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10 Questions with ... JulianOnTheRadio
September 26, 2006
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NAME:JulianOnTheRadioPOSITION:Evening PersonalitySTATION:WBBM-FM B96MARKET:ChicagoCOMPANY:CBS RADIOBORN:WASHINGTON DCRAISED:ALEXANDRIA, VA
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I got my start as an intern back in 2000 at now defunct Top 40 WWZZ (Z104)/WASHINGTON DC which was owned by BONNEVILLE. I worked in virtually every department from promotions, to sales full-time, eventually leading to programming. I had the pleasure and opportunity to be around some of the most incredible people and talent in that building (SEAN SELLERS, MIKE EDWARDS, MELISSA HAWES, JAKE REDMAN, and MATHEW BLADES). I put my life into that station and eventually had the opportunity because of SEAN, and MIKE to do part-time air-work for Z104 DC and it just snowballed from there! I went onto do nights for WQPO, WVSR, and than decided to work for DON LONDON, and WNVZ (Z104)/NORFOLK, VA as the main swinger/part-time doing late-night weeknights, as well as commuting back and forth to my hometown of DC to work for JEFF WYATT and WITH (HOT 99-5). Fast forward a year down the road I was getting ready for a plane flight to go interview for an incredible opportunity in a Top 30 market when Wyatt called me and asked me if I'd be interested in working for him fulltime doing nights at HOT 99-5 DC. I remember honestly thinking I was about to have a heart attack or something. Thank god that didn't happen. Recently, I have had the same reaction except I thought my heart fell on the floor! That was when TODD CAVANAH contacted me about coming to B96. You could say I react to things:)
1. What was your last non-Industry job?
I used to run a successful Import mail order business straight out of my house back in the day. We were doing Fast and the Furious before it was even considered "the in thing". I have friends that are now in the industry professionally and it is just amazing what is being done to these rides. If you've been to Hot Import Nights or a similar show you know where I'm coming from. I traded that for radio and now drive a Toyota:)
2. What got you interested in Radio?
When I had the opportunity to intern for MATHEW BLADES (former night jock for Z104 DC, now in DENVER doing afternoons for WILLIE 925) he inspired me to pursue this passion for making people laugh. It was his ability to evoke emotion which I saw every night which sealed the deal for me.
3. You came to B96 from WIHT/WASHINGTON D.C. From what you've seen and experienced so far, what's the biggest difference between living and working in D.C. and CHICAGO?
You know, I'll be honest, I have never really made such a huge move geographically but things to me are definitely different but the same in a lot of ways. CHICAGO is an extremely multi-cultural market which I absolutely love. I'd say CHICAGO seems a bit less conservative. People go out everyday of the week here, and it's normal to go out at 12am and come home at 6 and have to work in a few hours. I'd say the biggest difference is that I have people calling in "EXPECTING" to be entertained. They want to know what's going down on the show right now, they are vocal, passionate, and the market is so incredibly competitive with everyone fighting for their share of the marketplace that you better be on your game 24/7. I love it.
4. If you hadn't been cursed with the radio bug, what would you be doing now and where?
I believe I'd always be in a field utilizing my PR, and interpersonal skillset. I have friends in Real Estate which I dabble in, and always thought of that as a back-up. Although, I have always dreamed of doing a show similar to MTV's Boiling Points but a show that takes it farther and forces people to react even more than what we are used to seeing. Yes, I enjoy pressing people's buttons.
5. What's the first thing you do when you get to the station?
I usually get to the station by 3 pm to prep, plan, and finalize the show for that night. If I have any production to take care for certain content pieces, I'll get with our Imaging Pimp; BLUE MIKE and we'll do that. If I have any pranks in mind, I'll record those in our pre-production room as well. Based on past experience's to really get a good scam done that "hits with impact", and isn't just someone hanging up in anger, that takes time. More time than 2 songs will allow when you're in the studio, especially if its dependant on whomever we are calling. Example, after work I'll wait until 2 am or so and call people in WEST VIRGINIA who post their trucks for sale. Takes time to get the perfect victim who will stay on the phone with you and explain to me "why I cannot come over for a test drive right now":) I come from the school of thought if something happens during the show that can be content in itself, obviously I'll run with it otherwise I like to plan, prepare and execute.
6. Who do you consider to be your mentor(s)?
Most definitely I would say JEFF WYATT. Not only did he give his parttimer the chance of a lifetime but he is a great person, a great manager of people, and an incredible talent coach that recognizes creativity. I carry his programming disciplines to this day. B96's PD TODD CAVANAH and APD/MD ERIK BRADLEY have been incredible with my transition here, and are great individuals! They are awesome managers, great to bounce ideas off of, and give their people the freedom to be creative. It's great to work in a building where your managers believe in the content that you put on. Lastly. MATHEW BLADES still holds true as being one of the most real people ever. Great guy, a real natural communicator, and always has had people's best interest first. I consider so many more "mentors" who are my friends. You know who you are!
7. What do you like to do in your spare time?
I generally like to wind down by doing relaxed things. Television, grabbing coffee, movies, enjoying the city, and shopping. Anything that relaxes the mind.
8. What area of your "game" do you want to improve?
I'm always working on my performance as a jock. If we're not constantly striving to improve ourselves in all aspects than I believe we just become "part of the background", there's nothing about us that stands out to ourselves or the listener. Programming wise, I would like to eventually learn and become more involved with the "behind the scenes" aspect. Music, programming strategies, etc.
9. Your career is moving quickly. What advice would or do you give to someone just getting in the door?
When I started as an intern at WWZZ, I worked my ass off for college credit. It's so surreal to me because I can still remember when I was working in promotions and programming, and we were all one big family, and you now what I LOVED IT. Its not about the money, or the small details, it's about if you truly love what you do. I have met people who complain they only make "X" amount of dollars, and I meet people who are still hungry and passionate. Once you get your foot in the door its all upon you to show people you work hard, you want to learn, and will do whatever it takes to succeed.
Sometimes we as personalities get caught up in the "radio talk, and things that are associated". It's all about entertaining YOUR audience. It's not about impressing other jocks, or anybody along those lines. We all want to be creative and work hard in doing so but also heavily based on your personality and how you execute no matter what you're doing.
10. It's Saturday night at 11:55. Where do we find JULIAN?
Here in Chi-town, I'm out for sure meeting as many people as I can. This city is awesome and the people are incredibly nice! The ladies here are wild as hell too, and I'm not complaining.
Bonus Questions
1) Who are some of your favorite personalities not on your air staff that you enjoy listening too?
I can definitely say there are SO SO many. I respect everyone but if I had to name a few I'd..
KANE at WFLZ - If creativity, and compelling were people it'd be KANE. Great guy, too. Humble and down to earth.
JJ KINCAID at Z100-The perfect combination of creativity, total relatibility, and just plain entertaining.
Other jocks/imagers because there's too many to list: Gellar at WDCG, J-NIICE at Y100, ATOM SMASHER at KHKS, XZULU, formerly of WKYS, ERIK TYLER at KBKS, JAKE REDMAN (hire this guy!) and DARRIN MARSHALL (Hot 995). They are some of the best imagers in the country, that are also jocks, so they understand both worlds. YAMAN COSKUN at CLEAR CHANNEL/WASHINGTON DC and CAGE at ALICE (great brainstormer). MIKE KLEIN at WKZL is one of the best up and coming programmers out there, and has passion for it that's sickening. I also used to love tuning into ELLIOT on DC101. It's a show on a rock format but could easily kill in the Top 40 world. What they do every morning is incredible.
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