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10 Questions with ... Justin Kase
March 8, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I was born in Utah and raised in Las Vegas. Moved to Atlanta while in high school. I spent a lot of time hanging out at Hot 107.9 WHTA with Ryan Cameron, Emperor Searcy, DJ Doc and Romina Debraux while working as a ballboy for the Hawks ... which gave me my interest in radio. I got an internship and Reggie Rouse gave me a chance, working with numerous radio stations (V-103 WVEE, 97.5 KVEG, 1073 Jamz WJMZ, Hot 981 WHZT) to name a few. Then I got a call to host Zaytoven Radio aired on Sirius radio for a while. He is the #1 Hip-Hop producer in the world, and the sound behind Gucci Mane. I am still working with Zaytoven six years later, but I'm ready to get on commercial radio again ASAP, to continue on the path that was planned for me.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
Since I have officially been off the air for four years I do a lot of things to keep myself from getting depressed about not doing what I love, and what comes natural. I voiceover radio commercials, host mixtapes, work with Zaytoven the "Super Producer," go hiking, hang out with my wife and stepkids, hit the gym, read books, constantly post on public platforms to keep my name out there, and anything to find a job. It's taken a toll on me, but I finally got over that. I am the most motivated individual ever, and I'm very passionate about radio/music. I continue to always practice, and stay current with the new trends, software, and music.
2) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
I am sticking with radio until the day I retire. My whole life has been around entertainment, and nothing makes me happier than being in-front of the mic speaking to my audience, or as I call them, my family. To me there is nothing better than walking in everyday to talk into a mic! It's very exciting, fun, different and fast-paced.
3) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
The longest stretch I have had is four years. I am applying EVERYWHERE ... and nothing.
4) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Sometimes the best way to get in the door is to take an internship, a board op job, or promotions. Once you get in the door, the sky is the limit!
5) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
That is funny you asked. I would say your site AllAccess.com is my personal favorite. I look at your site probably 30 times a day hoping my job is on the site. I see every potential job as mine. I don't hesitate on applying.
6) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
When I was in high school, I saw kids at the NBA game giving players water, towels, Gatorade, sitting on the bench, and playing ball with them on the court. I asked somebody what job that would be called. So I found out who to apply with, and his name was Pete Radulovic. I sent him the same letter every day for 30 days. Finally he broke down and called me. I think his exact words were "Stop sending me the same letter, get your ass here to the stadium tonight, what size do you wear, and here's the address." I worked as a ballboy for the Atlanta Hawks for four years. My dad always said persistence is the key.
7) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
Full-time on-air/production/ imaging. I would like to be in Florida, Arizona, Atlanta, Charlotte, LAS VEGAS-HOME, Denver or California.
8) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
The way they interact with you now sucks. They don't have the decency to message you back to say, "Sorry, you're not the sound we need." So you sit around pondering, and going nuts hoping they will contact you. A simply "no" is so much better than nothing. I am very respectful. It's hard to hurt my feelings. Just tell me what is going on.
9) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
Like Steven Crumbley tells me all the time. "Justin, the one thing that you have that struck my attention was: You have a voice that's not too white, street. You have a look that the ladies love, and you know how to speak to a crowd. We need more of you. Your production is at a level that is incredible ... that makes you want to get to that event."
So with that said, I am there early for every shift. Give me a mic or camera, and I'm ready to go as soon as you say go. The phone lines are always blinking red. I am constantly on the street, meeting people in my off-time to get more people to listen. My production/imaging/voice really stands out. You will not regret hiring "Justin Kase." Just give me a shot, and you will never regret that decision. :)
10) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
To get a call from Humble G saying that "Zaytoven" the Super producer (Gucci Mane, Oj Da Juiceman, Young Ralph, Usher, Rick Ross, Soulja Boy, Tracy T, Bankroll Fresh, and many others) needs me to host Zaytoven Radio. Billions of people in the world to choose from, and he chose me. Been working with him since 2008, and love every minute of it.
Bonus Questions
Care to contribute a recipe for our "On The Beach" cookbook?
Yes. I love eating chili. So here is my chili recipe.
- 2 pounds of angus meat
- 4 cans of diced Italian tomatoes
- 4 cans of dark kidney beans
- 1 can great northern beans
- 6 shakes of Tapatio Hot Sauce
- 4 shakes of cumin
- 5 shakes of Montreal Steak Seasoning
Brown meat, mix Tapatio, add Montreal Steak Seasoning
Add tomatoes, beans, and repeat first step minus beef.
Adjust the spices to your liking.
Then enjoy!!!
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