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10 Questions with ... Jade Vandergraff
July 1, 2008
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NAME:Jade VandergraffLAST WITH:103.1 the Buzz, WPBZ/West Palm BeachPHONE:(727) 688-6427
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
When I grow up, I want to be a rock star!" Those dreams didn't quite come true, so when I was in college I asked myself, "What is the next best thing to being a rock star?" The answer came to me: "Play music for a living!" So, I got a degree in Mass Communications while doing the grunt work at WONU in the Chicago area and haven't looked back since! I interned at WSUN in Tampa, FL while finishing my degree, then pounded the pavement for awhile before landing a gig at WPBZ in West Palm Beach. Sadly, I recently left there, but am itching for my next opportunity!!
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I listen to radio 24/7 -- all formats. I love to know what is going on in the music industry. While I listen to the radio, I read everything I can about the industry. My mailbox is perpetually full of magazines that get devoured immediately. It's not hard to stay motivated when you're as passionate about music as I am.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I am involved in local theater and film projects. I love acting almost as much as I love music. I also spend time volunteering for some of my favorite causes, such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and it's nice to have some time to catch up on my reading.
3) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?
Absolutely! I have known the music industry was the one for me since I was two years old when I was stealing my father's headphones! I tried other industries for awhile, and realized that I would never be happy doing anything else!
4) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
When I first graduated from college, I was out of the business for about a year ... which was 364 days too long!
5) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Internships, internships, internships -- and networking. Be willing to work hard for nothing, and show them that when you're a paid employee, you will work even harder. Also, don't burn bridges. The more friends you have in the industry, the easier it will be to find a job when you need one.
6) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
Oh, so you want me to spill my secrets? What I do is make sure I have an incredibly polished package. They need to realize that when they get me, they get quality.
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?
I have seen my parents and sister more since I have been out of work than I have in the last 10 years! I've even been able to go to a movie or two during the day, although I am spending many hours a day looking for a job.
8) What do you miss most about radio? The least?
I miss everything about radio! I miss the listeners, I miss the studio, I miss the free concert tickets ... there is nothing about it I don't miss except for the gossiping co-workers.
9) Is there anything specific that you regret doing while you were still working?
I regret not pushing harder to learn more about the day-to-day operations of the station. I wish I had become an expert in Selector, rather than just having a basic knowledge.
10) Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?
In five years or less, I see myself as a Music Director at a great radio station. In 10 years, I see myself as the Program Director of a great radio station.
Bonus Questions
Uh oh ... now you're on your own for getting new music. Name your three most recent purchases since leaving the biz.
Only three? Alright ... Jimmy Eat World, "Chase This Light;" Foo Fighters, "Echoes, Silence, Patience, and Grace;" and Nick Drake, "Five Leaves Left" -- gotta go old school sometimes, right?
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