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10 Questions with ... Graeme Bentley
September 7, 2021
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
My start in radio came about in college when I became a DJ for University Of Massachusetts Lowell WUML/Lowell, MA. The experience helped me get an internship with WXRV in 2018. Following graduation, they kept me on as a member of their promotions team. I've since worked my way through multiple departments including live sound, traffic, production and on-air. Now, I've been entrusted with the position of MD.
1. How did you become interested in radio?
I think it's something I've been interested in since first listening with my parents in the car or around the house. Discovering great music is something I've always loved, and radio was the place to get it when I was young
2. Who were/are your mentors?
That's a long list. A lot of people have helped me to get where I am. For now, I would have to include pretty much everyone who helped train me at my Alma Mater's radio station as well as the entire crew here at the River.
3. How would you describe the music on the station?
The station has an expansive sound that comes from a passion for discovering new music that's connected to or influenced by the classics we love and built our library on. Much of that library covers artists that helped create and define our favorite styles of rock music, while also touching on other genres including folk, Americana, soul, pop, and jazz. We also love discovering and sharing music made here in New England.
4. What new artists are you most excited about?
A few I'm really enjoying right now include Arlie, Daisybones, Silvertongue, Dave Heatwave and Floor Hockey.
5. What is your typical day like?
Most of the day is spent scheduling and listening to music, of course, and then there's usually time to work in other departments before I host the evening shift on-air. Sometimes that time is spent working in production, assisting promotions and traffic, or acting as the station's handyman.
6. What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?
Keeping our audience engaged is so important as an independent station. This extends beyond just making sure our music selection is enticing and relevant. It also means reporting on our community, hosting events and attending shows. All these aspects of station life have been affected by the pandemic and made engaging locally all the more difficult.
7. As a local native, how has the Greater Boston area evolved as you have grown up?
I'm not sure that's something I can speak to necessarily. I was a New Hampshire resident for most of my life and have only been living in the Greater Boston area for a few years now. I'm still learning more and more all the time.
8. What is the latest situation with local music venues as we deal with this lingering epidemic?
Thankfully, live music has been making a steady return in the area. However, I think many of us are still waiting with bated breath on whether it will last. With venues and artists beginning to implement mask, vaccine and testing mandates for shows, I'm hopeful we don't need to shut down the touring industry again.
9. What would surprise people most about you?
I am NOT one for public speaking.
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without …
… caffeine, music, and staying up a bit too late.
Bonus Questions
First record ever purchased:
Sugar Ray's 2001 self-titled album. Still slaps.
First concert:
Death Cab for Cutie at what is now the SNHU Arena
Favorite band of all-time:
The Beatles
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?
Dungeons & Dragons. Lots of it.
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