10 Questions with ... J.J. Stone

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started off doing college radio, at Wayne State, directing/co-hosting an all-'80s show for KWSC (K-92). I was also interning at KSEZ (Z-98) in the summer of 97. Just before I started back to college, I was offered part-time for Radio Works (KSEZ KGLI, KSFT and KMNS) for weekends and fill-in. Right after that, my professor asked me to be the Production Director (imagery/promos) for KWSC at Wayne State. I left radio after graduating, to do more full-time work in TV/ News. I came back to KGLI, KSEZ and KSFT to do more radio in 2005 because I realized, after getting experience in both, radio was more of what I wanted with my degree in broadcasting.

1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?

Listening to music every day is one thing that keeps me beyond motivated... especially when I get new releases from artists! That, and I like to listen in to some of my friends who are co-talents. They help keep my love for radio strong, and they keep me from getting discouraged.

2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?

Looking for work in radio takes up a lot of time, which one needs to do; but I'm also doing a podcast on my MySpace page (without voicetrack), and also working a couple clubs that I do remixes for, and working a job at the same time to save cash so I can relocate if the op is there!

3) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?

Most definitely. There isn't one day that I don't have music or radio to be a part of it! I went to college to get a degree in this field because it's a part of me 100%!

4) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?

Would you ever run naked in public to promote the station or your show? (I thought he was joking around, but he wasn't! LOL) I told him I don't even swim without a T-shirt on! I know how to help advertise, but run naked to promote ... with this body? Not yet!

5) With consolidation, there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?

I don't really try to separate myself from the pack. I just try to know every angle and corner of it so I know more than one position! The more you know, the better your chances of staying in the field.

6) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

I actually have two ...Getting my degree in broadcasting, and getting my foot in the door! Now, it might be three, getting back in again!

7) What do you miss most about music/radio? The least?

I miss being up late getting things ready for the next day's shift! I loved doing that.

There really isn't a least. If you love the field, there ain't anything you don't like.

8) 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?

I probably would ... if it kept me doing what is a part of me! Everybody has to do what they can to get their foot in the door; if I have to do it again, so be it!

9) Where do you see yourself in five years? 10 years?

Hopefully, doing radio!

10) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?

Try to know as much as you can in the world of radio ... and never, EVER give up!

My favorite new diversion is...

Making remixes of songs! You can even break a sweat mixing beats together.