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10 Questions with ... Will Calder
July 9, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- Teen Superstar Junior High School Social DJ
- High School Mixtape Entrepreneur
- Roller Rink DJ
- WKIE/WKIF/WDEK - Energy92-7&5 Chicago, Production/Imaging Assistant
- WXSS - 103.7 Kiss FM /WMYX 99.1 The Mix Milwaukee - On-Air Personalty/Production Coordinator
- iPartyRadio - Internet - Everything Coordinator
- WXRK - 923NOW New York - Production Director, Assistant Music Director, On-Air Personality
- WPOW - APD/midday On-Air Personalty
1. What got you into radio?
My dad was a musician, so I grew up around music. He was hoping that I'd follow in his footsteps and play the piano or saxophone or something, but that never did it for me.
It was when I turned on the radio and found B96 Chicago in the early 90s that made me go, "Holy Fraggle Rock, I want to do this!" The jocks, the presentation, the music, the classic mixshows, the style and the vibe all just spoke to me. It would keep me up all night with my walkman rigged to the antenna on top of the house just so I could get a decent signal. I probably didn't do as well as I should have in school because I would stay up all night too much listening to B96.
2. What was the biggest change in the move up from New York to Miami?
First up, got to show much love to Dom Theodore and Rob Wagman who saw the potential in me from the second I got to New York. While I was Production Director by title, much of the day to day work was that of an APD - which really helped prepare me for the role I now have in Miami.
I don't find my role here in Miami to be that much different from what was doing in New York, but I have challenged myself to learn Spanish which will definitely help me to understand the SoFla culture better.
The only downside to Miami is that I had to buy a car... I just wish I could have taken the MTA with me. I could probably be content with never owning a car again...
3. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
In no particular order: Captain Picard, Super Mario, a Ninja Turtle, a weather man, a club DJ and radio DJ.
4. Kenosha, WI and Miami, FL seem more than physically miles apart. What similarities do you see?
This is deep. Now you're making me think. The first obvious thing that comes to mind is that they are both melting pots of different types of cultures, filed with people who came there for a better life.
Also, the lay out of the city and its neighborhoods feel more similar to Midwest towns than those of New Jersey or New York that I have lived in.
5. Miami's music scene is rather unique. Can you tell me about your crash course in music, Miami-style?
Expect the unexpected. Miami is a global city, with a diverse population featuring cultural influences from all over the world. There's so many different sub cultures of music that sometimes it can be challenging to pin-point real trends while trying to filter out the skews from tourists, which are also a huge part of Miami culture.
Things will work here that will not work anywhere else while success elsewhere fails to impress here. It might be hard to break in, but once you're in -- you're family.
6. What's your favorite song on the station right now?
Zedd "Clarity" is probably one of my favorites, a song that really clicked for me during the Ultra Music Festival, probably the song I heard the most during the entire event. It was then I knew it would be one of the EDM breakouts of 2013.
A close second would be "Don't Kill My Vibe" by Kendrick. I can't get over that infectious, haunting guitar - not to mention the vibe. Kinda the point, right?
7. If your PD, Pio Ferro, taught in high school what course would he teach?
Cuban Pop Culture 101 and Cigar Smoking 201. Too Cliche?
8. What do you like to do in your spare time?
While the spare time is rare, I do try and find time to get out and try to take in the unique nightlife scenes in Miami. And of course, spending time with my lil' puppy Frankie exploring everything downtown Miami, Hialeah and Brickell have to offer.
9. If you could be on any TV reality show or game show, which would you want to be on?
I would do anything to go back to the Bob Barker Era of The Price Is Right. Yes, I'm kind of obsessed. But since that is not possible, I'm waiting for Rob Wagman to launch his reality show concept. I will be the first to send in an audition tape. Those of you who know Rob's personality can only imagine what it would be about.
10. On-air, production or programming...if you had to pick just one, what would it be?
Programming. I'm most fascinated by the intricacies of how all of this stuff works. There's always something new to learn and I love to learn.
Bonus Questions
Beer and pizza or sushi and sake?
Sushi and Sake! #ftw #nomnomnom
What's been your favorite Miami restaurant?
Houston's in Aventura is killer and a staff favorite. 305 Miami Chophouse is a close second because it's in my apartment complex and is an easy source of culinary therapy after a long hard day. #nomnomnom #hiccup
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