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10 Questions with ... Melissa Chase
November 22, 2021
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
If you really want to mess with your parents, choose an out-of-state college for a specialty major and then decide on a career that is the complete opposite. I went to Kent State University to major in Sign Language Education…which, as you can imagine, is pretty unhelpful in a career where it’s about the audio experience. I switched majors after my first year and scored an internship with the morning show on WRVQ and drank so much radio Kool-Aid that summer that I knew it was the life I wanted to live. I continued to work part time at WRVQ and WRXL when I was on vacation and, after testing out the waters at MTV for a little bit, I decided to move back to my hometown of Richmond to accept a full-time morning show position on WRVQ. I graduated from the third mic to the co-host position and eventually to name first (as silly as it sounds, that was a massive milestone for women). In addition, I was voice-tracking middays for Clear Channel/iHeart stations across the country including WKCI, WAZR and their XM channel, KISS XM21. In 2009, after some management and staff changes, I chose to cross the street to accept the position of morning show host for then Cox Media’s WURV. From there I became Program Director for three of our stations and worked as Operations Manager (while still doing mornings) for six more years before deciding to choose my next adventure and accept an amazing position at Audacy/ Houston.
1. How would you describe your first radio gig?
Incredible. I was this wide-eyed and wild teenager trying to absorb every bit of radio I could. There were nights that I slept in the studio under the board from filling in overnights to be there for the morning show. Many club nights that turned into driving straight into work. And half my paycheck went to Red Bull. But it was addictive and thrilling to get to be a part of making listeners feel happy every day and getting to be a big part of helping our community. Also, getting to party like a rock star with the rock stars (before social media!). How could you not want to do this for as long as fate would allow?
2. You left your hometown, Richmond, after a long and successful run and you’ve been in town for half a year now, programming in Houston, which is a very resilient city. What have you enjoyed discovering your new home?
Houston is amazing! The city is vibrant with a rich culture, unbeatable food scene and deep pride for its history. And while I was surprised there weren’t more cactuses and cowboys (everything I knew about Texas before was from movies lol) it’s a place I’m proud to call my new home.
3. In 1990, Guy Zapoleon basically invented the Hot AC format while at KHMX. What role, if any, does the station’s heritage play in the way that you program the station 31 years later?
Guy Zapoleon is a master of music programming and his music cycle theory should be studied by every programmer. It is honestly a dream being able to guide the ship of KHMX, one of the most legendary music stations in radio history. I really try to stay true to Guy’s belief that we should be playing “all the hits” and not be just a “pure pop” station. Yes – we center on artists who fit that sound like Adele, Ed Sheeran and Olivia Rodrigo…but as he suggests, we have to let the format breathe a little too – or we’d be missing artists like Kid Laroi, Lil Nas X and Walker Hayes who have crossed over from Alternative, Hip Hop and Country.
4. You’re still in the air chair, cracking the mic hosting afternoons. What it is about being on the air that stills rocks your world?
I’m a shrink’s kid and for me, being on air is like getting to play psychologist for an entire city at once. You have the opportunity to transform someone’s mood – make someone’s day more interesting, escape their own heads for a bit, make a connection…it’s a really powerful way of subtly trying to make people feel good.
5. If you could pick a “dream” guest to plug in across from you in the studio who would it be? Who has been your all-time favorite guest to date?
Favorite so far is Questlove. He is so brilliant! He shared a moment with me during an interview where he said live music and cooking a meal are the closest experiences one could have because when you create a song live it can never be replicated the *exact* same way – either by the performer or mentally to the person listening and watching. It all happens in that moment of time, never to be like that again. He said the same reason is why he loves cooking – you could have the same recipe, cook it in the same kitchen, but it will never look or taste exactly the same as another time you do it – so we have to appreciate things in the moment they are happening. I thought that was fascinating. It’s relatable to every break you do live on air too. Future guest – Kelly Clarkson. I love talented and funny people who are cheerleaders for other women to be their best selves – she truly exemplifies how strong people don’t put others down, they lift others up.
6. “Local local local” has always been radio’s mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community? Are you and the staff back out and about in these post-pandemic times?
Audacy/Houston market manager Sarah Frazier is the QUEEN of great workplace culture and a big part of that is her encouragement for our stations to be involved in the community. Almost all of our radio personalities at Audacy/Houston frequently volunteer reading at schools, speaking for career days, hosting charity events, sitting on the boards of local non-profit organizations and participating in community fundraisers. I’ve always felt our job is to give back to the community that gives you their attention and time. We have amazing platforms to use our popularity for good, making an impact is one of my favorite parts of this job.
7. What advice would you give to someone looking to break into radio in this day and age?
Be persistent in a positive way. If you get turned down for an opportunity ask for actionable steps to get in for next time, rather than getting sour or finding excuses why it didn’t happen. And when I hire you, I want to know what your brand is…use your social media and online presence to your advantage to tell your story. We’re not just hiring a name or a voice – I want your personality too--so let it shine!
8. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid? Jock(s)?
Q94 (WRVQ) in Richmond, VA was the soundtrack to my childhood so it was crazy getting to crack a mic on there. In college in Cleveland, I was a WMMS addict. My favorite jock growing up was Rebecca Wilde (now on WTVR Mornings) when she was on 104.7 & 106.5 the Buzz. Hearing a badass woman on an alternative station back then was so rare and she was the coolest (still is!).
9. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
I think most of us in radio are like these crazy beautiful rainbows painted by so many influencers in our careers, each adding a splash of color. Some of the incredible talents who have helped shape my career and pushing me to be adventurous, smart and authentic include Steve Smith, Steve Hunter, Robert Walker, Dom Theodore, Sarah Frazier, Boomer Layfield, Travis Dylan, John Olsen and the late Lisa McKay.
10. If you had an unlimited budget, which 3-5 acts would you pull together for a station holiday show?
Lizzo, Panic! at the Disco, Pink, Harry Styles and Pitbull. We’re all going to dance, lose our voices singing and end the night covered in sweat and confetti!
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