabilly, Blues to Americana, and singer/songwriters to Rock. I always hear people say, "Oh, I love all music," and the Krush caters well to those with varied music interests. The core of all the music we play revolves around honest lyrics and exceptional musicianship. We host a heavy focus on local, "Sonoma Grown" talent as well.

4. The station has been on the air for 25 years! What things are you planning for the celebration?

The year is sprinkled with surprises for our listenership and community. So far in 2018, we held an Anniversary Poster Art contest that proved our listeners are incredibly talented and artistic. Of course, our annual tradition of hosting free concerts at the station house (converted antique train cars) in our backyard continues. Our Krush Backyard also hosts free movie nights, screening music-oriented movies such as Walk the Line, Almost Famous, The Blues Brothers, etc. It wouldn't be a celebration without a big 'ol party ... in the works is a 25th Anniversary Party at a local venue with Chuck Prophet, The Mother Hips, and more performing! Multiple 25 days of ticket giveaways, archived specialty shows, and much more are set for our very loyal audience.

5. Tell us about some the station's annual benchmark promotions?

Vacation giveaways with a music twist always delight and create fun experience for our audience. Last year we sent a crew of listeners to the Mississippi Delta to experience the birthplace of the Blues with our own Blues aficionado, Bill Bowker. Attending the Sandy Beaches Cruise with Delbert McClinton is a KRSH listener favorite as well. We try to bring as many unique live music experiences to our listeners that we can.

6. In what way does KRSH support community organizations?

Almost every major on-air promotion or concert event we host benefits a local non-profit. For over 17 years, KRSH has hosted Backyard Concerts, which are free concerts in the backyard of our station house. These concerts while free to our listeners to attend also raise funds through beer/wine sales for our local benefitting non-profit (currently Forget-Me-Not Farm). Going on 13 years now, every December KRSH holds a broadcast marathon to raise funds and awareness for a local children's non-profit. It's thrilling to watch as our listeners collectively raise tens of thousands of dollars in a mere six hours. Whenever we brainstorm about upcoming events or on-air promotions, we always try to find a way to tie in a local organization.

7. What is the local live music scene like in Santa Rosa?

Vibrant for sure! The local scene has a lot of talent. KRSH has a daily segment called Sonoma Grown, which is when we feature a local artist. We encourage local artists to submit their music to us and many local bands have appeared in The Krush studio. With so much local talent, venues have live music almost every night of the week. And our larger venues host big acts all the time. It's a pleasure to live in a community with so many live music options any night of the week.

8. Besides your own, what is your favorite radio format?

Urban Rhythmic/Contemporary and Oldies

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

No one person can accomplish everything alone. It takes a team of people with their individual talents highlighted to produce a successful product, regardless of the industry.

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

...a few quiet moments alone!

Last non-industry job:

Bartending

First record ever purchased:

Janet Jackson (self-titled from 1982)

First concert:

1995 Bonnie Raitt at Wolf Trap in Vienna, VA (thanks Dad!)

Favorite band of all-time:

You can't make me choose!

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

You can find me at the dance studio about three times a week.