10 Questions with ... Willobee Carlan

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started my love affair with music as a nightclub DJ at various NY landmarks including Danceteria, Studio 54, Electric Circus, The Nursery, Malibu and more. I began my radio career as an air talent for New York’s infamous WLIR, “the station that dared to be different.” Working my way across the country, I programmed Rock and Alternative stations in Monmouth, New Jersey, Santa Barbara and helped to launch The Edge national brand in Fresno and then Phoenix. While in Santa Barbara, I ventured into artist management working with Pete Townshend's brother Paul and also discovered Ugly Kid Joe. In Phoenix, I managed Phunk Junkeez (Trauma/Interscope) and Gigantic (ex-members of Flesh For Lulu, Columbia).

I became an associate at Q Management in L.A. with Jeff Kwatinetz and Pete Katsis (of The Firm and Prospect Park) where I worked with Korn, General Public, Material Issue, Tuck & Patti and several more.

In Austin, I launched my own company, got into the nightclub business and helped to create and build Two River Canyon Amphitheater, where I served as GM. We produced the Willie Nelson Family Picnic with Willie, The Dead, Neil Young, Toby Keith, Merle Haggard, Leon Russell, Los Lonely Boys and many more. I also worked as Air Talent for Clear Channel's classic rock station Z102.

I returned to radio full time as OM/PD for independent Alternative WEQX in Albany, NY and then joined Times Shamrock in Scranton, PA as OM/PD for classic Rock107 and Alternative FM 92.1. I went on to serve as Director Of Broadcast Operations and PD for Shamrock's four station cluster in Reno, NV which included KRZQ, POP FM, Z105.3 and K-NEWS. I segued into Public Radio as OM/PD for Nevada Public Radio’s NV89 in Reno and then was very fortunate to find my way to Denver as PD for Colorado Public Radio.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

When I was 10, my cousin and I used to record our own fake radio shows and that’s when I caught the bug. I got my first job in radio while a junior in high school working for a multi-language block programming station. I started as a producer editing shows for people who bought airtime and could not speak a word of English. It was a great learning experience which led to college radio.

2. How did the opportunity to join Colorado Public Radio come about?

I heard the search for the PD position had begun and I threw my hat in the ring. It was a lengthy and very thorough process and I was on a very short list with some very talented candidates. With the demise of NV89, my timing was most fortunate.

3. With your background in other commercial radio formats, what do think translates to the public radio side?

I bring to the table a fresh approach to the format. The mission I was given was to grow a younger audience and educate the next generation of public radio members. Using some elements of commercial radio, the presentation is up-beat, irreverent, edgy, personality driven with tons of new music and no commercials. I also bring a good understanding on developing relationships with underwriters.

4. Tell us about the rebranding of the station from Open Air to Indie 102.3.

With the help of Mike Henry and Paragon Media, we did some initial research and focus groups and identified new branding and positioning that would resonate with this market. We focused on what Denver’s listeners wanted. We rebranded on July 1st and gradually transitioned the music to where it is today. We’ve seen solid continuous growth and have broken all station records.

5. How would you describe the musical approach on the station?

We are a music discovery platform with close to 100 current artists at any given time. We’re not afraid to play familiar artists surrounding all the new artists. We are rotating songs a bit more than most public radio outlets to build familiarity with all this new music. We’re also committed to raising the awareness of the local and Colorado music community. We focus on a handful of local artists every month and include them in regular rotation.

6. What new acts are you most excited about?

Artists that excite me are Black Pumas, Devon Gillfillian, Sudan Archives and Yelawolf. Denver also has some incredible talent that looks poised to break huge nationally like Kiltro, Neoma, Wildermiss and The Still Tide.

7. Tell us about the air staff you have.

We have a collection of very knowledgeable and talented music junkies, some of whom have been part of the station for many years. We just added Jason Thomas from WXRT/Chicago as our new afternoon drive host. Our team is solid and well respected in Denver.

8. What is the best advice you would give to young programmers?

It’s hard to give blanket advice as every company, every station and every situation is different. If I was to speak to someone in their first programming position, whether at a major broadcaster or indie, I would say pay attention to detail, trust your gut and question the norm. Don’t be afraid to buck the system. Change is critical to success. You might get pushback but don’t be afraid to do what you feel is right. Share your thoughts and ideas and take input from your team. And most of all, learn every job in the building so you can understand how everyone plays a role in success.

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

Integrity. At the end of the day, all I have is my integrity. If I do the best job I can, give 110% and always protect the company and brand, I can at the least maintain a rewarding career.

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

Aside from hanging with my family, I enjoy playing Texas Hold ‘Em.

Last non-industry job:

Customer Service Rep for General Motors. I’d rather shovel shit.

First record ever purchased:

I got mostly hand-me-downs from my older sister so it’s tough to recall, I would have to say The Who Who’s Next.

First concert:

Allman Brothers at Academy of Music, NYC.

Favorite band of all-time:

Pink Floyd