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10 Questions with ... Ashley "Lux" Elzinga
October 14, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started my radio career at KWKJ 98.5/KOKO 1450 in Warrensburg, MO. I came across the station at a job fair on campus while studying at Central Missouri State University (CMU now), I filled out the last application they had and wrote "Will work for Peanuts J" in the top right corner and with no previous experience they hired me to do weekends on 98.5 and board op high school basketball games on 1450. I did that for a year before heading back to STL to study film at Webster University. After being home for a few months I applied at KPNT for a part-time promotions assistant gig and was hired. Two months later I had secured my first on-air shift, Friday's 10p-midnight! I worked in the promotions department and on weekends eventually Sunday 10a-2p for 5 years. After handing out stickers, pitching station tents, and hanging with listeners at events I finally got the call to be full-time as the midday host. Less than a year later I swapped shifts, moved into the afternoon and was made Assistant Music Director.
1. Congrats on making this year's illustrious "30 Under 30" list. How does it feel to be recognized as a mover and shaker under 30?
I'm beyond blown away! Especially after reading the bios of the other "30 Under 30" which very obviously put into perspective just how big of an honor this is... what a group!
2. How did you become interested in radio?
When I was a kid my parents had me record their answering machine message, which is actually how I got my start doing voice work. I did a couple voice over's as a child after my Uncle (a television producer) heard my voice on our message machine. I was bitten by the communication bug. For the remainder of my school years every progress report or report card said the same things "Distracts Others" and "Overly Talkative" (haha). I even brought in a tape recorder, microphone and a list of tag lines for "Show and Tell" in second grade!
3. What do you love most about your job?
No day is ever the same! Some days I'm out at a cell phone store getting people registered to win concert tickets, some days I'm being filmed eating an 8 patty steak burger/shooting guns/racing a coworker down a ski hill, and some days I'm interviewing Jack White before he headlines Lollapalooza(it happened and it was fantastic). I have been in radio about 8 years and have yet to be bored!
4. How would you describe your PM drive show on The Point?
I'm a music gal and alternative is my JIMMYJAM so it's a very music heavy show including segments such as "Point Music News," "Alt 2K Song of the Day," and "Wayback at 5."
5. What makes your show unique?
In 2014 you can get the music anywhere really. I take so much pride in being LIVE and LOCAL; I think my personality makes it unique. I'm kind of an odd bird with my own brand of special that I believe connects with my listeners.
6. How did you get the nickname Lux?
I was obsessed with the Jeffrey Eugenides novel and Sophia Coppola film "The Virgin Suicides" so when my boss suggested using a nickname I chose my favorite character from the book, Lux and it stuck like glue!
7. Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
Ted Stryker at The World Famous KROQ. I remember feeling slightly "fan-esque" when I walked up to him in Dublin, Ireland to introduce myself (we were a both broadcasting from the Jameson distillery for St. Patrick's Day) and he knew who I was before I even got the words out, I was floored! Stryker has always had this amazing ability to effortlessly move in between on screen and on-air, which is becoming more important as digital grows in our industry. He is a true professional, a fantastic broadcaster, and just a great human.
8. Tell us about your music duties at The Point?
While I'm still a bit new to the AMD role I'm taking every opportunity to learn from the best! I don't think I could have a better pair of folks to learn from, my PD Tommy Mattern and MD Donny Mueller are both amazing! I am currently involved in our weekly music meetings to help shape the sound of the station and I really love working with the label reps, management companies, and artists to coordinate great interview opportunities and promotions.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Checking social media, I love connecting with my listeners wherever they are and outside of afternoons on-air I generally find them on Facebook, twitter, and instagram.
10. What would surprise people most about you?
I'm a homebody. I spend most of my free time with my man-friend and our two pups hanging around the house.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
Travel, fashion, books, films, video games, and rec league coed soccer indoor/outdoor.
Last non-industry job?
I taught Cardio Strip Fit and Advanced Pole Dancing at a studio called FitChix.
First record ever purchased?
Counting Crows "August and Everything After"
First concert?
Beach Boys
Favorite band of all-time?
Radiohead
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