You’ve heard her voice. Erin Riley was a radio personality at Philadelphia’s WMMR 93.3 in the glory day 1980’s and WXPN 88.5 in the 1990’s. In this interview, Erin Riley humorously shoots the breeze about songwriting, bands, Philadelphia, the radio biz, and of course Tommy Conwell. Quick with a one-liner, Erin Riley shrugs off any attempt to over hype the 1980’s and shares the all important qualities to land a major record deal………cute hair and a prep school pedigree.

Q: You certainly had access to the bands, the clubs, and the fans. With two decades of reflection, was there anything special about the 1980’s (other than parachute pants!) and the local Philadelphia music scene?

Not that I recall.

Q: What was your most embarrassing experience on-air?

Accidentally saying, "You're listening to WYSP, the rock station" while I was at WMMR.

Q: Does songwriting still matter? What ingredients make for a great song?

No, songwriting is overrated. All that matters is 2 turntables and a microphone. Oh, and Pro-Tools.

Q: What was your first impression of Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers? Did you ever think lightning would strike for the Rumblers as an unsigned act?

I was thrilled by the Rumblers live act, but puzzled that Tommy was the only member of the band who spoke English. The other guys were from Delaware.

Q: Are there any inspirational Tommy Conwell songs that would make your desert island classic list?

Yes. "Space Cowboy."  

Q: What are the odds of a garage band landing a deal with a major label today?

Excellent, especially if their father owns the Elite Modeling Agency.  

Q: Philadelphia has a long tradition of live music at local venues like the Kennel Club, 23 East Cabaret, JC Dobbs, Trocodero, Electric Factory, and the Grape Street Pub. Where would you send a thirty-something year old today if they want to experience Philly’s music scene?

Fargo, North Dakota. 

Q: I understand that you attended college in Los Angeles, where movie stars grow on trees and every busboy is pitching a script, what brought you back to Philadelphia?

Cheez Whiz.  

Q: Many may have the impression that a radio personality is a charmed and glamorous position. Tell me the down and dirty reality.

I am a charming and glamorous person.

Q: There always seemed to be an incestuous relationship in the 1980’s between WMMR and the local artists like Robert Hazard the Hooters, Bricklin, Beru Revue, and Tommy Conwell. How did this evolve?

Payola.

Q: Does live performance and entertainment still matter in our MTV-dominated culture? Any memorable gigs you can share?

What's MTV? Memorable gigs? Oh yes. Wham! at the Tower in 1984.

Q: Who is the next buzz band from Philadelphia?

The Strokes