CJ Morgan is the newest member of the 101x team and you can hear him every weekday from 2-7p. We tried to get to know who the radioman known as “The Captain” really is.
How long have you been in radio?
If you don’t count the shows I did as a kid with my tape recorder, or my college radio morning show, 12 years.
My dad is what we call a ‘prize pig.’ He was always calling in to win stuff and dragging me out to live remotes (below is when we won a raft at during a radio contest at the grocery store). I guess I was destine for this business.
How do you feel about returning to 101x?
Really excited. I got my start here but also spent years afterwards at the competition thrusting the tip of the spear in a non-existent radio war so it’s also weird. Overall, I am happy to continue being able to express my creativity, do fun radio & online stuff, and play/interact with some new music that I am into in a great station that I listened to even before I worked in radio.
What’s the biggest difference (besides the obvious) that you have noticed so far?
So much faster paced. The songs are shorter than I am used to. It’s live radio. I get stuck in the weeds and panic and can’t think of what to say next as the song winds down. In one way it is thrilling and in another it feels terrifying.
Who are some of your favorite artists?
This is always a tough question because it constantly changes. I’ll say over the last 5-10 years it has been consistently been The National, TV on th Radio, Interpol, The xx, Purity Ring, Beirut, and Yeasayer.
Recently: Father John Misty, Angel Olsen, Sharon Van Etten, HEALTH, James Blake,
All time probably Radiohead, Sigur Ros, Wu Tang Clan, and *sigh* Dave Matthews Band.
What was the best and worst interviews you’ve had on air?
Best: Walker Lukens, Quiet Company, Wild Belle. Worst: Black Keys (I was sick and got Dan sick), Polica (she was not having my shit plus wasn’t in the band until recently and most of my questions were about the past).
What do you like to do in your free time?
Play with my puppies, construct artwork, do yard and house work, build Legos, play video games (Zelda, Red Dead, Skyrim), go camping and kayaking.
How many pets do you have?
Two, Mr. President and Pickle! (and Miles, RIP).
Pickle!
Mr. President
What is your favorite snack?
Crispy tacos dipped into cheese enchilada sauce.
What is your favorite music venue in Austin?
Damn. There are so many good ones of all ranges from Cheer Up Charlies to Bass Concert Hall (the best sound), and Stubbs (where I saw my first concert in Austin)… but I am going to go with ACL Live because I love the place and my friends work there and will get upset if I don’t name it.
Sig Ros @ ACL Live
Yeah Yeah Yeahs @ ACL Live
What do you think about Lawless, your new boss?
I FOR ONE, WELCOME AND LOVE MY NEW 101X OVERLORDS.
Man, he gave me my first chance on air because I was eavesdropping on his conversation with Tamo (who is now on ALT97 in LA). She couldn’t fill in on a Saturday shift because she had prior engagements so I yelled out some stupid joke and said I would do it. Five minutes later he walked up and ask if I was serious. After submitting an air check and doing some training BOOM I was an on-air talent in Austin. Not kissing my own ass or his, but he’s always had an eye for talent and has been good about giving us promo kids a weekend slot to start.
The man himself is an enigma. We know nothing about him outside of sports so I will say this: he likes a bad football club in the premiere league, consistently has a good fantasy team but loses in the playoffs, and looks like he knows some sort of martial art.
Enough kissing ass, I will say one thing that always stuck with me when I was doing an aircheck:
“I know this is a break at 3:15am on a Wednesday, but why did/would you say that?” He wasn’t being a dick he was offering legitimate advice to consider what I am saying on the radio and why I am saying it.
Who is your favorite 101x personality?
Me. Duh. Maybe Alfie.
What is your favorite comedy club?
The BYOB gas station that added a stage to do open mics. That and Cap City Comedy Club and the Velv.
What are your top three go to movies?
Life Aquatic, Big Lebowski, and Lord of the Rings… almost any Sword & Sorcery movie.
Would you rather have 5x bigger hands or 5x bigger feet?
I already have big feet plus I feel that would be easier to hide… so I will go with feet.
Do you play any instruments?
No but I compose a lot of songs while in the bathroom and can also make dope beats on Garage Band.
Who is your best friend?
Well, I’ll name all three who also happen to have a connection with 101x: John Laird who hosts Home Grown Live, Gus Elliott who used to do sales for 101x and got me the job here 12 years ago, and Chuy from the DBMShow across the hall.
Where are you originally from?
The dark planes of oblivion.
How long have you been in Austin?
Since it was called Waterloo and SRV would play a pallet fire on top of the Armadillo.
We should address the elephant in the room.
Yeah, we should. I don’t know how to address this other than to say I don’t feel good with how it went down. I don’t know and probably can’t talk about it anyhow.. all the behind the scenes stuff so I will just tell you about the relationship I had with Toby.
Toby was always there for me as a friend and mentor. He always had solid advice with how to navigate my way through this weird business. Even though I worked at a different station, he helped me book artists to interview for ACL Fest and SXSW etc. I promise not to let him down nor will I let people forget his legacy.
Did you really try to make out with Deb?
No, I didn’t. But I also didn’t not try to always put myself into a position so maybe she would look/at maybe one day make out with me.
What was the last show you attended?
It was actually a comedy show, Punch! At Cap City.
Have you ever been haunted?
Yes, there is the ghost of the previous homeowner in my house and she fucks with other people that live there but generally likes and protects me.
What is your favorite beer?
Whichever one will sponsor me.
What is your favorite restaurant?
A few of the best go to places around the radio station are Amayas, Hillberts, Cenote and McDonalds.
Do you have any tattoos.
Of course, I am a wannabe Austin hipsters. Nautical sleeve on my right, MOTH with a heart (from the Simpsons) on my left arm.
Do you have any lucky items?
Yes but I can’t tell you because then they wouldn’t be lucky.
Do you have in beard tips?
Wash it, brush it and use a bit of conditioner and beard oil.
Do you listen to any podcasts?
Hardcore History, The Bone Zone, Joe Rogan (like every bro my age), Weird Brunch, MMMCast, and some of those stupid true crime ones.
What is your biggest goal with your new shift on 101x?
I want to have fun and want the people listening to feel like they are a part of a group of friends having fun. I want people to participate in the show. I also want my creative friends, local weirdos, comedians, and musicians to all be a part of the show. I am also excited I get to share some of my musical and comedic tastes with 101x listeners while discovering new stuff at the same time.
