10 Questions with ... DJ Bonics

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• WPTS 92.1 University of Pittsburgh ’99 - 02 (HOST/ PD / Station Manager)
• WAMO 106 Jamz ’99 - 02 (Intern / Board Op / Promotions)
• WKST 96.1 KISS Pittsburgh ’04 - ’10 (Nights / Afternoons/ Mixer Imaging / Music Director)
• WRDW Wired 96.5 ’13 - ’15 (Night Host, Mixshow Coordinator)
• KPWR Power 106 ’’16 -’17 (Weekly Mixshow Dj/Host)
• KWEE ’16 - ’17 (Afternoons)
• KZGO ’17 - Present (APD / Middays / Mixshow Coordinator)
• MIXSHOW at (WQHT / WWWQ / WHTP / WNOW / WKST )
• DJ and MD for Wiz Khalifa '10 - Present

1. What got you into radio?

Music. Listening to Philadelphia radio growing up was a blessing. So many great jocks and DJs have come from there. So, when I started to mix, I already knew I had to be as good as I could to shine.

2. What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?

I thought I was going to be the first Filipino NBA star.

3. What was the biggest change in the move from Portland to Minneapolis?

If we are talking radio. I like that GO radio in Minneapolis is a reflection of the city. We truly support live and local artists including having radio “hosts” who are involved in the Minneapolis - St. Paul music culture. If we are talking weather, Minneapolis knows how to handle snow. Portland…not so much. Both great cities, though!

4. How did you become Wiz Khalifa's DJ?

The short answer is…we were the best in Pittsburgh at the time. I had watched him grow up as an artist since he was 14 and always supported him how I could. In 2010, I felt that radio at the time was hindering my growth as an artist and DJ and at that same moment Wiz was looking for a new DJ. I’ve been with him for almost nine years from Saturday Night Live to South Africa. It’s been quite an adventure.

5. Describe an average day on the road touring with Wiz?

It just depends where we are. If it’s somewhere I can explore, like a new city, I’ll take advantage of sightseeing, food and meeting locals. Otherwise, I’m usually doing my radio show from the road and (maybe) participating in warm up rituals before taking stage with Wiz. ;)

6. What would probably surprise most people about Minneapolis?

The community and the food scene. Minneapolis is about Minneapolis. They support their own. The music and artist community is thriving! And FOOD. Come here to eat, for sure.

7. Didn't you work with Dan Hunt at one point in your career? How are Dan and Wiz similar to work with and to work for?

Dan understands that each person he deals with is different. And he embraces their individuality and understands how that person will work for his brands. Wiz is similar. His team is diverse and each person brings something different, but under one common goal.

8. What excites you every day about programming at Go?

First of all, working with President Sam Gagliardi and the owners, the Pohlad family, has been truly a been a rewarding experience so far. I like that GO is forward thinking in its programming. We truly consider all music trends in deciding what’s best for our audience. It doesn’t always come from numbers. Sometimes it’s just a feeling. Our staff at GO, including Mr. Peter Parker, are all tastemakers and a part of the music community at large. It truly feels like we are making a difference in the market. Bringing back modern Hip Hop with music hosts in Minneapolis - St. Paul.

9. If you weren't in radio and music, what do you think you'd be doing professionally?

Wow! I’m a people person. I’d probably be a teacher or doing some sort of community work.

10. We know your job keeps you very busy but what do you like to do in your spare time?

I like the creative side of music. I like to produce and still do turntable nerd stuff. Of course. Ii like to eat good food and play with my pup, Sir Charles.

If you had to eat one type of meal every day for a month, what would it be?

mmmmmm..... I’ll say Filipino food cause I’m guessing no one has ever said that in a ALL ACCESS interview.

Besides Dan Hunt, who were some of your radio and music mentors?

Besides DAN, I’ve had the pleasure to work with AMAZING people in radio! Shout to Alex Tear, Mark Anderson, Phil Becker, E Man and Jimmy Steal and Kiki from WAMO. Also, big up to my Heavy Hitter brother DJ Enuff from Hot 97.