Q&A with WPR music director

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

By Aaron Davis

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-Licensed to the University of Wyoming in Laramie and broadcasting to more than 80 percent of the state, Wyoming Public Radio is the state’s only member of National Public Radio, as well as an affiliate of Public Radio International and American Public Media.

WPR’s Music Director Grady Kirkpatrick joined the commercial free station in December 2007. Kirkpatrick hosts “Morning Music” every weekday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, accessible at 90.3 FM on the dial in Jackson, 92.3 FM in Alta/Driggs, and streaming live at Wyomingpublicradio.net. He grew up in Prairie Village, Kansas outside of Kansas City and spent sixteen years in Kentucky—at public radio stations WKMS in Murray and WNKU at Northern Kentucky University outside Cincinnati.

Planet Jackson Hole: How do you prepare for Morning Music and arrange your playlist?

Grady Kirkpatrick: It’s a rock-based, contemporary music format labeled AAA (Adult Album Alternative).

There is plenty of room for a variety of genres and my approach is free form, but I do have an outline of categories that are included each hour: core artists (those you know and love), new music, spice (Americana/folk/world/Celtic/reggae/blues/old school R&B, Wyoming/regional artists).

We will eventually utilize music software to help evenly rotate our core artists but the playlists will remain very flexible and adventurous. I live for great segues and surprising listeners.

PJH: How many new CDs do you receive each month? Do you have any advice for up-and-coming musicians that are trying to get their music heard?

GK: Usually it’s around 50 CDs per week, and we also get plenty of songs from sources online. Up-and-coming musicians should research radio stations that play music that may be receptive before mailing out.  Full CDs or EPs are best with at least a one-sheet, including background and bio info. It’s a good idea to contact the music or program director within two weeks after sending. Most artists have a Myspace page and/or website. There’s always YouTube, and you can’t beat playing live shows.

PJH: Some consumers feel that radio has become packaged and predictable. Is there some truth to this? Do you feel a responsibility to turn listeners on to new music that wouldn’t typically be heard on commercial radio?

GK: When the Blue Meanies of Wall Street got involved in commercial radio following deregulation, a large amount of creativity went out the door as increased consolidation came in. Many stations opted for pre-programmed, homogenized formats, voice tracking, and playlists that are very predictable and repetitious.

However, there are still plenty of good commercial and non-commercial radio stations. Wyoming Public Radio listeners expect to be introduced to new artists, and I’m more than happy to oblige. We like to break new artists and many eventually end up getting airplay on commercial radio.

PJH: With so many consumer options in terms of other free Internet stations, as well as subscription-based satellite radio stations, is it getting harder to bring in listener-supported funding?

GK: It is a challenge with all the options, but WPR continues to receive great support from listeners around the state and also some from out-of-state online listeners.  We provide a valuable service that includes great music, reliable, in-depth (statewide, national and international) news and information, interesting interviews and features, weather, road conditions and information about local events.

PJH: The audience for AM and FM radio is on a steady decline. Will AM and FM stations cease to exist?

GK: There may be a decline in the number of AM and FM’s, but both should remain around for quite a while. Many stations now stream audio online as a secondary platform, which may eventually become the primary platform. Many people use the internet as their primary source for news and entertainment.

PJH: How does the future compare for listener-supported and community stations versus commercial radio?

GK: The airwaves were granted to radio stations as a public trust. Both commercial and non-commercial stations should fare well as long as they uphold that trust by providing good local service and valuable content. PJH
PERMALINK:
Q&A with WPR music director | Planet JH News Article: Music Box

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