10 Questions with ... Loris Lowe

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I got my start at a college radio station (KOCV) in Odessa, TX. Worked in Odessa at a country station (KOYL) and a long-defunct rock station in Odessa, KUFO. I worked for four years at KFMX in Lubbock before landing a job at KLBJ-FM in Austin (I still host a local music show on KLBJ called 'Local Licks'). I started as a part-timer on KGSR in 2007.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

I've loved it all my life, but took a class in junior college, which led to me getting on the air.

2. How long have you been with KGSR?

12 years.

3. For those that have never heard the station, how would you describe the sound of the station?

It's an eclectic mix of Adult Alternative music, with singer-songwriters sprinkled in, a touch of pop, and a focus on artists who have a tie with Austin City Limits (the television show, the festival, and the venue here in Austin.) We're also friendly to Austin bands, like Spoon, Bob Schneider and Shakey Graves, to name a few.

4. Tell us how the music meetings are conducted.

Every Thursday I sit down with Emily Parker, our PD. We look at the Triple A, Alternative, and Hot AC charts (sometimes even the Rock and Country charts) and we go through each song on our playlist and compare each one to the charts to see if that song is having forward momentum, or if it's losing steam. We look at streaming numbers also. While we pay very close attention to the charts, we don't follow them to the letter. We use our ears and our gut.

5. What new artists are you most excited about?

I'm digging White Reaper and Adam Melchor. I believe Devon Gilfillian, Dermot Kennedy, and JS Ondara will have long, fruitful careers. And I think Freya Ridings is on her way to superstardom.

6. What do you like best about your job?

I really love being on the air, and I love live music. We have several concert series, the biggest being Blues On The Green. We also host intimate performances in our Dell Music Lounge.

7. Tell us about your specialty show, "Lone Star State Of Mind."

That's my favorite thing that I do! It's an hour of Texas music, every Sunday night from 10-11p. I'm a little biased, but I just love our Texas artists. There is really an embarrassment of riches when it comes to great music in this state. Some of my favorite releases this year came from Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Abraham Alexander, Charley Crockett, Fastball, Jamestown Revival, The Bright Light Social Hour, Black Pumas, Max Frost, Jackie Venson, and the list goes on!

8. How has the station remained competitive with the switch to the 97.1 signal?

We recently made the switch to 97.1 FM. While the 93.3 signal was very strong north and west of Austin, people often had an issue picking us up downtown or in South Austin. Since we are "Austin City Limits Radio," it's important that people within the Austin City Limits can pick us up. Now they can, on 97.1 FM.

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

"The only constant in life is change." Heraclitus

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

... music!

Last non-industry job:

Voiceovers

First record ever purchased:

Crosby Stills Nash and Young Greatest Hits So Far

First concert:

Blue Oyster Cult

Favorite band of all-time:

The Beatles

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

Art, Travel, and Gardening