Dave Frisina: A chat with Syracuse’s Music Guru
When I moved here to Syracuse about 5 years ago I was a guy who had to start all over in a new music city that doesn’t know me. On the west coast I had 30 years of building up my deal, so it was no longer difficult to get shows or sell records. I never really had to call for a gig in my last several years there… I just answered emails or the phone and said “yes” or “no.”
The name of the game when you go to a city where you are anonymous is to start making friends. The first person I made myself known to was Dave Frisina on the advice of my old pal Bruce Clayton. And while some of the doors I was knocking on would reply, “never heard of you, go away…” Dave spun my record at the very next airing of his show. The song was called “Sixteen Seconds,” and it includes an instrumental passage that I designed to last for 16 seconds. No one ever got that, including my band. Dave listened to this song and emailed me referencing that exact passage and that he thought it was neat.
I was blown away. Blown away because this tells me he’s really listening. Afterall, who listens closely in our fast-moving, microwave-quick, low attention span world, anymore.?
Obviously, I was an instant fan of Dave because, for him, it really is about the music. Since then I’ve regarded him as the most important human energy in Syracuse’s original music. And while music scenes everywhere are replete with critics who are above going out to enjoy or encourage music, it seems like every time I go out to see live music, there he is, right over there hanging out, talking with musicians. He’s not trying to be attached to anyone else’s fame or momentum or buzz. Dave digs music. Dave digs Syracuse music. A total fan. He’s keeping a very important art form alive an
d well from his corner of the listening world. And you should be grateful you have him here.
You know him well if you listen to the radio. Probably more than I do. Here’s your chance to know him a little bit more in our candid conversation.
CS: Hi Dave. How are’ya?
DF: I’m doing well, Chuck, thanks.
CS: Thanks for doing this interview.
DF: Thank you. Happy to do it.
CS: I think your story begins in Long Island: Did your interest in music begin there? How’d you get to Syracuse?
DF: My interest in music began there as I started playing trumpet in 4th grade, then switched to baritone horn in 8th grade. Through high school I was in Symphonic Band, Marching Band and Jazz Band . My interest in radio was listening to WABC out of NYC on a transistor radio. Later, listening to WLIR and WNEW-fm.
CS: How did you get to Syracuse?
DF: I got to Syracuse via Cortland State, where I graduated as a Phys. Ed. Major. I had also been part of the staff of the student run radio station, WSUC. While looking for a teaching job I heard about a station in Syracuse signing on (95X in 1978) and applied for a weekend position.
CS: You have quite tenure in Syracuse radio. Tell us about your history as a deejay.
DF: From weekends on 95X, I was ‘promoted’ to overnights. Eventually grabbing the midday slot and along the way the Music Director position, Asst. Program Director & PD. After 25 years at 95X , I then spent 8 years at TK99 before joining 105.9 The Rebel in January 2012. I’ve just recently also been hosting 2 daily five hour syndicated Classic Rock shows for the Westwood one network (3p-8p ET).
CS: The good work pays off. Please share a few highlights in your career path.
DF: Believe it or not, it was a highlight early in my career to be the station mascot, the 95X Rockin Rooster. Being nominated for Music Director of the Year and PD of the year by Billboard and Radio & Records Magazine was a nice acknowledgment. But, being inducted into the SAMMY’s Hall of Fame has certainly been a career highlight, along with serving as MC for the Hall of Fame ceremony for the past few years. Hosting my (freeform) “Soulshine” show on Sunday’s (from 10a-2p) and Local music on “Soundcheck” since ’79 (Sunday’s 9-10p) has been extra rewarding. Building The Rebel into the station that it is and continuing to expand its programming is the most fun (and work) I’ve had in my career.
CS: I like it when deejays get to call the plays. I listen to your shows often because of exactly that. Thanks for doing that style of programming. How has the Syracuse music scene changed and/or evolved during your career, here.
DF: There were bigger crowds of younger people (which started to change when drinking age was raised) and the bands had more production elements (light techs and sound ). Plus, the clubs advertised and promoted the bands more (and that was pre-internet.)
There was a shift to more free admission shows just to get people in the door, and lately there seems to be growth in the amount of venues & events that are booking bands, but the younger audience (18-30’s) hasn’t really come back around in the ‘live’ music club scene.
CS: Been nice riding your bike in December?
DF: This year has been exceptionally favorable for late-season riding, I’ll be out Christmas Eve!
CS: Tell us what music means to Dave Frisina.
DF: It’s a creative audio expression, an escape, a communal experience and a connection to a common positive pulse. And it’s fun to dance & sing along, too.
CS: As a musician in this scene I say, “THANK YOU,” for putting the time, effort and love into local music the way you do. You’ve been doing this for a long time. Elaborate on the what and why’s, please.
DF: I’ve been fortunate to be in a position to be able to promote something that I believe in, and make lifelong friends along the way. I understand how great it feels to play music, individually & as part of a band, as well as being an involved spectator. I’m a music fan. Music can bring people together and we have some incredibly gifted and talented musicians in our community. I’d like to do what I can to spread the word.
CS: Amen to that! You spin relevant music as a career, you’re out and about enthusiastically as a fan of music, and among the most welcoming to music and musicians. I can’t wait to how you respond to this: What do you have to say to the CNY audience in regard to the music scene, here?
DF: It’s much too easy, especially in the dead of winter, to stay home and hibernate with all the electronic distractions we have available. But, experiencing music being performed ‘live’ is a living and breathing art form that adds entertainment to our lifestyle and enhances your social circle. Appreciate & take advantage of the fact that we so many terrific musicians right here in our own backyard. Plus, it’s Fun.
CS: What do you have to sagely say to the musicians?
DF: Enjoy what you do because you can. But, in addition to the satisfaction of making music, if you choose to be an entertainer, then remember that showmanship is part of the overall package. Rock on.
CS: Ok, man. That about wraps it up. Thanks, again, for taking the time to chat. DF: Thanks, Chuck.
(Photo with the microphone is a Mike Davis photo.)
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