10 Questions with ... Memphis On The Radio

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I got my start back in 2000 while I was in college, interning at WHRK (K97)/Memphis doing the normal stuff ... washing the station vehicles, doing crazy stunts for whoever needed someone willing to do something crazy ... pretty much paying my dues. I finished college and did some traveling, all the while looking to get into radio anywhere I could. Then I moved to St. Louis and that's where the I got my first break at KSLZ (Z107.7). I was hired on as a promo coordinator and did that for awhile, then I got my first taste of being on the air by myself, made an aircheck and sent it out. Got the call to do nights at KZII (Z102)/Lubbock, TX and was there for a year-and-a-half. I picked up my MD stripes and also got a chance to track afternoons on KMRK (Wild 96.1)/Midland-Odessa, TX, and do weekends on KXSS (96.9 Kiss FM). I returned to St. Louis to (Z107.7) and did weekends/fill-ins as well as weekends on KMJM (100.3 The Beat)... shout out to Tommy Austin and Taylor J for bringing me back. Next, I landed in sunny Ft. Myers on WXKB (B103.9).

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

I'm a pretty positive person, so I keep myself busy as much as I can. Also, I read a lot and pray, which helps a lot as well.

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

I work out at least four days a week. Living in Southwest Florida, people go to the beach a lot, and so you wanna look your best as much as you can (all the beautiful peeps here ... lol). Also, I've been hosting and DJing at most of the clubs here in Ft. Myers, and a few in Miami, plus I recently started as a special contributor for a local/national magazine doing all the celebrity interviews.

3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?

Oh yeah. It's always been a dream of mine. Radio has opened a few doors for me to do some cools things outside of radio, but yeah, I'm staying.

4) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?

This is actually the longest time and I'm sooooo ready to get off. I think I'm tan enough, lol.

5) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?

Network, network ... oh, and did I say network? And once you get in, you better be ready to bust your butt to stay in.

6) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?

All Access, of course, and that word "networking" seems to keep coming up, but it's so true. You can't be afraid to reach out to people. The more people you know and have great relationships with, the better your chances getting on.

7) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?

I'd most definitely like to move back into a MD/APD position because I love music scheduling and all that jazz. I'd also like to have more of a hand in production. I'm like a mad scientist when it comes to creating new spots, promos and imaging. I can get real fun with it.

8) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)

I'd have to say it's been up and down, but it is what it is, I guess. I mean, you'd like to know if you didn't get the gig, but being that a lot of folks on the beach are going for gigs it's tough for a PD to get back to everyone, so it doesn't bother me anymore ... just gotta keep it moving.

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

That's the million-dollar question right there ... lol. I've been consulting with buddies of mine who were on the beach and have gotten gigs, and we've come up with great ideas to get an OM/PD's attention. I have some pretty awesome ideas. Also, I've always loved to do video editing ... and I've gotten really good at it, so I sometimes send random videos of me out and about doing stuff. But to be fair, once I get off the beach, I'll share some of my secrets ... I mean, sharing is caring.

10) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?

Oh yeah, I listen twice as much now, always taking notes. I listen to guys I look up to like Kane, Billy The Kidd, Michael Yo, Curt Copeland, JoJo Wright and Frankie V, as well buddies of mine HaZe, Spoon, Maxwell, Aaron Tyler, Big O, Boomer, Rat and Puff. I get a lot of positive feedback and inspiration from these guys ... great peeps to know.

Great movies I've recently seen

I just saw Jackass 3D. It's 1 hr., 34 mins. of freaking insanity, and that's right up my alley since I'm a cheerleader for foolishness.