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10 Questions with ... DJ Digital
July 22, 2014
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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 Communications. (Radio & TV Broadcasting) I decided to put school on the backburner and focus on writing/producing music and DJ'ng.
In 2004, I started doing Weekends at Hot 107.9. That 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.
In 2011, 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. In the Spring 2012, I moved up to Program Director/Brand Manager for Hot 107.9.
1. What got you into radio?
It's a funny story actually. When Dave Steel (PD) and Chris Logan (APD/MD) reached out to tell me that the local Classic Rock station (KRKA) was flipping to a new format called "Rhythmic-CHR" and they wanted me to be their night guy, I wanted no part of it. At the time (late 2003) I was 23 years old, producing dance music, doing local and regional travel gigs - and quite frankly, (I feel bad for saying this) I thought radio DJs were "cheesy." But they were quite persistent, and eventually I gave them an air check. In the end, I didn't get the gig, BUT, the consultant suggested they to bring me on for a part-time weekend slot to get groomed. I quickly found out that if you hang around a radio station long enough, someone will put you to work, lol.
2. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Some days, I still feel like I'm a kid trying to figure that out. Seriously though, ever since I was a kid I have been interested in movie, film, music production; so I'm fortunate to have landed a job in a creative industry, doing something I've always wanted to do.
3. You spin regularly in New Orleans. What's the biggest difference between a local crowd and a club full of New Orleans visitors?
The difference between New Orleans, and anywhere else in the world, is that you're talking about a place that literally parties 24-7. (alcohol is served around the clock) For instance, while any other part of the country would mourn the loss of a loved one, in New Orleans, the tradition is for family and friends line up and march parade style with a brass band (drink in hand optional) for second line funerals. It's truly the greatest, most unique place on earth.
4. Can you think of a record or two that you first heard in a club and felt like you had to go back to the station and get it on the air in some capacity?
Being that I'm bombarded with music and like most DJs I live with a record for weeks and months before they really pop for the general public, it doesn't happen often. But most recently, I had the pleasure of it happening with DJ Snake & Lil Jon's "Turn Down For What." I heard Vice drop it last summer in AC and it literally made me drop whatever conversation I was in at the moment (I may have been talking to Ian Cee) and immediately find out what the f*** I was listening to, and how I could get my hands on it. Over the last couple weeks, it's been really cool to see it actually start to pop in sales and on air.
5. What would probably surprise most people about Lafayette?
That we have one of only 3 Popeyes Chicken buffets in America. (I'm totally not joking) Once they got over that, I would say the next big surprise is that it's bigger than most people expect; being that we are a Hub City to so many other small towns and people here are REALLY up to date on music, trends, and culture. Spoiler Alert: Duck Dynasty, Swamp People, Party Down South etc. are all great TV shows, but that's totally not what's going on down here amongst the masses.
6. If you weren't in radio, what do you think you'd be doing professionally?
I would probably be DJng more, traveling more, hustling more. Maybe without radio giving me a balance, I would have gotten jaded and burnt out on it and totally changed my career a long time ago. I always felt like if I did get away from music completely, I would probably look into education or another type of creative industry, like design or brand management.
7. In a perfect world, I would be ________ ?
Making a lot more for doing a lot less, lol.
8. Prior to listening to a song from a new artist, is there anything that you are consciously listening or looking for?
Sonic quality. First and foremost. If it doesn't literally SOUND good, no matter how good of a song it is, it will sound bad. Next, I listen for something in the song that people can connect to. Whether it's an earmark, or a message, or a catchy hook. What will people latch on to? Also, it never hurts when the record fits a style that is "hot" at the moment. Right now, twerk/party music is hot. Slowed down wavy trap music is hot. Folk/Country-esque/indie infused pop music is hot right now. Last year, I was secretly hoping that disco vibe would last a little longer, but it was fun while it was here!
9. Hypothetical question...You own a huge club in New Orleans, what would your weekend line-up of DJ's look like?
I would have a group of guys that were well rounded, and could rock everything from a funky rare groove, true-school hip hop throwback set that covered everything from disco records to 90s bangers and b-sides - to a progressive open format set that covered everything from the most poppy chick anthems to the hottest underground rap and big room EDM festival heaters.
10. If you had to eat one type of meal everyday for a month, what would it be?
Anything that would allow me to eat chicken and steak, lol. Let's roll with a hibachi.
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