10 Questions with ... DJ Shady

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Started on overnights at WJJO/Madison, stuck around a bit and fell in love with radio. That took me to nights with PD Bill Gamble in South Bend, as we launched a new Top 40 together. I missed Madison and lucky enough, there was a spot for me there in morning drive until this position was available.

1. What got you into radio?

In the early 2000s, a friend and myself used to call stations requesting songs and winning tickets. I thought to myself, "I want to make people this happy". So I buckled down on my side gig as DJ and looked for work.

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

Dreams are funny. When I was a kid, I dreamed of being a big time NFL or NHL superstar. It turns out, I wasn't as good as I thought...haha.

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

From Chicago to Madison To Michigan To Madison...the biggest change is always what more do I know and how can I use it.

4. Think back to being a sophomore in high school. Musically, what and who were you listening to?

Sophomore year...so in 2006, I was listening to anything that sounded like Bring Me The Horizon or Skrillex.

5. What would probably surprise most people about living and working in Madison?

The biggest surprise Madison has, I think, is the people. I've never been so fortunate to program a station for such a young hard working millennial crowd. This college town is hungry. Ask 'em and they'll prove it.

6. What's your favorite song on the station right now?

Damien and Skip Marley "That's Not True". Just one more awesome thing about Madison. They love their Marleys.

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

I would be back in sports trying to make it to the big leagues.

8. What do you like to do in spare time you have?

I love music! I mix with my Pioneer mixer, or cuddle with my four cats. It depends on the day!

9. Who are/were some of your mentors?

I've been very lucky in my career to have such amazing mentors like Brian "Freakshow" Holmes, Bill Gamble At WQLQ and the man, the myth, the legend, Randy Hawke. There have been so many more. Midwest Family has been a great place to work. There's none like it.

10. What's the first thing you look for in a new song when you hit "play"?

Does this have a beat? Where's the beat? People will always love something they can dance and vibe with and so do I.

If you could be on any TV reality show or game show, which would you want to be on?

I would love to be on The Bachelor. Why? C'mon now.

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

I would be just fine with pizza for life. Deep dish!