Dino Conard is the Program Director and On-Air personality for the iHeart TOP 40 Heritage Radio Station WQEN as well as others in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Dino also created, produced, and launched the first “Just Show Up Show” in Birmingham which has turned into one of iHeart’s flagship events and a favorite among music lovers throughout Alabama.
This weekend WQEN hosts another Just Show Up Show with a star studded lineup including The Catching, Stephen Puth, AJ Mitchell, Echosmith, and Alessia Cara. For tickets and information visit: https://ihr.fm/2L5aNZ8
LEG: In 1975 WQEN became one of the first FM Top 40 radio stations in Alabama and has been a powerful brand in the market for over 43 years. What do your many job responsibilities include and what is the most challenging part of being the director and leader of such a heritage brand?
DC: Aside from WQEN, I program WQEN-HD3 (Alt 99.1), WMJJ-HD2 (104.1 The Beat), as well as WZBQ (94.1 ZBQ) in Tuscaloosa…Roll Tide! I also talk about my puppy and iced coffee 4-7pm on the Q and various iHeartRadio stations.
Honestly, the challenge of a leader is motivating people to work at something they may not see the vision for so they can accomplish something they want to see happen. It’s a fruitful and rewarding job programming 103.7 the Q and working with the stellar iHeartMedia Alabama team!
LEG: How did you get your start in radio, what stations have you worked at, and what have you found most challenging and exciting about relocating to a new city?
DC: I started in high school at Midwest Communications as an intern, learning from some terrific people. My first full time radio job was at KCLD/St. Cloud, a great Midwestern town that has springboarded some big talent (excluding myself). WFBC/Greenville was my next stop where I learned a great deal about programming and relationships. I had always wanted to become a program director and was eventually granted that opportunity when iHeart (Clear Channel at the time) launched a CHR station in Memphis. I programmed KWNW from it’s inception until taking over in Birmingham in 2014. I used to miss Minnesota because it’s home…but I don’t miss -30 temps and 6 feet of snow!
LEG: Can you tell us a few of the artists that you decided to lead the way on supporting at radio through the years? What are the factors that contribute to you supporting a new artist and record?
DC: A few that come to mind have interesting independent stories from the past year: Max, Lauv and NF. They all built their respective fan armies and delivered with mainstream hits, something that is difficult to accomplish in today’s crowded landscape. Programmers should keep a very open mind when discussing new music. There’s a reason “Old Town Road” stayed at #1 for 15 straight weeks on the Hot 100. Take calculated risks, find ways for your brand to remain relevant.
With more tools (streaming, Shazam, etc) at our disposal, it’s incredibly helpful in pinpointing songs that have potential to be hits. Dean Lewis “Be Alright” and Dan + Shay “Tequila” showed signs locally before exploding nationwide.
LEG: You have a reputation for having strong relations with labels, artists, and managers alike. What’s the secret to developing those relationships and how have you benefited from those strong partnerships through the years?
DC: Both parties have a job to accomplish and it doesn’t have to be a constant tug-of-war between the two. The basic rule of treating people the way you’d like to be treated: with respect and honesty, is paramount in how I approach the radio and label relationship. It’s been beneficial in that not only have we executed some amazing events and artist experiences, but I’ve developed friendships that go beyond a Tuesday music call.
LEG: The “Just Show Up Show” has been so successful that stations in other markets are now working to replicate it. How did you come up with the idea and can you describe the event? What’s the most difficult part of putting on an event of that size with so many moving parts? What are some tips for creating and building a successful brand? Who have been a few of your favorite artists that you’ve had perform so far and do you have plans yet for the next show?
DC: It’s evolved from a small patio show to now attracting crowds of 7,000 people! Without strong partnerships and a second to none promotions and air talent team, we’d still be on the patio. #JustShowUpShow is successful for the artist and station trying to reach new fans…plus listeners can see a 100% free concert! I’m passionate about community events and remaining relevant in a crowded landscape. To see one radio station fill an amphitheater is one the proudest moments of my career. For anyone wanting to start their own tentpole event, I would say start small and be persistent when creating it. If that event/promotion is your baby…fight for it and inspire others to jump onboard. I’m a history nerd and love the Teddy Roosevelt quote “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, and difficulty…”
AJR has a special place with us, having played the first #JustShowUpShow to now repeated sold out tours around the world. They’re great guys that have built their following from their NYC apartment and did it their way.
LEG: Despite your success we always endure failures somewhere along the way. What is something you’ve failed at? How did you overcome it and what did you learn from it?
DC: Up until recently, I would grade myself an F when it comes to helping encourage and influence younger talent and programmers. As Chase Murphy told me once, “You don’t get into the Hall of Fame unless the next class votes you in.”. If you’ve been in the radio industry more than a few years, you have knowledge and influence that is invaluable to “the next class”. Find an outlet, leave your door open, and listen to what the new generation of talent and programmers is saying.
LEG: In addition to radio and live events, iHeart is also known for having some of the best podcasts. Can you tell us about “The Bingecast” podcast you recently launched? What inspired you to start it? Where can listeners tune in to hear it?
DC: We’ve been called the Netflix of Podcasts…we’ve also been called much worse things. My friend Wade and I review and relive great TV shows and we started with The Office, my favorite show of all time. iHeartRadio is #1 for podcasts, leading the way with great content like Disgraceland and Charlamagne tha God’s Brilliant Idiots (amazing podcast btw), so it’s pretty cool to be featured alongside those on the iHeartRadio app.
LEG: For someone who works so hard what do you do when you are not working to clear your mind? Is there is any special place you go to relax and recharge?
DC: The greatest part of my day is what I call “hanging up and hanging out”. Spending time with my wife and kids refreshes and energizes me. Since living in Alabama, I enjoy hiking my way around the state, coaching my son’s football team, and being involved with our local church.
LEG: What advice would you give to a young person wanting to get into radio and music business today? What do you wish someone would have told you when you were starting out?
DC: Hard work always pays off. Stay humble and be prepared to out hustle the pack. Take time to figure out what you want, then strive to accomplish it as if it was impossible to fall short. One trait I wish I would have developed sooner is embracing failure. I’ve learned much more from my mistakes than any victory or triumph.
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