February 3, 2020, Issue 690 He Back: Mike Kennedy Q&A Country Radio Hall of Famer Mike Kennedy retired after 40 years in the business – 30 of those at KBEQ/Kansas City – only to return after three years (CAT 9/3/19). Now programming crosstown WDAF and Hot AC KZPT, Kennedy discusses the finer points of stepping away with someone with similar experience, Country Aircheck contributor Sue Wilson. SW: What was the biggest adjustment or challenge in getting back to the day- to-day after time off? Was it physical, mental, or both? MK: Definitely not physical. I’ve been Mike Kennedy used to working a lot and playing a lot for a long time, so I kept physically active. Although I managed to stay busy, mentally I was divided in a handful of directions. Today, I am back to being totally focused on the operation of two radio stations, improving and elevating the brands in the marketplace and listening to a lot of music! I think I’m using the same amount of brain power, but have definitely reloaded the chambers with different content. As a former PD/morning talent myself, I have to ask, what has sleeping in been like for you these last three years? Life Of The Pardi: Capitol’s Jon Pardi celebrates his fourth No. My wife gets up at 3am for her morning show so I am still used 1, “Heartache Medication,” with some of the team that made to waking up early. The beauty is, I could go right back to bed for it happen. Pictured (l-r) are the label’s Ashley Laws, Donna a few hours, but my mornings were very consistent. I got to hang Hughes and Bobby Young, Pardi and the label’s Royce Risser, Chris Schuler and Katelyn Lester. with the dogs every day, which was awesome. I was religious about listening to three morning shows in KC and a couple out of market, so I was able to offer my unsolicited opinions. I stayed up on industry Before You Quit news, listened to morning shows and music nearly every morning [Ed. Note: Excerpted from Country during the week and designed the rest of the day at that point. Aircheck contributor Sue Wilson’s blog, After you left, did it take a while to fully disconnect? this piece will likely be applicable to Or did you? most professionals at some point in their The short and honest answer is no. At the end of 2016 I had career. And it’s a fitting companion to her more than 40 years of radio, music and live events in my blood conversation with Mike Kennedy.] and was going to consult my first year out, so there was no full Have you ever wanted to quit your day disconnect. I still had a great amount of interaction with friends on job? I just finished my first full year of self- employment and want to share my thoughts on the radio and label side. Sue Wilson (continued on page 15) what to consider before you leave. ©2020 Country Aircheck™ — All rights reserved. Sign up free at www.countryaircheck.com. Send news to [email protected] February 3, 2020 Page 5 I’ve spent years in multiple formats – the last 12 in Country radio – but always wondered, “What if I had stuck with voice imaging these past 20 years? Would I be like Roberta Solomon, Jen Sweeney or a host of other female imaging pros I so admire?” Armed with probably too much confidence, I walked away from a well-paying gig to re-launch my career in voice-over and writing. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t surprised at the various things that have made it tough. Here are four: • You Will Be Humbled: With a VP title, the responsibility of overseeing a couple radio stations and a staff of people reporting to me, I had a certain amount of power and privilege. That perhaps gave me an over-abundance of confidence and ego that I could do anything. Without that confidence, I may not have made the jump ... but once away from a position of authority, things change. You no longer have a staff of people looking for your direction, advice or opinion. Your phone rings less. Show biz, like any biz, is full of people who have to act like they like you to get what they need, whether it is a song played on your station or a staff member wanting something. Now, the decisions you make affect far fewer people. Advice? Don’t be a jerk. Be the person people will miss (not be relieved) when you turn in your Royale Flush: Big Machine’s Midland at the Royale in resignation. Be the boss you’d want to report to. Be clear, honest Boston. Pictured (l-r) are the trio’s Jess Carson, WOKQ/ and fair. Be the colleague people will want to stay in touch with Portsmouth, NH’s Jess Tyler, Cassie Grady, the label’s when you don’t have power anymore. Erik Powell, WKLB’s Dawn Santolucito and David Corey, • You Will Grieve: If your work was a big part of your Sandbox’s Todd Ramey, the trio’s Mark Wystrach, Laurie identity, you’ll miss it. Or maybe you won’t, but I do. I loved Shannon, WPOR/Portland, ME’s Jon Shannon, the label’s Clay Hunnicutt, Alex Cote, WPOR’s JR Ruppel, the trio’s actively creating with other people. I loved my team. I loved Cameron Duddy, Helena Akthar, WBWL’s Amanda Jo brainstorming ideas for marketing, contests and promotions Parker, Townsquare/Portsmouth, NH’s Sammy Cruise, and writing creative copy. And the music! Country radio is radio vet Ginny Rogers Brophey and friend and WTHT/ especially known for its relationships. Record label reps became Portland, ME’s Corey Garrison. my friends, and many artists have my cell number. They actively communicated with me on a regular basis. I miss all of that. There younger, and they, in turn, can mentor you. The best work was pressure, sure. There was nonsense, politics and hard work. situation is a diverse one, so be proud of the experience and the But when you do something for so many years and then stop, you knowledge you bring and use it to your advantage. will grieve that part of your identity. Consider and come to grips • Live On Less: A lot less. Most financial expert encourages with that. people to live well below their means, and I can’t stress that • Ageism Is A Thing: But don’t let it stop you. I’m at that enough. I saved half of every paycheck for more than a year. I set strange time where I’m closer to the end of my career than the a goal of how much I would need to live on (to pay the mortgage, beginning but not yet at retirement age. Questions about how utilities and have some sort of fun money) just in case I didn’t I’m enjoying retirement challenge me to not sound defensive or get any clients for the first six months. If you have a partner who aggressive in explaining that I’m not retired. In fact, I am working is bringing in an income, whether it is less or more, live on just a lot harder for a lot less. When you leave a job, you may find one income for at least that long. When you really pay attention yourself competing with people a good bit younger. You have to where your money goes, you realize how much you waste on experience that is incredibly valuable, so don’t let age shake stuff you don’t need. Even though I thought I had a grip on the your confidence. In the right situation, you can mentor someone ©2020 Country Aircheck™ — All rights reserved. Sign up free at www.countryaircheck.com. Send news to [email protected] February 3, 2020 Page 7 MY TUNES: AMANDA BURD finances, this past year has taught me some financial lessons. KHGE/Fresno PD/afternoons Amanda “McGraw” It’s been a scary year of rebirth and growth, exciting successes Burd discusses her most influential music: and more than a few disappointments. I thought my name, my Taylor Swift is my biggest inspiration, track record and my list of accomplishments would have people because she took control of her career from lining up as clients left and right. Ha! It’s been a little harder than the very beginning. She is a truly masterful I thought, but I do have great clients I am proud to represent. And writer. Every album hits me in entirely different I’m still plugging away. –Sue Wilson ways. From her country roots to transitioning into pop, she allowed herself to evolve while Amanda Burd still feeling and sounding completely like We Back In The Saddle Macon Music/Broken Bow’s Jason Aldean launched his Taylor. My favorite is a deep cut on Red, “All Too Well.” It’s the 2020 We Back Tour Jan. 30 in Columbia, SC with Big Loud’s best song she’s ever written. It makes me cry every time. Morgan Wallen and BMGLR’s Riley Green as support. Kacey Musgraves’ Golden Hour was an album that spoke iHeartMedia WCOS/Columbia, SC APD/MD/afternoon to my soul. Songs like “Lonely Weekend” and “Happy & Sad” feel personality Andy Woods was on hand and shares his takeaways. like Kacey went right into my heart and wrote them about me.