Meet Carrie Neuman, the midafternoon disc jockey on Annapolis' WRNR.

Greater Annapolis Patch: How long have you been working in radio and how long have you been at WRNR?
Carrie Neuman: My degree is in English literature, which I imagine is helping me to answer these questions, but did nothing to prepare me for a career in radio. Seven years ago I was a full-time mother/part-time waitress (at Killarney House in Davidsonville) when WRNR ran an advertisement looking for new air talent. The ad said, "no experience necessary, send in a CD with some songs and your voice."

So I did and out of many, much more qualified applicants, I was hired. I've been known to "jokingly" tell friends, "It was a trick and I fell for it and found myself working midnight to 6 a.m. shifts for WRNR for $7.50 an hour." It's true I did have to sacrifice but at the same time, I knew I was getting an opportunity I might not have again.

The opportunity to work around the music I was so passionate about and learn from some of the most experienced and well-respected people in the business.

Greater Annapolis Patch: What do you most enjoy about your job?
Neuman: Well, I did get to meet Robert Smith, and interview The Black Keys and hang out with Jack White! It does have its perks but for me, selfishly, I love that my kids think I'm cool, which is actually very uncool of me to say. (Reminder to self: don't let the kids see the Patch article).

Seriously though you wouldn't believe the inroads this gives me into my children's social scenes. Professionally speaking, I really get a rush out of introducing and exposing new artists to people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to hear them. I especially relish being a part of the local music scene and hopefully helping it to flourish.

If I can turn one person on to Pressing Strings or Swampcandy or Alexander Peters, I'm doing my job.

Greater Annapolis Patch: What is your favorite band and type of music?
Neuman: Impossible. Every music lover knows that is an impossible question to answer. I love it all. Honestly, I'll tell you some of my favorites, but it changes constantly—with my mood, my surroundings, the time of year, any number of things and I love it this way.

I never want to be stuck on a genre or time period of music. I'll never stop cherishing my musical memories and old favorites, but I also hope I never stop seeking out, and being open to new music. That being said, I love The Ramones, My Morning Jacket, Kanye, Patsy Cline, Mahalia Jackson, PJ Harvey, Primus, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Drake, Conor Oberst, Band Of Horses, Cole Porter, Roxy Music, The Grateful Dead, Nick Drake, Van Halen, Rush, Bob Marley, Stravinsky, The Raconteurs, Sam Cooke, The Black Keys, The Cure ... see what I mean?

Greater Annapolis Patch: What are you most likely to do when you’re not on the job?
Neuman: I do kinda live and breathe this stuff so if I'm not jammin' with friends, I can often be found checking out live music or doing something silly like karaoke—it happens! I'm a total book worm and I love the outdoors. I once hiked the Appalachian Trail—totally braggin'—hey, that's why I did it!

Greater Annapolis Patch: If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
Neuman: Duh! X-ray vision! Just kidding. This would be a pretty unnecessary super power for a woman! Seriously, the ability to transport from one place to another instantaneously, so I could be there for my daughters whenever they needed me ... or be at McDonalds when I'm hungry.