November 12, 2021
What do you miss the most from the absence of engaging with artists in person, and what are some of your favorite artist encounters during your career?
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Orlando, WLLD: I miss the true exchange. A row of Zoom interviews rehashes the same info but the chat, in between segments, can build real rapport. My best visits have been with Iggy Azalea, Tori Kelly, Jo Koy, and Patrice O’Neal. People who you walked away with real appreciation of each other. Rick Vaughn, KENZ: Getting custom audio from the artists for my stations. I’ve had a bunch of cool encounters, but one that’s actually pretty funny happened with Mark McGrath from Sugar Ray. It was one of the many times I was in LA for some kind of event. Mark and I wound up in latrines next to each other doing our business…at least five times. The fourth time he looked at me and said, “This keeps happening.” I said, “Dude, I’m not following you, I swear!”
Adam Rivers, WKCI: Just the organic conversation that takes place when it’s not over Zoom. Lana Del Rey was the most down to earth person that I’ve ever met. Great conversation and someone you would want to bring home to Mom. Dom Theodore, Radio Animal Media Strategies: There were several of them, but one of my favorite moments was when I was in NYC at 92.3NOW. My night guy loved Nelly and always had this dream of rapping with him on stage. Nelly came in the studio one night, and they ended up breaking into “Hot in Herre” and Nelly did back-up for my night jock doing the rap. It was absolutely hysterical. Joey Brooks, WKSS: Q102/Philly Jingle Ball, early days of Lady Gaga. We were early believers and broke “Just Dance,” which was a #1 hit, and she performed for us and the reaction was huge. Big memorable moment for me. Buzz Knight, Buzz Knight Media: The best encounter ever was the Bob Dylan experience. It’s also a big regret. After the uncomfortable introduction he asked the group of us, which included the late and great Jimmy Delbalzo and the one and only Paul Rappaport along with the most awesome Ken Dashow, if we wanted a shot of whiskey. We were all in such awe of being in his presence that we chickened out and passed. We passed on having a shot of whiskey with Dylan. That opportunity will never present itself again!
Josh Wolff, WAEB: Being part of the listener/artist experience backstage, seeing how they light up when meeting their favorite artists. It’s not about me and the artist, it’s about the joy of seeing the listeners’ reactions. I met P!NK when I was at B94 in Pittsburgh when she starting out and she could not have been sweeter and more personable. I’ve been a big fan ever since. Matt “MJ” Johnson, WPLW: I miss the free local auditorium test that I get when the songs are playing before an artist takes the stage. Heather Deluca, WSJO: I miss discussing their projects with them in a one-on-one setting, and especially getting to know the artists who are new on the scene. I’ve loved chatting with Taylor Swift about how she chooses songs that make the final album, and how she sequences the albums. On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, speaking with Rick Allen of Def Leppard about his work with Wounded Warriors and how he turned the loss of his own limb into a way to raise awareness for people like him was one of the most moving conversations I can remember. |
Jonathan Shuford, WRVW: I miss being around the live music and the creativity. It’s just a different vibe on Zoom or IG-Live. I also miss seeing fans engaging with their favorite artists. I love the boys from Why Don’t We, they’re really good, down-to-earth people. We’ve done some really weird stuff with them and they always say yes. I also had Charlie Puth serenade a 12-year-old girl at her middle-school, which was pretty special and very cool. Brian Mack, WXXL: COVID didn’t kill artist engagement!
Valentine, WBHT: I miss all the stories you can’t talk about on the air, the fun stuff you get from artists in a more intimate setting and over drinks. Back in Katy Perry’s “Hot & Cold” days, she was a blast to hang out with.
Randi West, WRMF: The face-to-face time with some of the developing artists which is the part of the journey for some of the newer artists. It’s nice to have hang time with established artists as it humanizes them to programmers and their guests. Taylor Swift has always been the queen of the backstage experience. Dan + Shay are just great guys that are just happy to see you, but my most memorable backstage experience was with Prince and that story will be in my book one day! Toby Knapp, WASH: I miss the connection you make in a genuine conversation with an artist… and when you’ve had a ‘gimmick-free’ real, respectful chat which isn’t the same as every other one of the 500 plus interviews or studio visits they’ve had… having ‘em thank you for actually giving a damn about their art, their process… and not trying to use them for some ridiculous moment you hope will go viral. From Wyclef to Patrick Stump from FOB to Halsey… to Demi Lovato running over to me to thank me for a moment we shared… Jordan Fisher calling a conversation ‘the most authentic ever…’ to Mary J. Blige and I having a moment on stage about our struggles and insecurities… there have been so many real moments. Those moments I miss. And the list of amazing encounters is too long to list in this space.
Max Volume, KOZZ: Playing guitar with Jimmy Page. |
Lee Abrams mediavisions: I still interact with many artists on a social basis, including our yearly visit to Monte Carlo to visit Justin Hayward, otherwise there are too many to mention, but here are a few highlights. Those great times with Yes ranging from those late-night post-concert dinners to staying with Chris Squire for three months at his manor. The legendary Bob Geldof event in San Diego. Working directly with so many artists on the many events we held, George Carlin, Paul McCartney and Don Henley among so many others were especially cool. Buster Satterfield, WIOQ: I miss the stories that come along with the hang itself like just chillin’ on a tour bus. Favorite has to be my rich history with Machine Gun Kelly. Jammer, WEZB: There lovely personalities and their love for Top 40 Radio. Taylor Swift… Hands Down! And, Michael Buble.
Guy Zaopleon, Zapoleon Consulting: My favorite artist of all time is Marvin Gaye. I saw a side of him when I was MD at KRLA in 1978. Robert Palmer was a new artist and just released “Every Kind of People.” I told a co-worker it sounded a lot like “What’s Goin’ On.” He said “I know Marvin and he needs to hear about this.” I actually get a call from Marvin. I told him what a big fan I was, and he said, “Hey Guy, I appreciate it, but tell me about this song by Robert Palmer. I might want to take him to court.” I was in shock. The only thing I could say, and I don’t know where this came from, was, “Marvin you remember what it was to be a struggling young artist and this is Robert’s first chance to have a hit.” He said, “OK thanks Guy I appreciate it,” and hung up. Maybe that helped, but he didn’t sue Robert after all. I loved Bruce Springsteen. In 1979 his manager Jon Landau came to KRTH/LA to get a copy of “The Haunted House” so he could perform it on Halloween at the LA Forum. I was invited backstage to meet Bruce and finally did around 2 a.m. Also waiting were Bob Dylan and Ringo Starr, and I was seated between two of my all-time favorite artists, waiting to meet him. I was more tongue tied between them then when I finally met Bruce! Kobe, WUVR: I miss the stories, the special sauce our listeners never knew. Some of my favorites through the years have been: Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift, and Kanye…old Kanye! Bob Patrick, WXLK: Talking to them and getting to know them, albeit in a limited time frame, and having non-music/radio discussions with them. P!nk, by far, was my favorite. She really is the coolest. Also enjoyed meeting Camila Cabello, who was great to my fiancé’s daughter. Backstreet Boys were awesome the few times we got together. Kelly Clarkson, Flo Rida and Destiny’s Child were also fun to chat with before the show. The guys from O-Town let my niece ride their scooters before they opened for Britney Spears in AC back in the day. That was a special night, as well. |
Nick Wize, WFLZ: I miss seeing younger artists just getting started and coming to the station. It’s such a big deal to them. I always admire how Country artists love radio so much, and when the Pop artists are just starting out, they have that Country attitude. I love seeing the appreciation they have for what we do. My favorite encounter…Remember the New Boyz and the song “You’re a Jerk.” We interviewed them when I was in NYC and clicked with those guys. After the interview one of them and the manager came over and there was a cat in the apartment. Turns out the manager of the New Boyz was allergic to cats and his face just randomly blew up and we had to quickly get him some Benadryl.
Rich Davis KDWB: I miss the process of believing in a song, having it come through, and then having the artist do a show in front of your audience. I was in Nashville when Taylor Swift was just a 15-year-old teenager, and my favorite encounter was when I changed the station to 107 5 The Taylor and she happened to be in town. Frank Bell came by the station and mentioned that Taylor was recording in town and wanted to come by and say thanks. She came by, and during the interview we said she could play whatever song she wanted. She chose “Super Bass” by Nicki Minaj, which (at the time) was only available on Apple Music. It was a bonus track from the album. The label didn’t even have a copy. We bought the song on iTunes, had to edit it, and then Taylor played it on the air. That literally was the impetus for that song becoming a hit.
Jagger, KCHZ: The live interaction pre-interview and during the interview. Just getting to know them better and feeling more comfortable with each other. Favorite encounter occurred in 2010 with Usher. It was the first time I met him and he’s been one of my fav’s all along. It was such a naturally cool interview. He knew I was a Cavaliers fans, and he was part-owner at the time, and during the interview he said, “Jagger’s been a day-one fan.” He also mentioned he has a new cologne out and he’d have to get me some. I jokingly said, “Why you think I don’t smell good?” The next morning I came into my office and was greeted by a note (“Thanks for the great interview) and a bag with his cologne in it.
Jeff Hurley, iHeartMedia: I miss those promo runs when a new artist is starting out. It’s so amazing to see these artists develop over the course of several years. Hopefully those days are returning soon!
Mike O’Donnell, WKRZ: The face time and being able to have an intimate conversation with them as regular people. You always gain new insight by engaging with an artist behind the scenes, for better or for worse. I’ve had it go both ways. In 2000 I met Mariah Carey at an event in Boston, and was very impressed. It was a great experience for me. She was so personable and engaging. I also met Barry Manilow back in the early 90’s. Yes, I’m a fan and I did get a nice photo.Next Week’s Question Of The Week:
If you could fix one thing about radio, what do you feel it needs the most?
e-Mail your responses to: jodorisio@deanemediasolutions.com or bburke@deanemediasolutions.com
