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10 Questions with ... Jace Edwards
February 21, 2006
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NAME:Jace EdwardsLAST WITH:KKND/New OrleansPHONE:504-473-8834
Please begin by giving us a brief career history...
Started off in 1992 in college radio (Huntington Beach, CA), did time in Oregon at KLYC/McMinnville KZEL-KZZK-KNRQ/Eugene, then got recruited to Las Vegas at KEDG until it switched from Alternative to Classic Soul-R&B (KISF). I landed in Riverside-San Bernardino, CA at KCAL where I did five years before getting recruited to do nights at 106.7 KKND New Orleans until Hurricane Katrina came and blew me off course.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
Grand Theft Auto San Andreas has become a perfect release. I tend to work out my inner thug while taking time to read Lao Tzu. I believe the combination helps keep me well rounded.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
At first when I evacuated New Orleans I bounced around Texas, California, & Oregon, then took a trip to Canada to do some snowboarding. So far I have found that I preferred Whistler to Blackcomb. Recently I have been found on the backside of Willamette Pass, Oregon.
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.
I have found how important it is to do "good" radio. Years ago at KCAL I was told by my PD that good radio encompassed four things: Beer, Sex, Bodily Functions, and Music (in that order). He had me limited to only discussing those four things on my show and I was extremely good at that, got named as, "Southern California's Most Outrageous DJ" in May of 2000 by KCOP UPN 13 Los Angeles. Under Sig (PD-KKND-New Orleans) I learned that what really matters is human emotion. If you can relate to that on any level then you have created a listener for life. Since I have been out of work I have found many jocks are talking more about themselves than their audience. The listener relates to us because we relate to them not because we tell them how cool we are.
4) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
This is what I do. I create shows that cause people to interact with the station.
I am VERY good at what I do. It's just a matter of time.
5) What is your best way to get your foot in the door?
When I was trying to get in at KZEL I showed up at the studios every Monday for two months at the exact time the PD Ken Martin was getting off air. He had to walk through the lobby to get to his office and I just kept introducing myself to him until he finally gave me a shot on Sunday Nights.
6) So far what has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
All Access. Joel Denver doesn't get the credit he deserves.
7) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I was in the process of trying to get my night show from New Orleans syndicated… just signed on with John Horton when the storm hit, but when I lost a station I lost the opportunity. So I would love to do nights at a Rock/Talk/Alternative station with the understanding that I would renew my pursuit of syndication, otherwise I am ready for mornings. I have the tools and the talent to service any station's morning needs.
8) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?
"Is it true you have 8 pieces of metal in your… ?"
My answer: "Yes."
9) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
At first I was listening to everyone and everything, especially talk, I enjoy interaction with listeners. I have found that many people are doing the same cookie cutter bits or maybe they are using the same bit service. After I drove through five states I came to the conclusion that not many jocks do their own show prep anymore. I take pride in not using a service for show content.
10) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
I got the chance to interview Metallica in Philly on their last tour. Ten minutes with each member of the band. It was great. James has got to be one of the most enlightened rockers I have met. I also write for a magazine and transcribed the interview for them so I got to double dip on the event.
Bonus Questions
What do you miss most about radio? The least?
Most: Taking calls, creating bits, breaking new music, being on stage.
Least: Nothing. Doing a good show is like therapy. I need it to stay sane.My favorite new diversion is ...
Being beat by my 19 year old brother at NCAA Football 2006. The last game he had me by over 100 points in the 3rd! Little bastard has to sleep some time … revenge will be sweet!
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