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10 Questions with ... Miss I.D.
December 13, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started my career in radio as a teen in 1999 at listener-sponsored radio WBAI 99.5FM in NYC. I interned for a couple of years before becoming a board op and helping to produce a few of their daily programs. Over time, I became the creator and Executive Producer of a yearly 24-hour radio broadcast called "The Hip-Hop TakeOver," honoring Hip-Hop's pioneers, legends and icons. I was also WBAI's morning announcer Monday through Friday and had a Tuesday late-night music show. I also worked for 107.5 WBLS and its sister station, 1190AM WLIB in NYC, on two different occasions. First time around I was a board op and Continuity Director. Second time around I worked as a (fill-in) morning traffic and news anchor during the Steve Harvey Morning Show and Yolanda Adams Morning Show. I also worked in the Production Department and was a DJ/Mixer on WBLS. While still at WBLS, the station was bought my Emmis Communications. During this time I was also an on-air personality, for a short time on the weekends, on HOT97, and full time as a Commercial Production Assistant.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I DJ! I love DJ'ing! Music relaxes me ... Well, the right song. I also write in my journal. I got a story to tell like Biggie!
2) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
I definitely check out you guys at All Access Music Group as well as Indeed.com.
3) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
Every day for a couple of months while in high school, I would trek to Times Square, stand outside the entrance of MTV and ask anyone if they would give me a job. This was during the TRL days. I once asked singer Ginuwine for a job after his interview with Carson Daly. He just smiled and hugged me. I didn't want a hug! I wanted to work! Needless to say, I never got an MTV job.
4) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I still want to continue in radio, but my next step is to own a bar/lounge in the next two years.
5) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
Well, most places get back to you, but some others aren't too good at responding. I figure they're inundated with emails.
6) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
I feel I'm able to separate myself because I'm not JUST an on-air talent, but I'm an on-air talent who does news, DJs and handles production, including imaging. I've worked as a Continuity Director and helped to plan and organize successful station events. I've learned to be a jack of all trades.
7) Are you able to slow down and enjoy free time doing things with your family and friends that you probably did not have time to do while you were working?
Absolutely! I've taken a couple of trips, gone to a few concerts, PARTIED with my home girls, spent time with my parents and cat Tyra Banks.
8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
My biggest career accomplishment, I must say, was creating, producing, and executing The Hip-Hop TakeOver 24-hour radio marathon on WBAI. This event took months to prepare with great teamwork to get the DJs, artists, sponsors, promotion, schedules, etc. together. It sounded great, but it's not all glitz and glamour. We spent two to three days at the station, at times, to make sure things were right.
9) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
I miss talking to listeners, and you never know what to expect, especially when it's breaking news or your station is breaking a new song. I do NOT miss working in the Traffic department. Anyone working in the Traffic department deserves a raise! Like, immediately.
10) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
The advice I would give is to be patient, be humble, and work hard. In that order.
Bonus Questions
Your favorite new diversion is ...
Netflix! Luke Cage, baby! And Stranger Things was my unexpected and absolute fave! I watched that in one day. Sadly.
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