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10 Questions with ... Will Love
July 28, 2015
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
SOCIAL MEDIA:
- YouTube.com/WillLoveInc
- Soundcloud.com/WillLoveInc
- Twitter: @WillLoveInc
- Facebook.com/WillLoveInc
- Instagram.com/WillLoveInc
After beginning my career interviewing celebrities and public figures for various East Coast publications, I transitioned to radio in 2011, and have worked as an on-air personality and producer in markets #39 Hudson Valley and #53 Monmouth-Ocean. Currently I'm heard on Fun 107.1 and B98.5. In August I'll be launching my own pop culture podcast Culture Café on PodcastTonight.com. Outside of radio I stay busy working in real estate, staying fit and aspiring to soon bring my talents to a major market.
1) How would you describe your first radio gig?
#TheHustle. I am embarrassed to say, but this illustrates how bad I wanted to break into the industry. My first radio gig was completely unpaid. I traveled 45 miles each way to a small station in Upstate New York on an irregular basis. At the time I was friends with someone at the station and although the work I was doing was benefiting them much more than it was me, I viewed it as an opportunity. I used the connections I built having worked in the media to book interviews with celebrities and well-known personalities for a program I routinely co-hosted. These interviews garnered attention and in turn began to get my name "out there."
2) How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
Extremely competitive! The Jersey Shore is smack dab in the middle of New York City and Philadelphia. There is enough competition between the local New Jersey stations, then add in the major markets to our right and our left. It's tough, yet it pushes you to work harder and do your best. I love it.
3) What are you doing social media-wise?
Everything! Social media has been my best friend and worst enemy at times. Fortunately I have learned how to use it effectively and I can't stress enough the importance of self-promotion and marketing. Whether you are hyping a radio event, concert tickets, meet-and-greets or just playing the hits - it's important to use social media as a medium to connect with your audience. My listeners are everyone from high school teens to professionals employed by ABC News. I believe I would not have these listeners and I would not be aware of my wide array of listenership if I wasn't making an effort to engage with them online.
4) What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod?
I am a big Snoop Dogg fan. I know a lot of his lyrics inside and out. I've been labeled #GangstaGay (laughs) because many wouldn't expect me to enjoy some of the music that I do.
5) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
I don't just do radio and media because "it's cool." This has been my goal since childhood and a field I want to grow in. My life hasn't been easy. I went to a dangerous school system, I was bullied, cheated on, had no money, my parents divorced, etc. However, I never used the difficult circumstances in my personal life as an excuse and I never allowed it to interfere with my professional life and productivity. This career means something to me.
6) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
It would have to be my girl Corinne at 94.5 PST. I admired her career before we became friends. Like me, Corinne is the same person on-air and off-air. She is authentic, has a passion for what she does and it shows in her work. I would love to co-host a show with her.
7) Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?
That's a tough question, especially since I am doing a podcast program now where I am always conducting interviews. I have to name my dream three: Johnny Depp, Caitlyn Jenner and Robin Quivers.
8) Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?
I've always admired Howard Stern. Much to say in regards to the king of all media. I've also looked up to Paul "Cubby" Bryant. I grew up listening to Cubby on Z100 New York and 103.5 KTU. I've been fortunate to get to know him and socialize with him at TV filmings, charity events and when I was featured on "KTU Cares." The way he has been able to consistently acquire desirable gigs, make himself more prominent and transition his career into other forms of media, in particular television, is something I would like to do.
9) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
I love real estate! I grew up around those who've worked in the industry. I just found out my aunt sold Geraldo Rivera his to-die-for home (among other names). In 2012 my friend and I even did a mini-series on America's most expensive zip code which still remains very much an enigma: Alpine NJ 07620. www.YouTube.com/AlpineNJToday. Outside of radio I work in the real estate industry and would LOVE to assist any readers in northern New Jersey with their real estate needs.
10) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?
#TheStruggle. It makes the reward that much sweeter. This is a tough field and the jobs have become somewhat scarce. In part this has led to a "catch 22" because employers either have a specific idea of the persons they would like to hire or they don't want to hire you because they are threatened / fear losing their own title(s). I've been interviewed for gigs in top markets and have received national recognition for some of my work. On the flipside, I've been hung up on by PDs whose stations are in the red and have had my former co-workers try to set me up for failure.
Bonus Questions
What's the biggest gaffe you've made on-air?
I am not saying when this happened but it was not recent ... and totally accidental. I was doing a read and said "slut" in place of another word that began with an s. Interestingly, it gave a whole new meaning to the live read (laughs). I kept on going like a pro but had anxiety for the rest of the day. Then again, that's what I get for not wearing my invisalign retainers the night before...
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