Patrick Bryant is the music director at WMBR in Boston.  Their pretty easily one of the twenty-five stations always in competition to be the best in the states.

QRD – Why did you want the position of music director & why do you think you got it over all the other applicants?

Patrick – a. coordinating influx of new music to station; b. the old one picked me and no one else wants it.

QRD – What do you think the job of a good music director is?

Patrick – Make sure music is available for consideration by DJs and informing DJs about new music, especially ones they may like if they knew more about it.

QRD – How much do you let your personal taste in music effect your station’s music?

Patrick – The music I purchase tends to emphasize my interests, but my playlist and the station's charts rarely overlap.

QRD – Is there a computer in your DJ booth & if so what is it used for?

Patrick --Coming soon. To be used for whatever DJ wants: research, instant message, playlist, etc.

QRD – What percentage of the hour does a DJ play music of his/her choice, listener’s choice, & rotation?

Patrick – 100% DJ choice. Listener's choice varies by DJ. Anywhere from 0-25% per show.

QRD – How often does something in rotation get played?

Patrick – However many times the DJs choose to play it. Top CDs of the year have a total spin in rotation of 30-40 spins.

QRD – What are some things bands/labels can do to get on the fast track into >rotation & to eliminate themselves from getting into rotation?

Patrick – a. sending decent music. b. sending a folder with a picture.

QRD – Do you read the charts of other stations & if so how do they effect your charts?

Patrick – No, except for WFMU and WZBC.

QRD – What’s the longest time you feel comfortable keeping a record in rotation?

Patrick – Three months

QRD – Do you listen to & review the majority of records you receive yourself?

Patrick – No. 95% of what we receive is added to the new rack; as freeform station, no need to play radio tastemaker.

QRD – What’s the importance of specialty shows at your station?

Patrick – As a freeform station, most shows are special

QRD – How do you deal with DJ’s stealing discs from the station library?

Patrick – Cry. Re-purchase CDs. Install security mechanisms. Install CD-R/CD-RW in library.

QRD – How is your station involved in the local music scene?

Patrick – Live local music show every week.

QRD – With your experience in radio, are you jaded or hopeful for the music industry?

Patrick – "Jaded" insofar as interests and motives of industry; "hopeful" as to creativity of artists.

QRD – If your position is temporary, what do you plan to do with your interest in music in the future?

Patrick – Stay a DJ.

QRD – What are the best & worst parts of your job?

Patrick – a. exposure to new music b. annoying inquiries from shitty bands who send blanket emails to MDs and follow-up emails noting how many podunk stations in Poughkeepsie have added their disc to CMJ.

QRD – Anything else?

Patrick – Nope.