Interview: Scotty Crane, Broadcaster, WCKG 105.9FM, Shaken, Not Stirred
8th March 2003

Our liaison with US radio broadcasting legend in the making, Scotty Crane!

What motivates you?

I am trying to fight the evils of consumerism. And make money doing it. That way, I can buy stuff.

What's your background?

Class clown, musician, record producer.

How did you get a start in the media and entertainment business?

I started performing in Jr. High School bands - and by the time I was 21 - I was producing other bands in local studios. I was becoming quite successful - but I felt a little empty. For fun, I started making funny little radio skits with a friend from High School, Johnny Seattle, and through that "Shaken, Not Stirred" was born.

When I first started doing live radio - it hit me like a ton of bricks - what the hell was I doing in the music
business? Radio was my true calling. It felt very natural to me.

My dad was a well known talk radio host in Los Angeles from 1956 to 1965. He was called the "King of the LA Airwaves." And he is considered a real innovator. He is even in the Museum of Broadcasting History. So it's in my DNA.

Tell us about the success of your promo letter?

The promo letter was really designed to diffuse a possible situation where people might see "Shaken, Not Stirred" as being mean spirited. That letter makes it clear up front that we are not above anyone else - and more often than not, we are the targets of our own jokes - we traffic in self depreciating humor.

What's your greatest accomplishments to date?

Surviving my teen age years.

Having our radio show nominated for the Peabody awards (twice!) Producing a Grammy nominated comedy album (David Cross). Marrying the love of my life, Michelle.

What are you most well known for?

Fighting Sony Pictures. A real David and Goliath situation that I would say I won. The movie, Auto Focus, which was loosely based on my family, only made two million in the American box office - and the CD soundtrack sold something like 292 copies in the first thirteen weeks.

What would you like to be known for?

My comedy radio show. Humor in general.

How do you let the world that your revolutionizing radio?

By beating the system. Our program get bigger ratings than the more commercial programming being offered in similar time slots. Most of our advertising is word of mouth!

What are your current projects?

We are in negotiations with a major record company regarding the release of a CD "Best Of" from the vaults of "Shaken, Not Stirred." There is also talk of an animated comedy series based on the characters of "Shaken, Not Stirred."

How do you know when you have done a good job?

When I can get a belly laugh out of an innocent bystander- that's when I'll stop fiddling with it. I always invite strangers into the studio when we are creating - it keeps us in check with the outside world.

What media coverage have you attracted?

The BBC has broadcast "Shaken, Not stirred" several times - in over 200 countries! We have also had articles written in the local daily newspapers and the weekly alternative papers - as well as the main radio and entertainment trades.

What makes a good movie?

Two words; J Lo.

What is your motto?

Always have a motto to offer someone in case you get asked, 'What's your motto'.'

Favorite Zen Quotes:

"These cuffs are made of tensiled steel. It would take you ten minutes to hack through them if you're quick. And if you're lucky, you can hack through your ankle in five." - Mel - "Lethal Passion" - Gibson

If I gave my heart to you... I'd have none and you'd have two.

-Michael J. Dundee

What's the best thing about living where you do?

I know where the bathroom is.

How did you get on KQBZ The Buzz?

The program director, Kris Olinger, is braver than most. She realized our show was great for station imaging, even if it was only one hour a week.

Why Saturday nights?

Well, psychologically, it wouldn't feel like much of an event Wednesday at 2pm.

What are your plans for the future?

My wife and I are expecting our first child - we are six months into it - and man oh man my ankles are really starting to swell. So I've got a future in diapers.

As a side note: My mom and dad were in Australia when they were six months pregnant with me. We were there for the Logie Awards.

In a way, doing this interview with you is my coming full circle.

What do you like about Australia?

Yahoo Serious. I love that guy.

What's the first thing you'd do if you were president?

I'd rename America "Scottland." Then I'd invite AC/DC to come play on the White House Lawn. I'd also make Chuck Barris give "The Gong Show" back to Australia.

Do you mind being called 'Yank' or 'Seppo'?

No. Do you mind being called a "Banana Bender" or a "Koala Fuc*er"?

I think this interview is over.

No, wait . . . seriously, do you agree with the general world consensus that Americans are ignorant
and arrogant?

Listen here Wombat breath; you are as dumb as a Galah.

I am a proud American, and you can't speak to me that way. Don't make me kick your ass.

Je ne parle pas français.

...end.

Editors note: This guy has a method to his madness - I think! In any event, he's dam funny, ballsy and draws ratings. Sounds like a lethal combination. Look out Howard Stern, look out Michael Moore and look out World!

Links:

Interview - Scotty Crane & Johnny Seattle

Shaken, Not Stirred

Sample audio

"Moses: King of Men" skit - with Sylvester Stallone as Moses
(audio from Scotty Crane's Shaken, Not Stirred

Radio Stations and "jocks" we like (whose websites are working)!

KQBZ FM

Howard Stern

Media Man Australia links

Multimedia (including numerous radio station interviews)

Media Man Australia Interviews

Bob Levy

Harry Shearer

Evan Ginzburg

Eric Rhodes (Clear Channel)