We were lucky to catch up with Kevin McElroy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kevin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

It started with my realization that the radio industry was overlooking a lot of great music, especially the hard rock and heavy metal genres. I saw an opportunity to fill that void in the local marketplace and established PhillyRockRadio.com in 2012. As an internet radio platform, we’re able to broadcast a broad range of music, including popular and lesser-known tracks, as well as underground, independent, and locally sourced offerings. We’re committed to promoting a diverse range of rock music and supporting the vibrant music scene in our local community.

Of course, I have a deep appreciation for traditional terrestrial radio and its significance in the entertainment industry. But, internet radio presents different opportunities and challenges that allow us to offer an alternative listening experience. Naming the station Philly Rock Radio, was paying homage to our hometown’s radio stations and the exceptional DJs who influenced us growing up.

As for how I executed the idea, it wasn’t easy. I started out by brokering time on a local AM radio station, but soon realized that the majority of our listeners were tuning in online. So, I made the switch to an internet-based platform. As a newcomer to radio broadcasting, I had to learn everything from software and hardware equipment to audio production and mixer boards. I also had to ensure compliance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), a law that regulates the use of copyrighted materials on digital platforms. From November 2011 until our station’s official launch on February 12, 2012, I devoted myself to a deep-dive crash course, many late nights learning everything I needed to know. It was challenging, but also fun and rewarding to explore and discover new and long-forgotten tunes.

Kevin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a marketing professional with over 27 years of experience in this area. I graduated from Rutgers University in 1994 with a BA in Art, focusing on Graphic Design and Computer Animation. My career began as a graphic designer and project coordinator in the marketing department of The Wall Music, a subsidiary of UK company Waterstones, located in Philadelphia, PA.

In 1996, I became the Creative Director at Marketing Results, a database marketing company specializing in the casino industry, entertainment, and hospitality. I was promoted to Vice President of Creative Services in 2007, and for the past 27 years, my team and I have designed both print and digital marketing materials for over 150 casino clients. We specialize in creating everything from direct mail, mobile applications, websites, emails, outdoor advertising, logos, copywriting, brand identity development, ad campaigns, tv and radio commercials, and much more.

What sets me apart now are the 30 years’ worth of creative solutions I have under my belt. It makes me very fast producing creative solutions to complex problems my clients face. My goal is to make their stuff look awesome and hit home with their target audience. I’ve got the skills, passion, and experience to get the job done right. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that I am a dedicated and experienced professional who is passionate about helping businesses succeed through effective marketing strategies. Whether it’s creating a compelling website, designing an eye-catching ad campaign, or developing a brand identity, I’m committed to delivering high-quality work that meets my clients’ needs and exceeds their expectations.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience. Trying to build a following can be pretty overwhelming, especially with social media being so competitive. There are tons of platforms out there, like podcasts, livestreams, and YouTube channels, which makes it even harder to stand out. Philly Rock Radio is all about catering to a specific group of people who love radio and enjoy listening to DJ presenters, as well as discovering new and obscure rock music. We’ve noticed that a lot of our competitors have disappeared or stopped making new episodes, but we’ve persisted, and we’re proud to say that our station has a dedicated following. We’re always looking for ways to improve and stay ahead of the curve. We don’t make any money from this – it’s a total passion project. We pay for things like domain names, website hosting, broadcasting platforms, music royalties, software, hardware, and travel for remote broadcasts. Plus, we have to buy music to play on the air. But we’re lucky to have a small team of dedicated music lovers who are committed to bringing you the best content possible. You’ll hear from folks like Brian Basher (our program director) and presenters like Big Poppa, Jimmy Red Hot, Greg, Johnny E, Ron Keel, Melissa DeBrigida-Parent, and Donn Parent – they’re all super important to our operation. Our goal is to build a big audience that really loves what we do. Plus, we’re all about promoting bands and artists, both signed and independent. And we LOVE our Philly local bands like As We Become Ghosts, Rat Rod, The Circus Hearts, Whiskey Grin, Age of Ore, Carte Blanch, Sic Vikki, Heavens Edge, Lady Diesel, Creem Circus, MonteCarlo, The Age of Truth and Seems Like Tuesday — just to name a few!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Everything’s constantly changing. Nowadays, people don’t just want to listen to the radio – they want to watch a video form of the broadcast too. Radio’s always been a passive thing, and to keep up with the times, internet radio needs to be more accessible. Luckily, new cars and mobile apps are making it easier for people to discover online stations like Philly Rock Radio, but there’s still a lot of work to be done. With digital, social media and search engines, the only constant is change. Algorithms are always evolving. You need to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices. This is especially true in the world of video, where new equipment and techniques are constantly emerging. It adds another dimension to building an audience. Whether it’s creating a YouTube channel, producing podcasts, or streaming live on social media, there’s always something to learn and re-learn. And as the competition for attention continues to heat up, it’s important to try and keep up. At Philly Rock Radio, we’re committed to delivering the highest-quality content to our viewers and listeners, no matter where they are or how they prefer to consume media.

Contact Info:

• Website: phillyrockradio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillyrockradio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhillyRockRadio
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-mcelroy-3182386/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/KevinLa44221032

Image Credits
Ryan McElroy