10 Questions with ... John Harper

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I've worked in commercial radio since the mid-'70s in a variety of formats (mostly in Richmond, VA), including AC, Top 40, AOR and Triple A. From 1984 to 1993, I programmed Triple A WOBR (Beach 95 FM) on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I was out of radio until 2011, when I joined WVOD (99.1-The Sound) (thanks Matt Cooper and Mike Smith).

In addition, I operate an award-winning mobile DJ business and write about entertainment for the Virginian-Pilot newspaper.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

I loved music, and since I couldn't play an instrument, radio seemed a logical choice. Most nights I listened to radio when I should have been doing my homework. WLEE in Richmond was a great Top 40 station. I also tuned into faraway, big-time stations like WABC, WCFL and WBZ, among others.

When I was 16, my best friend and I put a one-watt station on the air, broadcasting nightly from a tool shed in the backyard. I'm sure the FCC has a file on me somewhere. It was about that time that my high-school drama teacher said I had a "nice resonance to my voice."

That was all I needed to hear. Radio was my calling, and I'm still passionate about it. Originally, I became a DJ to make a lot of money, meet girls and hang out with rock stars.

And, well, I've met a lot of musicians.

2. How has the mix of the music changed since you became MD at WVOD three years ago?

Nothing radical, but we're playing more currents and have added a few more Classic Rock (The Beatles, Paul Simon, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, among others) deep tracks and Alternative (The Pixies, Talking Heads, Beck, among others) tunes.

The challenge is to balance the familiar and unfamiliar songs and not sound old, with attention to tempo and texture. 99.1-The Sound is a Rock station without the scary stuff.

3. What is your current air shift?

My regular on-air shift, which includes "Two From the Archives" and "The Acoustic Lunch," is 10a- 3p. Monday through Saturday. I also voicetrack 3-7p. Monday through Saturday on Classic Rock 92.3.

4. What new artists are you most excited about?

Moon Taxi, Brandi Carlile, Vance Joy, The Record Company, Elle King, Alice Merton, Dawes, Kurt Vile, Leon Bridges and Florence and the Machine, among dozens of others.

5. What do you think of the current state of the Triple A format?

It's alive and well. It's a format that's always evolving. People in Triple A tend to be passionate about music, committed to uncluttered programming and community-minded.

6. What do you like best about your job?

Discovering new music.

7. The station (and its sisters) was recently purchased. Do think things will change much with The Sound?

We were recently purchased by Jam Media Solutions, a company headed by two dedicated broadcasters (Jonathan Mason and Donovan Welsh). Jonathan was the general sales manager at WABC and Donovan held the same position at WFAN.

Our four stations are their first acquisitions. It's an exciting time for us. The future looks bright.

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

The relationship is between the DJ and the listener, not the DJ and his ego.

9. Tell us more about your thriving DJ business

I've played for over 1,300 wedding receptions and more than 500 parties (Christmas, birthday, New Year's Eve, class reunions, etc.). I take great pride in my work and have won numerous industry (Wedding Wire and the Knot) awards.

I bill myself as the "non-cheesy DJ." My job is to make the party flow and keep the attention on the bride and groom, not me. There's no unnecessary talking. It's the same approach I use on radio: Play the music and don't get in the way.

Playing a wedding reception is a lot like programming a radio station: Identify the audience and give them what they want.

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

...Coffee

Last non-industry job:

Working in an independent bookstore

First record ever purchased:

Meet the Beatles

First concert:

James Brown or Otis Redding.

Favorite band of all-time:

The Beatles

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

Playing tennis, attending concerts, traveling and hanging out with family and friends. This past summer, I took a dream trip to London and Liverpool, walking in the footsteps of The Beatles.