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10 Questions with ... Jamon "JayTek" Perry
July 28, 2015
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Worked in Buffalo, NY; Atlanta; Wilmington, NC; Shreveport, LA; Dallas; and for the second time in Atlanta.
1) What do you like about radio?
I love that is a big part of a culture that is continuously evolving, changing and growing. I really enjoy touching the people, being in the streetz, meeting people, and doing things that help grow the brand, both for the station and my own brand.
2) Do you have any fond memories of the station or stations you grew up with?
I have many fond memories of WBLK in Buffalo, where I grew up, listening to some incredible talents, which helped shape my own sound. Rockin Roger Moore, Hurricane Dave, DJ Hukher, Skip Dillard, Keith Pollard, and so many more, I could go on and on, with great talented names and people
3) Would you share with us some of the people who have influenced your career?
Skip Dillard really influenced me a lot, as well as John Long, George Cook and my current boss/employer, Steve Hegwood. I really learned a lot under these guys in regards to execution and programming. While all of them are very different, I must say that I've learned a lot of valuable information from them, that I intend to use as I further my career, on and off radio.
4) Could you share with us the Atlanta music scene and how Streetz 94 deals with it?
The Atlanta music scene is extremely rich with talent, and I deal with it as it comes. I pride myself on being very approachable, I give my e-mail address to EVERYONE, because I never want to miss out on a hit. My station has gained lots of notoriety because we have been the driving force on so much of the music that is currently being played worldwide, and coming directly from ATL. We break all of the hip-hop records in Atlanta.
5) Would you share with us a typical work day from station to the clubs?
I start working everyday at about 8:30a, I do a lot of production at home, so I usually start there, and then I take it to work with me and I am at the station from 9:30a until 7:30p. I also do a lot of clubs (five nights per week) (off nights Mon-Tues) so I may go home for tww hours after work and then it's out to a club and sometimes, two clubs in a night. I spin, meet new talent, and get as much of a feel for what people are requesting and reacting to. Then I go home get a little sleep and do it all over again the next day. (I love my job.)
6) How do you envision the future for Hip-Hop?
The future of hip-hop is in great hands with some of this talent coming up now. This culture is full of extremely talented and creative people who only continue to drive the culture forward. It will always be a necessary format and every genre will continue to pick and borrow from it.
7) Can you share your thoughts on the future of radio?
I don't care how many Internet stations and podcasts pop up. There will always be terrestrial radio; it's gonna be around.
8) Do you think it is important to be an on-air PD?
I definitely think so, because the way this industry is set up, it's all about saving money for these corporations and as long as you can do multiple jobs, there will always be a need for you. So yes, being in the programming department and being able to execute an air shift is important because I am more attractive to companies who are looking for multi-taskers.
9) Do you have a favorite radio memory, something funny or heartwarming?
None specific, but I have come across some really good and entertaining people in every market that I've worked. The listeners who are active and call every day are the people who have made my career enjoyable and made the shows entertaining for the audience.
10) If a genie in a bottle gave you three wishes, what would they be?
- MORE MONEY - Almost everything costs something nowadays and in order to pull off some of these great promotions, it takes money. So first wish, money would be no issue, as well as for myself. I don't care how much money you make in radio you'll never have enough.
- TIME - Time to groom these new young talented people. While most of them are really talented they are "green" and they don't have the fundamentals of execution on their side.
- MORE TALENT - While there are some good talented personalities out here, I haven't seen many new "STARS." Where is the next "Tom Joyner," "Russ Parr," "Doug Banks?"
Bonus Questions
Would you share your personal goals for the future?
My personal goal for the future is to become a VP/Programming for a company. I love applying what I've learned to other people who want to be in radio just as bad as myself. I love sowing seeds, so that is my goal.
What advice do you have for those who want to go into radio?
Be a sponge, be flexible, and most importantly, be willing to work. There are so many talented people who want to be stars, but don't want to do the work to become a star. Be genuinely interested in this art form, it's not just a job, it's an art. Treat it as such, be patient and watch your dreams come true.
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