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10 Questions with ... Jay Michaels
May 8, 2007
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NAME:Jay MichaelsLAST WITH:Last on air gig: 102 Jamz / Orlando-currently mixing for WXKS/BostonPHONE:(407) 592-0953
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
I started my career back in 1991 as a producer for a love songs show at WZID in Manchester NH. I also had the privilege to work at some great stations over the years including WJMN, WKSS, WPYO and WJHM. I'm currently doing mix shows for WXKS-(KISS 108)/Boston.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I listen to my airchecks daily. Plus I make a daily call to my pal Paco Lopez. Paco always has some great advice. I have learned so much from him.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I am the stay at home daddy. I spend most of days with my 9 month old daughter Lauren. In addition to full time daddy I have my mix shows to keep me in the radio industry. My daughter loves to play with daddy's headphones while I am trying to get work done.
3) Some people get discouraged or enlightened with the business when they actually step out of it for a while. Tell us your observations from the outside.
It is frustrating. I am still doing the radio thing every week mixing, but sending aircheck after aircheck and getting passed up for jobs is tough. But I have had the pleasure of working with some great people who have taught me how to keep a positive attitude in this industry. Ralphie Marino, Lady D, Deirdre Dagata, JoJo Kincaid, Bartel, Phil Michaels, Paco Lopez, Zannie K, Stevie De Mann, Vic Latino and so many others have been great mentors to me and they all have told me to just keep going and never give up. That helps.
4) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?
Yes.
5) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
Definitely ALL ACCESS.
6) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
Either heading back on air or I would love to be a VP of Programming for a mix show company. I have an ear for mix talent and would love the opportunity to create mix show programming and put together my dream team.
7) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, emails, rejection letters, etc.).
I have gotten a ton of positive feedback from every PD I send stuff to.
8) 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 am working more than I ever have as of late. Between mixing for KISS in Boston I also have been doing remixes for XMIX as well as mixing for a few other stations out there with my fellow KISS 108 mix master Wild Bill. We have added quite the roster of stations lately, including WHBQ/Memphis, WAKZ/Youngstown, KJYO/Oklahoma city and about 9 other stations. I would love to expand my affiliates (psst see email if interested) sorry had to plug...
9) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
My syndication deal with Superadio and definitely mixing for KISS 108 in Boston.
10) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?
I miss the listeners. Every air shift for me was very phone intensive. I got lucky every shift and had some great phone calls.
Bonus Questions
BONUS QUESTION: Uh oh ... now you're on your own for getting new music. If applicable, name your three most recent purchases since leaving the biz.
Well I am thankful to have stayed in this industry with the mix show thing, so I still get new music for free, but I still head to the local stores and purchase CD's.
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