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10 Questions with ... Julian On The Radio
December 9, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- WWZZ (Z104)/Washington DC: (promotions, sales, programming, part-time on-air)
- WQPO (Q101)/Harrisonburg, VA: nights
- WVSR (Electric 102.7)/Charleston, WV: nights
- WNVZ (Z104)/Norfolk-VA Beach: Fill-in late-nights, 10p-2a & weekends, plus swing at WIHT (HOT 995)/DC.
- WIHT (HOT 995)/DC: nights
- (2002 Washington DC AIR Awards Best Local Broadcaster)
- WBBM (B96)/Chicago: nights as the "Nite Ninja"
- WBBM (B96)/Chicago: morning show host
- (2007/2008/2009 3X Silverdome Award Winner Best Chicago Personality)
- 2008 Jacobs Media Presidents Of Radio Winner, Austin, Texas
- KZZP (1047 KISS-FM)/Phoenix: afternoon drive
- Cyber-Evenings KTBT (92.1 The Beat)/Tulsa OK
I've also been heard on these fine radio stations via cyber: WKSC/Chicago, WZFT/Baltimore, WNOH/Norfolk, and also WIHT/Washington, DC.
Web:
SOCIAL MEDIA:
- Twitter @julianondaradio
- Instagram: Julian On The Radio
- FaceBook: Julian On The Radio
1) What led you to a career in radio?
Man, it's crazy cause I always dreamed of being a VJ on MTV, but I was so young and immature at that time, I didn't really go for it. I was also shy. So, after interning at a TV station in Fairfax, VA, then the Urban in DC, WPGC, it led me to Bonneville's Top 40 WWZZ (Z104). I immediately loved the business and everyone there made me feel super comfortable and "at home." I did promotions for a few years, and even rocked a suit and tie as an AE for a year. I than became interested in wanting to be an entertainer after being Mathew Blades lackey, who at the time was the hottest night jock in the Nation's Capital. Sean Sellers and Mike Klein were also very instrumental in motivating me, and helping me get started early on at Z104. Great people in that building.
2) What are you doing social media-wise?
I'm heavy on Instagram. I give people a snapshot of my life, interests and total randomness... that is my personality on social media. Twitter and Facebook, of course, are the norm, and I'm using Snapchat as well. I also enjoy Tindering during our weekly Monday meetings :)
3) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
I may come off as a little "raw, and sarcastic," but I'm really a big softy! Well, I'm 5'5, so a small softy. I LOVE "girly movies." Anything from the '90s "Brat Pack" era to Karate Kid, I'm all in! This is the same guy who watches a rack of interviews from the Breakfast Club out of NYC. Love & Hip Hop, Bachelorette, anything on Food Network, MasterChef ... I literally am all over the place when ... sentence cut off.
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I used to be a car stereo champ for many years. I would compete all over the country for organizations such as IASCA, "International Autosound Competition Association" that had sanctioned events judging our vehicles for "Best Sound Quality, and Install." This wasn't "how loud your car was." I'm talking sound in a car that could rival your home audiophile systems. I won the Amateur 601+ class 3 years in a row, and placed 2nd as a Pro after that in the same class.
4) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
Man, it's tough to say one because I dig so many people for so many different reasons. HeadKrack and Rickey Smiley are just dope. And Charlemagne out of Power 105 NYC. Both are "lightning bolts" in their morning shows. I believe an AM show needs to have that contrast. I've said this before and I'll say it again, but I always had mucho respect for the KANE Show out of my former station HOT 995 DC. Listen to that guy. It sounds like he preps 12 hours a day literally. I'm a fan of unplanned randomness sometimes, and not following the "rulebook" of morning radio. My former intern Samy K, who is now at the new Top 40 Mix 107.3 in DC, that dude gets it, and is a great example of that. I'm really a fan of just interesting people at the end of the day.
5) Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?
Eminem by far. I've never met him but I've seen 8 Mile thousands of times, and of course the music. It may sound cliché but I really do feel like I know him. Maybe it also has to do with the fact that he's gone through so much drama in his life. I 100% relate to that. Some say "experiences in life are like pages in your book." Well, he definitely has a lotta pages, and so do I.
6) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
I listened to a bunch in DC. I love Elliot on DC 101. I remember calling into WHFS back in the day and hanging up when "Niece" picked up cause I was so nervous. Big Tigger on WPGC 95.5. I was also super-excited when I got my first internship at Z104 DC. I thought Sean Sellers and Mathew Blades were the coolest guys ever. I still do!
7) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
I'm a serious shoe collector (Retro Jordans and Asics). Mainly I concentrate on Retro 3's, 4's, 5's, and 13's, and some limited Air Max Runners. I have a "shoe room" that would make any potential GF not want to move in with me... ever.
8) What music do you listen to when you're not working?
I need to expose myself to more new stuff. I'm just really hard to please cause I feel like once you listen to something so unique and dope everything compared to that is a letdown. I listen to music not just for the radio, but for myself. Main artists I love are Chance the Rapper, Vic Mensa, The Oh My's (all Chicago artists), Logic, and the more recent Mac Miller stuff. I also scale back and always revert to my '90s hip-hop collection (Wu-Tang, Pharcyde, Souls of Mischief). I will also turn on everything from Christina Perri, Taylor Swift, to Bobby Schmurda! I'm all over the place musically. As a matter of fact I got Common, "Used To Love Her" on right now.
9) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?
The LOVE for entertaining an audience. I actually love the fact that there are so many other methods these days to obtain music and entertainment. Reason is because I love a challenge. My DNA is like a comedian's. We LIVE for this. WE live to make other people "feel something." That's what makes me tick. I love the relationship I have with my listeners, I talk to them like they are my friends. I could never imagine just introducing the songs and doing liners.
10) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Be transparent and 100% authentic. I think naturally I am that way, which has been good through my career, but also not so good LOL:) I've always been helpful to anyone who I felt was serious and real, and I'm proud that I've helped these people who I've worked with get to some pretty high stages. I think when people say "authentic," it may sound good because no one can dispute it ... but I can truly say I have been that word in every way, shape and form to the point where I may be saying too much.
Bonus Questions
What artist/act (living or dead) you'd love to meet and why?
Robin Williams. Because he was a rarity. You could tell he lived to make people happy -- despite his own unhappiness. You'll meet some celebs and they don't act like a regular person, whereas with Robin, you could tell that he was just a regular dude who was wired to be brutally honest and turn it into funny. When I heard he died I was on air and cried. I'm definitely not a crier ... but I grew up to that guy and felt connected. I'd thank him for being Robin Williams.
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