Alumni Spotlight: Matt Weitzel (2017)

May 16th, 2023 by Charlie Wahlberg

Matt Weitzel, from the class of 2017 describes the path from WLOY to working in radio today, and how his experiences at WLOY prepared him for his career.

 Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your show at WLOY?

A: My show was “It’s A Hard Rock Life” and we played everything from Avenged Sevenfold to Pearl Jam, to Taking Back Sunday. There was also a spinoff called “It’s A Harder Rock Life” that aired Saturdays at midnight where we played all the metal (and its 7 million subgenres) that we got yelled at for playing during the daytime show!

Q: Who would you say your top played artist on the show was? 

A: Probably a tie between Metallica and Say Anything

Q: Who is your current favorite artist?

A: The Glorious Sons

Q: Did your experiences at WLOY transfer into your work? If so, how? 

A: I’m Digital Content Coordinator (and Craft Beer Guy) for 100.7 The Bay right here in Baltimore. Simply put, I would’ve never gotten a job in radio if it hadn’t been for WLOY. The on-air work, the production skills, and how social media plays into it were essential to me finding my way through a radio career.

Q: Tell us your favorite memory as a DJ and WLOY.

A: Aside from the countless conversations both goofy and deadly serious with John, and Tara Howell…Getting to interview one of my favorite bands, I, The Breather, on their farewell tour is a memory I’ll always go back to.

Q: What is one piece of advice for current students looking to enter the broadcasting/entertainment industry? 

A: Don’t say no (at least for the first few years). Take every chance that you’re given to prove yourself, learn something new, or otherwise establish yourself as someone competent and dependable. Jobs in broadcasting aren’t exactly growing in number these days, so any chance you get to swing the bat, swing for the fences…or at least get on base!