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10 Questions with ... KJ Carson
August 4, 2009
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NAME:KJ CarsonPOSITION:Afternoons (3-9p ET )MARKET:North America (also Washington, D.C.)OWNER:SiriusXM (also Clear Channel)
Please outline your radio career so far:
WJMH/Greensboro, WQMG/Greensboro, WPEG/Charlotte, WILD-A/Boston, KPRS/Kansas City, KMXV/Kansas City, WWWQ/Atlanta, WIHT/Washington, D.C., SiriusXM 20 on 20.
1) How would you describe your first radio gig?
As the story goes, I was the host of the Mix Show at WJMH. Something happened with the morning guy. I did mornings ... lied about summer school ... company buys competition (WQMG) ... and I moved to the new station to do mornings ... all in one building.
2) How would you describe the radio landscape in your market?
Washington, D.C. ... very competitive, thanks to PPM. I even have The Meters' "Here Comes The Meter Man" as my ringtone!
3) What is your favorite part of the job?
Playing the hits from Taylor Swift to Drake (my daughter's current obsession), to Kaci Battagllia to All-American Rejects. Pop is a fun format. It requires you to be a personality. Studying the late Jack Armstrong early in my career has helped.
4) What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod?
"Guns Of Brixton"-- The Clash ..."When They Kick In Your Front Door..."
5) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
One of my faves is Tracy St. George at WRMF in West Palm Beach. She can make having Doritos for breakfast into an enjoyable break ... she is fun!
6) Looking back, which years hold the best musical memories for you and who were your favorite acts at that time?
Growing up with Z100, KTU, BLS, RKS, PLJ ... The Freestyle on Hot 97...Late '80s Pop and Hip-Hop... and then early '90s Hip-Hop with Ed and Dre ... Red Alert ... good stuff mannn!
7) Do you have a favorite hobby outside of radio?
Collecting vinyl records.
8) What music do you listen to when you're not working?
David Bowie, Donald Byrd, Old School Hip-Hop, '80s Pop, just about everything.
9) What advice you would give people new to the business?
Speak as a communicator. That gives you more options format-wise. And have a personality.
10) What would you like to do to save radio from its "dying-industry" image?
Diversify the portfolio, mannnnn ... we need more brudahs doing Mainstream Top 40! Lol!
Bonus Questions
For someone vacationing in your market, what one thing would you say they "must see"?
You have to hit Ben's Chili Bowl on U Street, then get a drink at Ben's Next Door, then turn the corner onto 14th, where there's a great vintage record shop at about S Street.
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