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10 Questions with ... Tay 'DJ Mr. West' Westberry
December 5, 2017
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I loved Old School Funk and loud music growing up. DJ'd my first event at the age of 13. It was a father/daughter dance for Girl Scouts and I was hooked! The thought of being the man to make or break an event, pushing my knowledge of music, and to create and change the atmosphere with the transition of a song was something I still can't replace. The world of radio was introduced through being a DJ by former KOPW PD Greg 'Hot Boy' Lemons in 2013. I didn't have any intentions of actually being on the radio except as a mix-show DJ. I was just out to help a friend. In 2015, I signed on part-time and started working overnights on Power 106.9.
1. What got you into radio?
The PD of Power 106.9, at the time, was celebrating his birthday at one of my resident night clubs. He enjoyed my performance and I saw the opportunity to make friends with an important person in the city so asked him If I could step into his world and see what he does.
2. What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?
I wanted to be a mechanical engineer. I loved cars and saying that sounded better than being a mechanic.
3. What would probably surprise most people about Omaha?
We made the Top 10 list for most bars per capita, Not because we have an awesome night life but when there is nothing to do, tequila is always a good back up plan.
4. What was the adjustment like moving from being a club DJ to an on-air personality?
I had more crutches then I care to mention! Wrapping my head around not sounding like I was talking to 300 people but I still had an entire city listening along with just using my regular talking voice, man, I used to leave the studio exhausted!
5. What's your favorite song on the station right now?
Havana by Camila Cabello featuring Young Thug. I've always had a secret love for Spanish or tropical sounding music.
6. If you weren't in radio, what do you think you'd be doing professionally?
If I didn't have radio I would be entertaining mankind in some way. I love to cook, dance, and just laugh with other people. Doing voiceovers for animation would be dope!
7. We know your radio keeps you very busy but what do you like to do in spare time you have?
COOK! Especially outside, grilling, smoking, roasting whatever! I take a dish that is supposed to be cooked indoors and doing it outside with some brews and some friends sounds like a perfect day to me!
8. Who were some of your mentors? Not just in radio but in life, as well.
Greg 'Hot Boy' Lemons. To this day, he's one of my best friends. My PD, Caleb James. This guy guy took everything I knew about radio, threw it out the window and took the time to build me from the ground up. Outside of radio, my Father who introduced me to music. He was also a DJ when he was my age but I would take him to every event I did as a kid. Lastly, James Brown, the Godfather of Soul. Every time he hit the stage you were in for a show that you would never forget.
9. Hypothetical question...If you were getting married in two months and you could have any group, or singer, perform at your reception, who would you choose?
EARTH, WIND AND FIRE!!!!!
10. If you had to eat one type of meal every day for a month, what would it be?
One type of food? Hell, I can narrow it down to the exact dish...Philly Cheese Steak. I made a trip to Philly for a day and managed to get seven of the heavenly sandwiches all from different places!
Bonus Questions
If you could go on the road and tour with a Power 106.9 artist, who would you want to tour with?
Don't judge me! Probably Cardi B. Not because of her looks but damn, from what social media lets us see, she seems like a regular human. She's just out enjoying her accomplishments but never lost herself doing so! And I may also have a little ratchet in me...just a little bit, though!
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