10 Questions with ... Murph Dawg

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started out my radio career at WLIR/Long Island, NY. 6 months later, they signed on a sister station. WXXP (Party 105). I worked there and got my first fulltime gig with them. Throughout the whole time I worked at Party I was co-hosting Nights, then Co-hosting Afternoons, then FT Overnights, AMD, Creative Services and Production under PD, Skyy. Come to think of it, I think I had some janitorial duties, too. I then moved to WHZT/Greenville, SC as Nights APD/MD under PD Fisher. I Won Billboard/Monitor APD/MD of the year in 2003, S.I.N. MD of year, as well. I then got the call to the big leagues, AM Drive at WBTS/Atlanta under PD Cagle. I've been in Atlanta for over 4 years and now have been syndicated with my co-host CJ broadcasting to Richmond, VA, Greenville-Spartanburg SC, and Athens GA to start. We are always looking for more stations to pick us up.

1. Weren't planning on going into TV production? How did you get roped into Radio?

It's funny how it worked out. I had to fill up my last internship credits for school to graduate and so I decided to intern at a radio station to see what it was like. Lynda Lopez was the MD who took me under her wing at WLIR and I learned so much about how music is programmed and the interaction with the listeners and I became hooked.

After my internship, WLIR started up a new station WXXP "Party 105" and asked me if I would like a job. I said "sure" and it was there, where I worked on my craft under my PD Skyy Walker, APD Leo G and MD Vic Latino. Oh, by the way, I have to say that my roommate at the time was the coolest guy, too. Big shout to Phathead. I had to throw his name in here otherwise he would get pissed.

2. How shocking was the format change at WBTS?

I think it took all of us by storm. It's one of the unfortunate parts of our business, and it opened my eyes a lot. WBTS was performing very well when the flip happened, that's why it took us by surprise. Nine out of ten times, your company is flipping your station because its not performing. That wasn't the case here, but I understand why the company made the move. This isn't the first time an AM talk station is simulcasting on an FM band and I'm sure it won't be the last. The realization is that fewer and fewer people are flipping to that AM dial, and when you're billing WSB numbers, you have to protect it. It's not something I necessarily agree with, but I absolutely understand their reason for making the move.

3. So WBTS goes away but now you're doing mornings for how many stations?

It's funny because the famous saying is when one door closes, another opens. In CJ and my case, that door is a much bigger one that opened for us. We are syndicated in three markets as of now and God willing, we will continue to grow.

4. Are you doing separate shows/breaks for each market or is it simulcast?

It is a live simulcast in all the markets. However, we do a local break in each market per hour to give the listener a sense of locality, as well as doing market visits.

5. How does your morning partner best put up with you...not that you can be a pain in the ass or anything?

Me? Pain in the ass? As CJ has gotten to know me through the years, she understands the person I am now. I definitely think from the other side of my brain at times but that's because I use 91.6 % of my brain, while everyone else uses 3%. In all honesty, CJ is like my sister. We have a mutual respect for each other but yet we have a brother/sister type attitude toward each other. We both know how to get under each other's skin and we both know how to push each other's buttons, but when it comes down to it, there is a big respect and friendship there.

6. How has CJ helped you mature as a morning host?

Throughout my 14 + years of radio, I never did a morning show, let alone work for a station that even HAD a morning show, so I was a little green in that area. In CJ's long radio career, all she did was a morning show, and she had the opportunity to work with a legend in the Atlanta market, Ryan Cameron which she gained a lot of knowledge from. She helped me become more of a person with substance in topics and conversation, rather than the "crazy night jock".

7. Have you started playing golf regularly? Have you given up playing hockey?

I've been playing golf for over 15 years now. I have been blessed to play on some amazing courses, including Doral, Bali Hai in Vegas, Legends course in ATL and can't wait till next year where I will be playing East Lake in ATL. Those are just some of the many courses I have played. There's nothing like playing on a beautifully manicured course with some good people. As for hockey, I'm still playing baby!!! This Summer was fun because I got to scrimmage with some of the Atlanta Thrashers staff. Unfortunately, I just tore my Ulnar Collateral Ligament in my elbow, pitching a curveball in a tournament. I just had surgery on the 18th and I went to work the very next day, so that shows my dedication to this syndication. True story. So I'm sidelined for 3-4 months but I will be back in action again. What's even more amazing is that I am typing all of this with one hand. lol. Although it is taking waaaaaaay longer.

8. What's at the top of your personal Christmas wish list?

The main thing I have on my Christmas list is a USSSA Worth Resmondo softball bat "rolled" and ready to go, and a first baseman's glove. I'm done with pitching. The bat is about $300 and the glove I want runs around $200. Now the day after Christmas is my birthday so that's why I ask for so much. Jesus and I are tight!

9. Are you planning on making any New Year's resolutions?

My main New Year's resolution is to visit my family in NY more often. We immerse ourselves so much into our work, that sometimes we forget the important people in our lives. FAMILY. They were there for me when the whole WBTS thing went down and they will be there for me through anything and everything. FAMILY comes first.

10. If you were getting married in two months and you could have ANYONE perform at your reception, who would you want? Keep in mind that they'll need to do some traditional wedding reception songs/covers, like the Chicken Dance song.

There are Three artists I would love for that. #1 is Sade. I would love to have her sing "By Your Side". The other is definitely Brad Paisley. I know what your thinking, Country music, Murph? I just recently got into it, within the past few years and man, they are some great storytellers. "She's Everything" is a great wedding first dance song to me. Third and final is Common. I'm just a Common fanatic from the beginning.

If you HAD to marry an artist that you've interviewed, based on your tastes and their looks and personalities, who would you marry?

Wow! Thats a tough one there. Hmmm, I would definitely narrow it down to Brandy, Ciara, and WWE Diva Maryse. Maryse would win, because, well she could kick everyone's ass. lol.