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Staff Spotlight: Haley Solomon

Haley Solomon interviews Briston Maroney at Moon River 2022.
Photo by Nessa Parrish
/
WUTC
Haley Solomon interviews Briston Maroney at Moon River 2022.

Get to know Haley Solomon, the voice behind multiple WUTC shows, as she shares her favorite moments, behind-the-scenes insights in this exclusive Q&A.

What first inspired you to get involved in radio and music programming?

Richard Winham. I volunteered at WUTC my senior year of high school and spent most of my hours hanging out with Richard, talking about music. He gave me my first radio show that year and I have been hooked ever since.

What’s one of your favorite moments or interviews you’ve had as a host?

One of my favorite moments was interviewing Abraham Alexander. I first saw him perform at Moon River in 2022 and was immediately moved by his music and words. After tracking down his PR team, we were able to schedule a Zoom interview. Abraham was incredibly kind, open, and shared his journey—from a soccer injury that ended his career to finding self-discovery through music. It felt like we had become friends during that conversation.

A few months later, when Abraham was announced for Bonnaroo 2023, I reached out again and we finally met in person. It was amazing to catch up and reflect on how far he'd come in his career. That moment really highlighted how these interviews are all about connection. Everyone, even rock stars, has a story to share, and I feel lucky to be able to connect with them and share those stories with our listeners.

What’s the most rewarding part of directing a program or overseeing station operations?

I really enjoy having the opportunity to try and make things better: for our listeners, our community or even just for our small team of station employees! It’s especially rewarding when those attempts work and we all get to see our efforts succeed. When things don't work out the way we had planned, it at least helps us learn what to try differently and I think that always helps us get closer to success.

What’s the most memorable live show or concert you’ve attended in the past few years, and what made it special?

One of the most memorable shows I’ve seen in the past few years was Trio Mediæval at the 2024 Big Ears Music Festival in Knoxville. The trio, who sing medieval polyphonic music, performed in St. John's Episcopal Cathedral with no mics or instruments—just their voices, perfectly blending and amplified by the cathedral itself. It felt like being transported back in time, and it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Trio Mediæval isn’t something I’ll casually listen to at home—it’s an experience I can only relive in that cathedral, surrounded by the sounds of our ancestors.

When you’re not hosting or producing, what do you like to do in your free time?

I am a total nerd. So, in my free time I run a high school Model UN program with my sister, do jigsaw puzzles with my husband, cuddle with my kitties, play video games on my switch, board games with my friends, and host wine tasting parties with my dad!