10 Questions with ... Greg Glover

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Graduated from The University of South Florida (English Literature/American Studies).

Moved to NYC in 1995 and was hired as an assistant in Publicity, Radio Promotion and A&R at London Records.

Founded the indie record label Arena Rock Recording Company (Harvey Danger, Superdrag, Elf Power, Calla, Luna, Pilot To Gunner, Bombay Bicycle Club) and then served as VP of A&R at London-Slash and Sire Records.

Moved to Portland in 2005 and hosted “Alternative Mornings” on KNRK 94.7 FM from 2005-2020.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

My mom was a home healthcare nurse. After school we’d drive around low-income neighborhoods where she’d attend to those in need. She’d go in to take care of her patients while I sat outside in our station wagon doing homework while scanning the radio dial taking it all in.

2. Who were/are your mentors?

I had a couple. The first was Mickey Walker who hosted a specialty show called “Bread & Jam” on the Contemporary Christian station WDJC in Birmingham. When I was a kid, I’d call him on the request line during his shift and he’d chat with me for the entire show. Later, in high school I’d call Jimbo Wood who was the evening DJ at WAPI-FM (I-95) in Birmingham, and we struck up a friendship. Both of those guys were the older brothers I never had.

3. What was it like jumping from the record side to the radio side?

I never dreamed it would happen. I moved to Portland without any clue as to what my next step would be. My dear friend Bill Carroll introduced me to Mark Hamilton at KNRK. He was making a change at the station and simply wanted a friendly “music person” to host mornings rather than a typical jock. His idea worked and was successful for 15+ years until Entercom (Audacy) made the decision to not have a local morning voice in Portland any longer.

4. What has been your biggest radio career highlight?

Interviewing music legends like Noel Gallagher (Oasis) and Paul Simonon (The Clash) was exciting. Mostly, just connecting with local listeners daily about music and what was happening in our community was the best part.

5. What has been your biggest record career highlight?

Having a No. 1 Alternative hit with Harvey Danger’s “Flagpole Sitta” was incredible. Creating a roster of diverse artists and lifelong friends at my Arena Rock label was even more rewarding.

6. Biggest change that you’d like to see in the business?

Perhaps some of these major companies will be forced to sell off stations as ratings decline due to their homogenization of markets and formats. It could be good for both local investors and listeners missing local content but maybe that’s just wishful thinking (laughs). The fact that a market like Portland doesn’t have a station like WTMD or KEXP or The Current is baffling.

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

Be your own best critic, be consistent and be a good human.

8. What would surprise people most about you?

I hate public speaking.

9. Tell us about your Bottom Forty podcast

The Bottom Forty began as my two-hour specialty show produced by Brian Blair. It ran Sunday evenings 8-10p on KNRK for 787 continuous weeks (2005-2020). Billed as “non-denominational radio” it now continues as a free half-hour weekly music podcast available worldwide wherever fine podcasts are found.

Now self-produced, the show features mostly new music from artists on independent labels (or unsigned) with a few “curveballs" thrown in here/there. I seek clearance for each track featured and have found that most indie labels and their artists are happy to grant permission for podcast play as their opportunity to be discovered on the airwaves continues to wane. The Bottom Forty is also available for syndication to radio stations.

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

… some form of exercise.

First record ever purchased:

(tie) Alice Cooper Goes To Hell and Steely Dan Aja

First concert:

My mom took me to see Alice Cooper w/ special guest AC/DC in 1978. I was eight years old and got to see Bon Scott!

Favorite band of all-time:

Steely Dan

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

Spending time with my wife Alana, my mutt Biscuit and my three elderly felines known as The Fuzzbillies. Also, pub time and perusing my vinyl collection are usually on the to-do list.