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10 Questions with ... J Reed
February 12, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- 1998 overnights at KHTN/Modesto-Merced, CA
- 2000 nights KISV/Bakersfield, CA
- 2005 MD KISV/ Bakersfield, CA
- 2007 PD KISV/ Bakersfield, CA
- 2009 PD KISV and KKXX/ Bakersfield, CA
1. Besides the midday guy at KHTN in 1997, who or what inspired you to get into radio?
That guy was the best! I remember listening to Mark Medina (now PD at WITH/Washington D.C.) and winning prizes from him during his night show. Coming from a small town like we did, the radio and the jocks were best thing happening every night.
2. What excites you about radio and programming today?
Knowing that what you do on a daily basis effects so many people in a positive way, by either playing there favorite songs, getting them up close and personal with their favorite artists, making them laugh and tell all their friends about something crazy your morning guy did, and just being that one thing they know they can go to at anytime of the day and know how ever great or crappy their day is going we will be there for them.
3. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Since my father worked at Castle Air Force Base, I always had a great love for planes, so being a pilot was my first choice. When I got into high school we took a test to see what job would best suit us when we got into the work force. My top 2 was in advertising and broadcasting, so I guess I knew then where I was headed.
4. In addition to being a PD, you're a passionate Hip Hop fan. Who are some of your favorite, newer artists?
If it was not for Hip Hop I would not be doing this interview right now. Without a doubt, it still amazes me the impact that Kendrick Lamar has made in the past year and I see him as a force and someone that will change the way aspiring Emcees approach they way them make songs.
Others people should lookout for is Snow Tha Product out of Texas. Hit Boy, the guy that produced "N's In Paris" and "Clique" is also a very talented on the mic and should have a hit of his own soon. And a favorite of mine for the past year in a half along with Dan Posner and Warren Gesin from Atlantic Records is ACTION BRONSON! This is a white guy from Queens, New York with a huge beard, huge belly, sounds like Ghostface Killa at first listen but has his own style that makes him a character on records and when you see his interviews or see him perform.
5. You've recorded a lil tribute to the San Francisco 49ers. Are you using J. Reed or do you have a new Hip Hop name? If you could chose any artist to guest on your song, who would it be?
I did the song right after we knew who we were going to play in the Super Bowl. I did it for fans like me and hoped that I could be 10,000 views by game day. We hit almost 15,000 so I was more happy about that than the outcome of the game.
Even when I thought being an emcee was going to be my job that was always my name so I had to stick with it. There are so many to choose from.....Nas, Jay-Z, Snoop. But I think I would have Big Daddy Kane. Listening to him growing up is what really made me love this thing called Hip Hop.
6. What's your favorite song on the station right now?
Favorite song right now is Poetic Justice from Kendrick and Drake. Not to far behind is Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z "Suit And Tie" and a close third is Miguel "Do You"
7. You program a market leading Top 40/Rhythmic (KISV) and a strong Top 40/Mainstream (KKXX) in the same market. What's the biggest musical challenge you face as PD of both?
The biggest challenge is knowing which station will lead with a record that could either go Top 40 or Rhythmic. I am very happy with the rhythm product that is coming out that is making it a lot easier for both stations to have their own lane and break records in their own format.
8. What's your secret to perfectly grilled tri-tip?
Low and Slow Baby! Low and Slow!
9. You've been in Bakersfield for a long time. What's the best part of living and working there?
It's close to LA. It's close to the coast and it's close to family and friends in my hometown!
10. Hypothetical...you're about to leave on a food and wine tour of America. Which record promotion rep is going with you?
So many choices! It would have to be Motti Shulman. We have already done a tour of food and wine of Bakersfield several times and it's always a blast!
Bonus Questions
Best family meal in Bakersfield?
Besides having my wife Rhonda make one of her many wonderful dishes, I would take everyone to Noriega's. It's a Basque restaurant where you sit at a long table that seats about 50 and you all share your food and wine family style. It's a 'must do' dinner destination if you are in town.
Where will you be in 5 years?
Not sure. I just hope that where ever that is, it is surrounded by people that are as passionate about radio and music as I am.
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