94.3 Kilo: Emily Nixx discusses Kilo as a pillar of the Rock and Roll community
(Emily Nixx/https://kilo943.com/bios/emily-nixx/)
Kilo celebrated its 47th anniversary as a radio station in February. This milestone reflects its deep roots in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and underscores its importance as a radio station. Moreover, Kilo's longevity directly relates to its involvement with its local community.
Program Director Emily Nixx has been a member of Kilo for six years.
“In February, we turned 47 years old. And we, again, stayed in the same format. We build so many relationships with bands and local businesses, venues and everything in between,” Nixx explained. “It was just so surreal that they wanted me to be a part of this history.”
Kilo's promotional efforts do not only involve artists; they work directly with other organizations to positively influence the community.
“We're actually going to do this thing called 'Stuff The Truck' where we go to King Soopers. And we're working with our local Care and Share.” Nixx explained. “We take donations for local families.”
A thrilling part of Nixx's job is the opportunity to meet and interview artists, even most of her favorites.
“I never thought in a million years that I would be able to meet bands, let alone interview them,” Nixx said. “My first day of work ever to fill out paperwork, and this band, The Glorious Sons, was set up right in the middle of our area.”
Nixx's role as a program director is like that of Jeff Haber from Magic FM. One task both individuals undergo is creating and submitting proposals to venues and record labels.
“I put in proposals for shows. I'll get blasts from AEG, Live Nation,” Nixx said.
Partnerships are another commonality (like all other entities in the industry). Nixx said that collaboration with The Black Sheep is akin to trade.
“The Black Sheep and Kilo have had a relationship way longer than I've been around — basically since The Black Sheep became The Black Sheep,” Nixx added. “They reach out and say, 'Hey, this band is going to roll through. Put in a proposal,' and then they give us tickets, and then we promote the crap out of the show.”
Nixx explained that a band could come to the studio for an interview, and after that, some artists will go to perform at The Black Sheep. All the while, Nixx might be promoting the event on 94.3 Kilo. Additionally, Nixx said that she might attend a show at The Black Sheep, and sometimes, she'll do stage announcements or meet-and-greets.
According to Nixx, Kevin Zirfas, (general manager of The Black Sheep), Bryan Ostrow (owner of What's Left Records) and Sean (Kilo's afternoon show host) grew up together.
This friendship and partnership between Kilo, The Black Sheep and What's Left Records connects more than the establishments but brings the Colorado Springs, Colorado, community closer together.
Does the story end here?
No.
A monumental player hasn't had the opportunity to share its narrative — Warner Records.
Members of The Black Sheep, What's Left Records, VENU, Magic FM and Kilo have heavily discussed record labels as crucial figures. Keep reading to learn about record label operations.