10 Questions with ... Dave 'Bombay' Emmert

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Keeping it brief: I started out at WIDR/Kalamazoo, MI. From there I moved to New York, where I became involved with WFMU as a board op and host, and worked for 92.3 NOW (now ALT 92.3) as a street teamer. After moving around the CBS Radio/NY cluster for a couple years, I left and took a position with NPR flagship station, WNYC. Concurrently, I worked as a producer for The Blaze Radio Network (then operating in NYC) and as an independent producer. I've been in Dallas at KXT for two-plus years in my current capacity as host/ops and production coordinator.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

Honestly, I fell in love with radio while listening to my Walkman doing my paper route. Between hearing some really amazing Detroit jocks growing up, I also tuned in to the CBC in the middle of the night. Hearing everything on the dial at all hours of the day opened up this amazing world of people and sounds that I needed to be a part of. My first experience behind the mic was at WIDR/Kalamazoo, MI. Doing community radio let me get my hands dirty and make mistakes, but more importantly, I saw the direct impact that radio can have on both the listening and artistic community. It gave me the basic skill set to start my professional journey.

2. Who were/are your mentors?

My mentors/heroes are Ken Freedman (Station Manager WFMU); Tom Scharpling (The Best Show); Jacqueline Cincotta (PD of WNYC); Aaron Cohen (Ops Dir. of WNYC); Dave the Spazz (Host of "Music to Spazz By" on WFMU)

3. Tell us about your duties at the station.

Like many of us in radio today, I wear multiple hats ... but that's how I like it! I host the afternoon show on KXT Mon-Sat as well as handle the majority of the operations and production duties for the station. In addition, I also lend a hand with our sister station, KERA, for operations and production. I even get to do some live TV work with our sister, KERA TV! I love learning how we use technology to ensure a smooth and efficient operation of our stations. As our industry and technology changes, I like to ride that wave of new information and system development.

4. What do you like best about your job?

I mean, who doesn't like crackin' the mic? But honestly, I like the conversation. It's both the verbal conversation you're having with your audience but also the musical conversation - sharing a mood, surprising people, relishing in rainy day music, or helping to expand musical horizons. A show is more than just the words you say; it's also good to let the music do some talking too.

5. What new artists are you most excited about?

I am very excited about the group Bailen - a trio of siblings with amazing vocal skills and musical ability. Malibu Ken has been getting a lot of play in my office a well. It's a new collaboration project between Aesop Rock & Tobacco. Texas's own Robert Ellis has a stellar new album. Cherry Glazerr, Trudy & the Romance and Jade Bird have all been personal favorites recently as well.

6. Summer is around the corner; what events does the station plan for the good weather?

We are gearing up to celebrate KXT's 10th year on the air. We're working on some exciting plans that we'll be talking more about in the coming months.

7. What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?

With the growth of syndicated and automated content, I wonder how the next generation of DJs/hosts engineers/producers are going to learn the craft. When I tune in to a station, I want to hear someone who lives in that area and I want that "live and local" energy. I even get a kick out of hearing the occasional overnight or weekend host learning the ropes. It might not be perfect, but it is 100% real. I look back at my time spent doing overnight shifts, holidays and awkward hours with an immense amount of pride and fondness because that's where I sharpened my skills ... and made a fair amount of mistakes!

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

Take what makes you and your sound unique and run with it. Equally as important is to take the rejection and learn from it. That idea is based around a Steve Martin quote that has been my career mantra - "Be so good they can't ignore you." I am constantly working on myself and my skills to stay adaptable, relevant and true to my own voice and style.

9. If you wanted to completely change careers today, what would you do?

I'd like to work as a bike mechanic or work with the U.S. Forestry Service.

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

... a little quiet to reflect on the music I've heard/played that day as well as keeping the future in focus.

Last non-industry job:

Podcast producer - Does that count? Bartender, too.

First record ever purchased:

Oh man ... first CD purchase was Weezer's "Pinkerton" album, but my first vinyl record was "Frampton Comes Alive!"

First concert:

Barenaked Ladies

Favorite band of all-time:

Led Zeppelin

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

I repair vintage mopeds, ride them until they break again, and listen to the low end of the dial.