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10 Questions with ... Rida Naser
February 12, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. Be persistent, and don't let the fear of failing hold you back. I was denied my first internship due to lack of experience and was distraught. I kept messaging them asking what I can do differently. It worked out that someone dropped out right before the semester began and they remembered me -- mostly because I wouldn't stop bothering them, and they offered me that position last minute. If I didn't get that internship, I have no idea where I'd be right now
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Past:
- Programming Intern, 92.3 NOW/CBS Radio
- Promotions Assistant, 923. NOW/92.3 AMP Radio/CBS Radio
- Founder/Host, Ram Nation Radio - Farmingdale State College
- Programming Intern, SiriusXM Hits1
- Music Coordinator, SiriusXM 70s on 7, 80s on 8, Radio Margaritaville, and Kirk Franklin's Praise.
Currently:
- APD (Associate Program Director), SiriusXM BPM, Pop2K, & Studio54 Radio
- On-Air Host, SiriusXM BPM (Weekdays 10a-2p ET),
- On-Air Host, SiriusXM Pop2K (Daily Pop Culture News)
- On-Air Host, SiriusXM The Highway (Fill In)
1) Where does your love and passion for Dance music come from?
It actually started after I got on the air. I've always wanted to be on the air and I didn't care even if I got an opportunity to be on the metal channel. I knew BPM was looking for a host, so I basically taught myself dance music. All I had to do was convince them that I knew what I was talking about -- and it worked! Now, that's all I listen to. I'm that girl at a festival that can probably tell you the name of every song in a set.
2) Where and how do you find new music?
Mostly when people send it to me. All of my social media is set to public, and my e-mail isn't hard to find. I try to spend at least one day a week listening to new music that people have sent me.
3) How important is it to you in a male-dominated industry to give the female perspective on music in the BPM music meeting?
Very important. I've been in the industry since I was 19; being young and a female has made me feel extremely defeated at times. Luckily, I work with people who take me seriously when it comes to feedback with the channel.
4) How important to you is social media interaction with artists and listeners?
Extremely. It's unfortunate that I can't take callers during my show, but social media helps me connect with both artists and listeners. It reminds me that I'm not alone in the studio, just talking to myself. There are actual people listening!
5) What is it that you like most about being on-air?
This is hard. I love everything about it. I would say my favorite thing is being able to have a voice to make a difference in people's lives. I've had listeners reach out to me to tell me that they were having a terrible day, then they heard a stupid joke I made on the air and it turned their day around. Stuff like that is so fulfilling.
6) How different is it when you interview an artist in studio vs. at a festival or venue?
At festivals, the interview is usually very quick due to time crunches, and we normally talk about their venue/festival set. In studio, we're able to talk about everything. It's cool because we get like an hour or more with them and I get to develop an actual relationship with the artist.
7) Who would your dream interview be with and why?
Selena Gomez. I'm a big fan of hers, and to be honest, she's the reason why I'm in radio. Back in 2013, I won a meet and greet with her at 92.3 NOW. I went in and fell in love with the radio station and pursued an internship - and from there, got to where I am today.
8) What is a piece of advice that you would give to someone trying to break into radio today?
Be persistent, and don't let the fear of failing hold you back. I was denied my first internship due to lack of experience and was distraught. I kept messaging them asking what I can do differently. It worked out that someone dropped out right before the semester began and they remembered me -- mostly because I wouldn't stop bothering them, and they offered me that position last minute. If I didn't get that internship, I have no idea where I'd be right now.
9) Aside from being on-air on BPM and assisting with the music, you also schedule the music for SiriusXM's Studio 54 channel. Most of the music on that channel is from before you were born, what are the challenges of scheduling the music for the Studio 54 channel?
To be honest, I am struggling every day with this channel. There's so much amazing music from back in the day, but I didn't live through it, so I don't always understand what people liked. I am in Geronimo's (VP of Dance/Electronic at SiriusXM) office at least twice a day asking him questions. I've been working on this channel for two years now, hopefully in another two years, I'll get better at it! I do enjoy working on it, because I love learning about where dance music stems from. It all connects to today's dance.
10) What is the craziest or most interesting listener interaction you've had since being at BPM?
One time a listener came up to me and told me he loved me so much and grabbed me and kissed me on the head. He got kicked out of our event shortly after. Sometimes, listeners feel like I'm personally talking to them on the air and they develop a weird one-way relationship and think that they can act like that. DON'T ACT LIKE THAT!
Bonus Questions
1) When you're not leading the EDM lifestyle, what do you like to do?
I love to travel and spend time with family and friends. My favorite thing in the world is spending a day on the couch with my best friend, Alexandra, watching stupid romantic comedies.
2) Who has the best pizza in NY?
I'm a Long Island gal; a bunch of local Long Island pizzerias have my heart. I argue with people from Brooklyn all the time!
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