MusicInterviewsNow.com

I got in touch with a fellow Mid-Westerner, whom I would say is an inspiration to many of us who faithfully listen to rock radio…his name: Ryan Manno.  Manno takes time to give us some insight on radio, and what it brings to those who are behind the Mic as well as those who are tuning in.  He’s almost got a decade of unbelievable experience…from his beginning with Mancow on Q101’s morning show, to his duo (the Manno Brothers) that ruled the evenings.  What else is there left to accomplish???

 What inspired you to want to get into radio?

 Inspiration, to me, has always been a constant thing. It comes daily. But I can probably point to two “main” motivators for me early on.

 When I was growing up, my uncle did radio all over the country. Very successful talent for years! Hosted mornings in Philly, Tampa, Vegas, San Antonio, etc. He was a star and I was exposed to all of it from the inside at a very early age. It was magical to me and I knew I had found something that lit a real spark.

 Second, I would just credit a general love for music. But without being able to play a musical note to save my life, it was more like an “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” thing. I wanted to be close to my passion, and thankfully my radio career has given me that chance, tenfold.

 Where did you attend school...etc

 Went to North Central College; A wonderful private school in Naperville. Great, state of the art hands-on college run radio station – WONC 89.1 FM. I graduated with a degree in Broadcast Communications. I can’t say enough positive things about the school, the campus, their internship and job placement, the faculty.

 What type of music do you like to listen to?

 It changes seasonally! Is that weird? I have so many iTunes playlists just labeled for the month and year. I really don’t have a preferred style, and am always reluctant to box in a band by labeling them stylistically. I hate terms like “pop punk” or “post-garage.” It’s nonsense.

 My favorite band, consistently for 15 years, has been 311. I love their vibe, unique style and their entire catalog. It’s been a pleasure to listen to them evolve. And an even greater pleasure to become friends with the guys.

 My favorite song, hands down, is “Dakota” from Stereophonics. But it’s gotta be the LIVE version! The studio version doesn’t do it justice. I recommend listening to it and fitting the song’s story to your own life. It works.

 Any hobbies?

 Golf. I would golf every day if I could. Not saying I’m PGA material, but it’s definitely my only hobby that pulls me safely away from the chaos of nonstop texts, calls, emails and incessant business. I get out to play as much as possible.

I guess I’d also call my dogs a hobby. We adopted a Canaan named Wardena from Iraq a few years back, and she’s been a unique addition to our family. Pretty sure she has post traumatic stress disorder!? Think of a special needs child. But only it’s a dog.

 Also have a 5 pound Maltese named Tate. We brought her in to the fold to keep Wardena company and sane. They’re best buds and they rightfully consume a lot of my downtime.

 Whose CD do you have playing in your car or on your iPod right now?

 A few worth mentioning: The newest release is The Fold’s “Dear Future, Come Get Me.” It’s an absolute genius album from a Chicago band; lyrically, sonically and thematically, it’s all there! They deserve some serious attention over this clever, new body of work. It’s one of those “onion” albums, where you’re still finding things you didn’t know where there as you peel back the layers with each listen.

 Really liking what I’ve heard from a band from LA called After Midnight Project. Saw them on Warped, where they seemed too grown up and slightly out of place amongst the 13 year old girls, but they craft excellent songs that evoke emotion and are worth checking out. Start with “Take Me Home.”

 And I always seem to go back to 2005’s Fort Minor’s “The Rising Tied” when I work out. I listen to that record at least 4 times a week. It’s underrated and flawless. Top to bottom.

 What's your dream interview?

 Honestly, I’d skip musicians altogether and opt to aim questions at a 5-strong panel of CEO’s of our industry’s major record companies.

 I’m wildly curious to find out why they think the way they do. They’re cutting off their nose to save their face and taking almost zero risks on anything that doesn’t appear to be a guaranteed moneymaker.

 I can think of only a few bands that have been signed on the faith of untold A&R potential alone; Cage the Elephant, Pop Evil, Cavo. There aren’t many anymore and that bothers me as a music fan. It seems that their collective short-sighted fear of failure is robbing so many deserving artists of a chance to showcase their soul, which is why these labels are reflexively making themselves obsolete.

 The good thing is that bands are smart. They’re workhorses and they’ve learned to be profitable without that old golden goal of “getting signed.” The labels themselves have devalued “getting signed.” Sad, right?

 And forget artist development!? If you don’t produce from the gate, it’s one and done. Innerpertysystem is a perfect example; signed to Island/Def Jam. Put out a brilliant record, backed it up with an insane live show, but the album had mediocre sales. They got dusted from the label immediately on that one shot alone. Nevermind growing a band. Just doesn’t happen.

 So think, how many artists in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s would have never impacted the world if it wasn’t for a commitment beyond a single record?

 I want this old guard to be aware that their tired method has been pegged. And ignoring new media’s power is equivalent to digging their own grave. Instead of harnessing and working with the inevitable changes, they resist then they wonder why they’re failing.

 So yeah, gimme 5 from the majors & let’s go!

 Ever have an interview totally go sour (if you can, explain)?

 Plenty! The main one would be with Bono. I asked him a question about the RIAA and whether or not he supports royalties being paid to artists when radio plays their music – on top of the publishing fees we pay. He sided against radio and it made for a completely ugly moment.

 Also, a few foreign bands were duds. No names, in particular, but approach some Brits with caution. They’re energy and humor levels are calibrated differently than ours and can wind up heading south quickly.

 Do you still get any pre interview jitters?

 Never. Got over that almost at day one. It’s a human speaking with another human in a conversation style. Nothing to be nervous about. Ever.

 I think traditional “interviewers” get nervous when they walk in with note cards and rigid thoughts of how the interview should and will go. I advise against this.

 Have a conversation! That is my interviewing key. It’s both inviting to the artist AND to the listener; they end up feeling like a third party in a talk between two people they feel connected with.

 And, let’s face it, bands are tired of the same “so, how’d you get your name?” questions. I have found that a talk about something menial can highlight so much more personality during an interview.

 Can you tell us one thing about you that your listeners might not know about you?

 I’m a crazy neat freak. My bed is made less than 30 seconds after I wake up. I vacuum, swiffer and pledge every day. It’s unhealthy.

 What is it like doing radio in Chicago?  Especially coming from the Indiana small town atmosphere...

 It’s indescribable. Having that audience so alive and ready to connect with us is invaluable. Chicago is in my blood. Always will be. I have built so much here with my brand, bands, friends, roots, etc. Plus, Chicago is a legendary radio city. So many big names and ideas were bred here. To be considered even as a footnote in this rich media context is a real thrill for me!

 What happened at Q101 with all the changes that included you and your brother? (if you feel like sharing)

 I’d actually rather not share. Let’s just say that it has to do with money. It’s a sad fact, but it always does. We both signed nice 2 year deals last February and I think they wanted a way out when things got tighter than anyone planned. So there were settlements. No hard feelings and I still have dear friends working their ass off to keep that station running hard! I wish them well.

 Can you tell us about how you got involved with Angels & Kings Chicago, and were you contacted by Pete Wentz or someone else?

 Long story, but it did definitely start with Pete. He came to me to be an investor in the club. There is a brilliant crew running the ship over there and I’m proud to be part of their magic team. They’ve become a family to me and I am thankful for the opportunities I’ve gained from booking and producing a weekly show at Angels & Kings. It’s grown from the ground up and we will continue to showcase Chicago’s finest, unsigned talent every week. It’s a labor of love. From me to Pete to everyone in between.

 Can you give us a run down of your daily routine? Start to finish...examples would be any prep work before you go on air...research, etc. (for when you are on the air)

 I call everything prep. Open your eyes.

 Tell me what’s more compelling, tell me what will make the phone lines lights up : Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel “on the rocks” .. OR .. the fact that I waited in line for 90 minutes at the post office.

 Certainly NOT Timberlake.

 People connect with real life. People have their own horror stories of waiting in line. People love that personal touch. And they sense when your attempted at real life are fake. I never fake it. What you see is what you get. If I’m hung-over, I’m gonna talk about it. Period. Be real. Life, for better or worse, is my prep.

 Now, that’s not to say that I don’t do my 3+ hours of prep daily to have in the pocket, just in case I need it. Always wise to have a backup. Even wiser to over plan and throw away (or hang onto) material after a show.

 Coolest thing you purchased since being a radio personality... (Any comments or ideas on salaries of radio personalities...for those fans interested in getting into radio)

 A house? 2 cars? A pool? A 2 week cruise on the Mediterranean? Very funny question!

 Let me just say this about salary for those interested .. Q101’s part timers, thanks to AFTRA (union) start at about $45.00 an hour. After a few years of full time exposure & brand building, you can creep into 6 figures pretty easily. And on the high end of the spectrum, I worked with Mancow for 3 years while he was making $3 million a year.

 Bottom line: it’s ALL good – assuming you’re in a city/at a station that has a union that fights for your wages, appearance fees, etc.

I will say that I’ve never worked in a smaller market, so I can’t speak for that. I would assume that the wages are a bit lower. Same for event talent fees.

 Is there anything you would like to tell your fans?

 Anything I say will sound cheesy, but I’ll try anyway.

 Unless you’re in the chair and behind the microphone speaking daily to a city of 3 million, it’ll never mean exactly what it means to me, but I truly love each and every person who took the time to actively become involved in anything I’ve done over the last 8 years.

 What fans sometimes forget is that we’re fragile people with delicate egos. We really just do what we do for their approval and enjoyment. So to hear ANY response makes it all worth it!

 I know that it helps to develop, be it on Twitter or Facebook, a very unique personal connection with each of them. And that means the world to me!

 I’ve honestly had the greatest, most loyal fans that I could ever dream of.  

 Where do you see yourself in 7 years?

 On Family Feud with Richard Karn. Being taken away in handcuffs howling “Don’t you know who I was?” because I gave “tampon” for every answer.

“Things you eat for breakfast .. the top 10 answers are on the board ..”

 Finally, is there anything you would like to talk about that I didn’t mention?

 No. I think we’re good. I have a TON of exciting signals in the air and I know, as an eternal optimist, that something incredible is on the way. Stay tuned!

 I know you participate with your Brother on the Vocalo.org site...is this something you see yourself doing permanently, or do you have bigger plans?

 Nah, this is just for fun. Kev’s filling in for 10 weeks while Bibiana – the permanent PM drive host takes maternity leave – and he’s asked me to co-host Wednesday’s with him.

 We just enjoy making radio together and the Vocalo folks have given us a nice outlet. Trust me, when I tell you that there are many more and much bigger things coming. I’ve come to find that patience truly IS a virtue. Slow and steady when it comes to finding what’s right.

 I’m excited for the future. I hope if you’ve taken time to read this, you’re right here with me! Don’t forget, I need you …