10 Questions with ... Tracee Tuesday

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Power 94

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/power94
• Twitter: twitter.com/power94
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/power94oregon

Tracee Tuesday

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/TraceeTuesday1
• Twitter: twitter.com/traceetuesday
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/traceetuesday

Tracee Tuesday began her career in San Francisco. For five years, Tracee's voice was heard in the San Francisco Bay Area on 98.1 KISS FM Radio with the Renel in the Morning Show.

In addition, she has also worked in Las Vegas, Tucson, Omaha and Ventura radio markets

While working in radio, Tracee has also hosted a variety of San Francisco Bay Area local TV projects including a live talk show for teens titled, "Life 411." She has provided entertainment news for Fox's KPTM News in Omaha, Nebraska, as well as dished up entertainment news and celebrity gossip for ABCs KGUN 9 Morning News in Tucson, AZ.

Currently, Tracee works in Bend, Oregon, for: Power 94 (12-5p), The New Mix 100.7 (80's at 8) & Fox Sports 94.9 (Fox Sports Report). She is also CW Star for Central Oregon's CW (TV)

More recently, Central Oregon voted Tracee "Best Local Radio Personality of 2018" courtesy of Source Weekly.

1) There's nothing like experience to make us better at what we do, especially in a competitive business like radio. Have you had a standout 'experience' along the way that you can point to as a revelatory moment in your career?

I started in market #4 so the rise was fast. Very fast. Along with the 'rise' came all of the funky traps like: conceitedness, cockiness, superrealism, materialism, all those wicked mannerisms you should never entertain. I did, early in my career. All that stuff leads to is unemployment and heartburn. Don't believe the hype! Stay humble! The two things that I never do is diss the music or the radio fans. Both are why you're there; never forget that!

2) You were just voted Best Local Radio Personality by the readers of the Bend Source Weekly. Congrats! The people have spoken; how are you feeling about it all?

I still pinch myself to make it all real again ... Amazing! Just Amaze Balls! I came to Central Oregon six years ago. Central Oregon is, well, not as diverse as, say, Portland. In fact, as far as I know, I'm the only African-American, dare I say, African-American female on the radio airways here! You could only imagine the shocked looks on people's faces when they met me in-person. LOL! Since then, things have changed, dramatically. If you're not a 'voicetrack jock,' it is imperative that you get out in the community. Meet the listeners. I did. I became a Big Sister for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central Oregon; I met my listenership through contests, song requests, events, social media. Anytime I could connect with listeners who, out of all the vehicles to access to get their music and entertainment, they chose me and my station. I 'thanked' them every single time. It was an enjoyable grind, cultivating myself as: 'Your Best Girlfriend, Tracee Tuesday!' In 2012, listeners didn't get it. In 2018, they did! Thank you! I'm so dang grateful to everyone who took time to write my name in as 'Best Local Radio Personality!'

3) What led you to a career in radio?

Well, here's a story for you. Years ago, I was interested in acting. In fact, I began my career on the stage of the Black Repertory Group for the Performing Arts in Berkeley, CA. I started writing everyone I could get an address to, begging for an opportunity. One of my letters ended up at Paramount Studios where, at the time, Bill Cosby and his partner, Stan Robertson, had a Production office. Mr. Cosby's office reached out to me to schedule a meeting. The overwhelming feeling I felt when I set foot on the lot of Paramount ... Once there, I met with Mr. Robertson and later, very briefly, with Mr. Cosby. I feel I need to say, there wasn't any hanky-panky. Mr. Robertson and Mr. Cosby were very professional. Needless to say, nothing ever came of my meeting however, Mr. Cosby left me with the best piece of advice I could have received. He said: "If you want to remotely be successful in this business, get out and learn the four corners of the entertainment industry: theatre, movies, television and radio." The rest, as they say, is history. By the way, I'm currently working with a Bay Area Radio legend ... The Duke!

4) Social media is obviously a huge part of the landscape these days. What are you doing to make sure that you're as engaged as possible with your audience?

I'm obsessed with: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. It's the easiest way to engage your audience. Instagram to show what you're doing, Twitter to show where you're at and Facebook to bring it all together and tell a story! Radio and social media complement one another. I love it!

5) What is your favorite part of the job?

I love to offer what you can't get on other music services - a real, live person! No diss to my voicetracking personalities ... I do some of that, too!

My amazing and brilliant PD, Mike Flanagan, once told me: "You offer something that listeners can't get from Spotify or Pandora - YOU! They can't pick up the phone and call them; talk to them about their favorite song, artist or moment of their day. Take advantage of that. Own it!"

6) What is the most challenging part of the job?

Radio has changed so much. You are required to wear multiple hats: radio personality, production, voicetracker, MD, sports contributor! By the way, I'm currently wearing all of those hats and wouldn't change it for the world.

Every day, you have to go in focused, prioritize your work, prep your show, get to your meetings. Nobody ever said a constant grind was easy. I've learned to breathe and make sure I work in my girlie time which is an instant jolt of energy -- Thai Food, Beer & Facials!

7) If you could add one full-time position to your budget right now, what would it be?

Street promotions! Can I say it any louder? A crew that can represent on the streets when talent isn't available, too! A crew that can help out at remotes, appearances and events. Right now, we wear all of those hats!

8) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?

Charlamagne Tha God! He's informative, ghetto and funny. Love those qualities in a jock!

9) Who were your mentors along the way?

My mentors really haven't changed much. Renel Brooks-Moon who is currently the voice of the San Francisco Giants, gave me my first shot in Radio. PD Michael Erickson (God rest his soul) put be on the air. He made it legit. And, Production Director Pete Azarnoosh and music executive, Joey Arbagey, help cultivate me and never gave up on me. They take my calls to this day.

10) What are your go-to apps these days for show prep and lifestyle news, etc?

All Access (radio industry stuff), TMZ (gossip), Fox Sports (Sports), MSNBC, CNN, FOX News, Daily Mail.

What's the most unbelievable on-air bit you were allowed to do/gotten away with?

When I was doing mornings in San Francisco, we had a great relationship with both of our NFL teams: the Oakland Raiders and the San Francisco 49ers. We were granted exclusive access and, an interview with the 49ers team in their locker room! Lawd! That was a mistake! LOL! Renel and I were seeing delicious things that should not have been focused on. LOL! Yep. We went there. Trying to keep a straight face when some one's luscious chest and ding-dong, are distracting you? It's worth talking about! Besides, Radio is all about creating a visual image. That we did before, the 49ers PR guy, shut it down and us down. We kinda got in trouble, but it was soooooo worth it! LOL! That's what happens when chicks rule mornings!