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10 Questions with ... DJ Digital
July 3, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
After attending the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL) for a few semesters in pursuit of a degree in Mass Comm. (Radio & TV Broadcasting) I decided to put school on the backburner and focus on writing/producing music and DJ'ng.
In 2004, a couple of DJs from the area (Chris Logan and Dave Steel) asked me to submit an aircheck for this new Top 40/Rhythmic (Hot 107.9) that they were planning to launch in the spring of 2004. I had zero on-air experience and was hesitant that it would hurt my 'cred' as a non-radio DJ, but ended up submitting an aircheck anyway thinking that it wouldn't lead to much, if anything at all. I got a call back and was asked to come on board to do weekends. Weekends soon turned into remote opportunities. Remote opportunities turned into middays. Middays turned into a morning show with Chris Logan and a promotion that made me APD/MD. My morning show role eventually led to my own afternoon slot.
Earlier this year I took on a position with our Townsquare Media Digital Team team that allows me to work with other stations in our company helping them to enhance their digital, and ultimately their overall brand. Chris Logan's exit at the end of the Spring 2012 book has given me my most recent challenge in my 8 years of radio thus far. I look forward to filling his shoes as Program Director/Brand Manager for Hot 107.9 and I'm excited to work with an incredible crew to take our station to the next level.
1. If I wasn't in radio/music, I'd probably be __________?
RICH! Haha! If I wasn't in radio I would probably be doing something else creative. Photography, film or television, more than likely.
2. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
As a kid I was always interested in the music business. I was also really into film and theater.
3. How do you see the post Chris Logan era at Hot?
Chris left us with a GREAT product and up until his final day on the job, he was working on things to help the station progress. Our formula is simple: Play the best music possible, and have as much fun as possible doing it. If we have fun, they'll have fun. Everyone wins.
4. You're a big Saints fan. What's the key to salvaging the upcoming season?
The first key is making sure we sign Drew Brees! The next step is having the team adopt an "us against the world" mentality, not to mention the fact that the Super Bowl is in our backyard in 2013. Can you imagine the Saints overcoming this hurdle and having Goodell hand them the championship trophy in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, in front of the entire city of New Orleans and the Who Dat nation? If that isn't motivating enough, I don't know what is!
5. Dance music is more popular than ever on the radio. As a DJ, have you seen a change in the clubs?
Totally. For years, I've heard DJs complain that they can't break, or in some cases even play any dance records in the club because "people only want to hear what's on the radio." Well now, some of the world's biggest artists are taking the radio to the club and hopping on the dance music bandwagon. The thing that gets me the most excited about this is that some of my DJ/artist/producer friends who I have known and networked with for years are finally seeing some success as a result of the dance music craze.
6. What's your favorite song on the station right now?
It's probably a tie between Kanye's 'Mercy' and Maroon 5's 'Payphone' -- Ever since M5 and Adam Levine hit the scene they've been my guilty pleasure. Wiz Khalifa does take that record to a cool place for them.
7. Describe a perfect DJ Digital weekend?
A perfect DJ Digital weekend for me consists of playing great music for great crowds. No requests, No flight delays, No interstate traffic jams, all wrapped up with a Saints victory in the Superdome.
8. What do you like to do in your spare time?
It sounds so cliché, but truthfully...nothing. Just...nothing. Maybe catch a movie, but other than that...nothing.
9. If you could be on any TV reality show or game show, which would you want to be on?
Ever since I was a kid, I have always been pretty slick at Wheel of Fortune. I'd like to try my luck in real life.
10. What's the most important radio lesson learned from your mentor, Chris Logan?
Don't be afraid to over-analyze a situation. Never take things for what they look like on the surface. Then double check it, and triple check it.
Bonus Questions
Hypothetical question...If you were getting married in two months who would you pick to DJ your reception? (money is no object)
Chris Logan! Ha, he's actually a great wedding DJ. But with money no object, I'd have to pick Z-Trip. He's super-dope, and his collection is so deep that everyone would have a good time.
Beer and pizza or sushi and sake?
Definitely Beer and Pizza.
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