Curtis McKinney is a veteran broadcaster, concert promoter, record label executive, and venue operator based in Carlsbad, New Mexico. With over two decades of experience spanning radio syndication, national concert promotion, artist development, and live entertainment, he stands as a cornerstone of independent entertainment operations in the Southwest.
McKinney built his foundation in radio. As a nationally syndicated host, his programs aired on more than 200 stations across both rock and country formats, bridging the gap between artists and coast-to-coast audiences. His acclaimed on-air work included hosting Cranked Up Country Nights on 105.1 KWMW (W105) for MTD Radio, and prior to his retirement, co-hosting the popular Cranked Up Live radio show alongside Brad Hennington. His broadcasting excellence earned him DJ of the Year nominations in Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, and with the TMCA. Furthermore, he secured back-to-back wins for DJ of the Year, Interview of the Year, and Specialty Show of the Year in 2023 and 2024 from the New Mexico Broadcasters Association (NMBA).
Through his company Carlsbad Live, LLC, McKinney manages the Walter Gerrells Performing Arts Center (WGPAC). Operating under contract with the City of Carlsbad, he oversees programming, venue rentals, and large-scale live events at the city's premier performance space.
As the founder and owner of Cranked Up Records—distributed globally by Virgin Music Group—McKinney leads a dynamic roster spanning country, rock, pop-punk, folk, and comedy. The label provides comprehensive artist services, from studio production and marketing to worldwide distribution, and its artists' music has collectively achieved millions of streams across major streaming platforms.
In the digital media space, McKinney holds ownership in the Rock Rage Network, a Florida-based company operating properties including Rock Rage Radio, Brews Radio, Mud Radio, Country Rage Radio, and Tattoo Metal Radio. The network commands a massive audience, averaging 1.2 million interactions per week across the platform. Its flagship, Rock Rage Radio, streams licensed mainstream rock and metal 24/7 while elevating independent bands.
Alongside co-founder Chad Jones, McKinney established the CrankCast brand. Together, they are preparing to launch CrankCast TV, a music streaming channel soon to debut on Roku and Fire TV that will feature hosted programming and a weekly Top 25 countdown. They also operate CrankCast Jukebox, LLC, an independent jukebox route company partnered with AMI Entertainment. Providing digital jukeboxes for bars, restaurants, and venues, the rapidly growing route manages equipment, music licensing, and revenue sharing across six states.
McKinney is the author of 4 AM Truths: Chasing the Stage, Surviving the Sharks (Panda Publishing), an unflinching look at the financial practices, scams, and traps facing artists in today's music industry. The book debuted as a #1 New Release on Amazon, achieved #1 Best Seller status in Music Business, and held top-five Best Seller positions across the Musicals, Music Business, and Small Business categories.
