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10 Questions with ... AJ Anelli
April 9, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I moved around a lot, and I wasn't really sure where I was going to go to college. I didn't make it playing shortstop for the Yankees, so I had to figure something out. I wanted to do music production when I lived in Indiana. When I moved to Charlotte, NC, I made a friend while I was out taking pictures for a nightlife company, because I figured that would be a decent gig to meet people. Turned out I was right. He was doing a show at our remote studio in the city, and I was hooked. I found out how to change my classes at school so I could do an internship at the radio station, which his producer turned me on to. I was the first one in and the last one to leave, so I figured the station had to hire me! I did my promotions and events, then had my on-air friends take me under their wing and teach me the ins and outs of running a radio board. With that I made voicetracks and demos that I sent to a station in Florida, and I got my first real shot at being on-air. In the meantime I have done mornings for an Internet radio station and am starting to do another weekend show for a station in Wisconsin. It doesn't hurt to put myself out there no matter where it's at.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I like to think back to when I first started in radio as an intern, and even just working a few part-time jobs in radio, I still never thought I'd hear my voice on the airwaves, work for known stations and learn as much as I have so far.
2) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
I do plan on staying on this path for some time. I have done too much to just quit now when I have much more to learn and experience.
3) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
I really think if you have the opportunity to get an internship, DO IT! They can see your work ethic, and you can learn hands on.
4) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
Checking "All Access" and the station websites around my area or state, and e-mailing people in the business.
5) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
I had to sing Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl" at a full Karaoke Bar.
6) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
It would definitely be something in radio. At this point in my life it needs to be full-time, but just getting back in will make me feel a little more confident in finding a job more easy.
7) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
I listen to it more now. I like to hear changes in production and imaging. It keeps me up to date on new music and local events.
8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
Taking the little bit I had learned, moving to Florida and working on-air weekends for 95.1 WAPE. Just being on-air for the first time at a legendary station was at least a step in the right direction.
9) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
I miss the interaction and learning, meeting people in the music industry and hearing their stories of what they did and where they are now. The least would be having people always ask you for tickets!
10) 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?
Yes I would. To get back in is better than being out. You're hands-on again, talking to people, and keeping yourself "loose" as I like to say, and you're there if a better opportunity comes up.
Bonus Questions
Name your three most recent purchases since leaving the biz.
A new apartment, a bed set and furniture.
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