-
10 Questions with ... Master Jay
April 28, 2015
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I worked on-air and did morning show production for years at Jam'n 94.5, spent a few years as APD/MD and did afternoon drive at Jammin 107.7 (WWRX/New London, CT), then went on-air for a few years and did production at WERZ in Portsmouth, NH.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I learn to adapt because things change, and so do circumstances, especially when it comes to broadcasting. I never see change as a threat, though. Instead, I see it as an opportunity to learn, grow, evolve and become a better person. I allow myself to see beyond what others think is possible. I commit myself to being innovative and setting myself apart from the competition and that's what keeps me motivated.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I stay busy doing web design and flyers for nightclubs, and I also run my own DJ service and do audio production, so I am always on the move.
3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
Absolutely! Radio and music are in my blood and I would be lying if I said I wouldn't stick with it. I've been in radio since I was 12 and those were the days of vinyl records, reel-to-reels, CDs and pulling carts, so lots of blood, sweat and tears have gone into it!
4) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
If you're just starting out, get an internship! You'll not only get your foot in the door, but you'll get to see first-hand whether or not it is something you'd like to be doing on a day-to-day basis. If you have experience and want to get your foot in the door, the best advice I can give is to stay persistent and be creative. You need to set yourself apart from everyone else!
5) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
AllAccess is a big resource, but apart from that I would say word-of-mouth. It helps to know as many people in this business as you possibly can so you can get the inside scoop on an opening before it makes it on AllAccess.
6) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
I am very innovative and come with lots of experience! I'm a very well-rounded radio personality and can wear a variety of different hats while working a shift in any daypart. I am very passionate about radio and have no problem multi-tasking. I'm great with production, web design, marketing, creating mix shows ... you name it, I can do it!
7) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
Probably even more so than usual! I am constantly flipping through stations to listen and see what's out there on terrestrial radio. It gives me ideas for when I land at my next gig!
8) What do you miss most about radio? The least?
I miss how hands-on the business used to be! Everything is automated now, so the days of getting up to pull carts and music are pretty much over. I don't really miss that old reel-to-reel machine. I clearly remember having to quickly splice contest winners, and calls in under a minute and I, like most other veteran jocks, have scars for life from that damn razor blade! (Thank God for VoxPro).
9) If you were offered a similar position to what you were doing for considerably less money, would you seriously consider taking the job just to stay in the biz?
I have a strong passion for radio, so for me it's not about the money! As long as I have a job in radio broadcasting and it's enough to pay the bills I'm happy.
10) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
Learn as much as you can about radio! Diversify your skill set and be as good as you can be at all of the skills you pursue. It takes more than just talking into a mic to be successful in this business, so learn how to program music, create music logs, maybe do some web design, and master the art of production and creativity. Stay persistent and don't give up ... if someone tells you no; well that's as bad as it will ever be. Keep at it until someone says yes, and that yes may just change your life!
Bonus Questions
Care to contribute a recipe for our "On The Beach" cookbook?
I'm not much of a cook, but I can make a mean drink so I'll contribute one of my favorite drink recipes! If you like coconut you should try making Coquito! It tastes like a tropical coconut eggnog and you can make it with or without alcohol.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (12 oz. each) evaporated milk
- 1 can (15 oz.) cream of coconut
- 1 can (13.5 oz.) coconut milk
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup white rum (optional)
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon, plus more for garnish, if desired
- cinnamon sticks (optional)
Directions
- In bowl of blender, add evaporated milk, cream of coconut, coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, rum (if using), vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. Blend on high until mixture is well combined, about a minute or so.
- Pour coconut mixture into a container, preferably a glass bottle; then cover. Transfer to refrigerator. Chill until cold.
- To serve, stir or shake bottle well to combine. Pour into a small glass and ENJOY! Garnish with ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks, if desired.
-
-