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10 Questions with ... Jace Edwards
January 20, 2009
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NAME:Jace EdwardsLAST WITH:KCLB Palm Springs, CAPHONE:(760) 534 - 1754EMAIL:jaceedwards@hotmail.comWEB:www.jaceweb.com
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
I began in McMinnville, OR at KLYC as sales/production/on-air/janitor. I moved to Eugene for my first taste of Rock radio at KZEL and KZZK. I became one of four to start up Alternative KNRQ before being recruited by George Tobin in '97 for KEDG/Las Vegas, only to have formats flipped after my first year. My tats and piercing didn't go over well with the R&B/Classic Soul KISF audience, so I relocated to So Cal where I did nights at KCAL. In '03 I went to New Orleans and KKND until Hurricane Katrina took the station off the air and voided my contract. I did one shift at KCXX before accepting mornings at KCLB, only to be released due to budget cuts.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I have found that little accomplishments make all the difference. I recently cataloged my 3,000+ CDs and found that to be very rewarding.
2) How are you occupying your time besides looking for a job?
I play guitar, hike, write, paint and kick ass on Halo 3, screen name: USMC WyzAss.
Also, did I mention the CDs?
3) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
Eight painful months spent annoying my wife and snowboarding.
4) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
Not to kiss any Joel Denver posterior, but All Access has been responsible for many of my travels!
5) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
At KCLB I was the Interim PD for a book and found I had a knack for it. I was also doing mornings and found that with proper staff communication and attention to detail, both jobs could benefit each other. On-air, you have a relation point with the listener you don't get in management, and learning the management side helped my direction and focus on air.
6) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied?
It is hit and miss. This environment is ego-driven and there has been a huge influx of talent out of work. I have found some of the most powerful PDs to be the most approachable and understanding, while there have been a few in much smaller markets that won't give you the time of day. I believe any response is a good sign. A returned e-mail says a lot.
7) With consolidation there are fewer jobs, how do you separate yourself from the pack?
By super-serving the station, the clients and the listeners. I not only write/host/produce my own program, I also infuse myself with the local market. Whether it's hosting minor league baseball, doing side work as a Mixed Martial Arts ring announcer or spending time helping students learn the biz through my intern program, I believe part of being on air is giving back to the community you serve.
8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
It's a toss-up. While at KCAL (Riverside/San Bernardino), I garnered the attention of Los Angeles' KCOP-TV 13 and was named Southern California's Most Outrageous DJ in 2000. In 2004 I was one of a half-dozen shows to get the opportunity to interview each member of Metallica in Philadelphia on their Madly In Anger Tour. In 2007 I was named Work Experience Employer of the Year by College of the Desert for my intern program.
9) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?
It doesn't matter how good you are or how good you think you are. It doesn't matter how much you made or how many remotes you scored. What matters is the response the listeners have to your program. There has been an overwhelming show of support that has touched not just my heart, but also my soul. Making a difference in people's lives is more important than any paycheck or ratings book. I have been continually reminded through encounters and e-mails that I had an effect not just on their morning commute, but also on their life. That is what I call success.
10) Is there anything specific you regret doing while you were still working?
I was once overheard by someone in the building venting my frustrations over a programming disagreement I had with my Operations Manager. Whether I was right or not, I shouldn't have vented in the building. Even if an office door is closed someone might be able to hear what is said, get back to the wrong person and force you to explain yourself. Conversations taken out of context can be a relationship killer.
Bonus Questions
Any books you could recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?
"Ham On Rye" by Charles Bukowski -- This book puts so much into perspective. Be glad you don't suffer from acne vulgaris with 1930s medicine. A hot lance put to boils could never end well.
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