-
10 Questions with ... Aja Whitney
August 2, 2021
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started my career in the music industry working at record labels and directly with independent artists; marketing, touring and consulting. This led me to Radio Woodstock, an independent radio station and full-service event production company. Between my years at Radio Woodstock, I moved into large scale event producing and talent buying. Producing over a 100+ events across the country; comedy, speaking engagements and all genres of music. I began managing emerging independent hip-hop artists. April 2020, when the pandemic hit and was in full swing, Radio Woodstock asked me to help out on air, which has now led to full-time midday host, music & booking director.
1. How did you become interested in radio?
Music was always on in my home -- from Teddy Pendergrass, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Santana, Nina Simone. I fell in love with radio when I started taking the bus to school every morning -- I had a Walkman that had a radio tuner on it -- and would surf through the channels during my commutes. I remember using a TalkBoy recorder in my bedroom and recording myself announcing songs and pretending to have my own little radio station.
2. Who were/are your mentors?
Our PD, Greg Gattine, who I am blessed to work with every day! Gattine has been a huge mentor and inspiration. His incredible guidance since being unexpectedly plopped into this position gives me the motivation to do what I do.
Station Promotion Director Assa Sacko-Zarcone is a force to be reckoned with. She is the hardest working woman in the game! She is the true backbone of the radio station.
Carmel Holt (SHEREOS Radio, former MD at WDST, on-air host at WFUV), although I didn’t get to work with her for too long, I always admired her work, and her confidence. She gave me a blueprint of how to be a super successful music director and artist ally.
3. How would you describe the music on the station?
There’s something for everyone -- a very eclectic mix from the Woodstock era, to funk, soul, R&B, pop, reggae, Americana -- we really try to mix in all genres. As well as lending the platform to great emerging and local artists. I host a specialty show where I get to let loose with the music. “It’s Saturday Night” is on Saturday nights 7-10p. The program showcases unsigned independent artists, acts from across the globe, and tunes that just sound too good. You’ll need to turn your treble and bass up for this one.
4. Tell us about the amazing fact that all the artists in power at WDST were women recently!
It wasn’t calculated at all. We listen and review everything! We stood back and took a look at the artists in power rotation and realized they all were female artists! Not surprised as female artists have been turning out great music forever -- never got the attention, platform or chance to be heard in a lead position. Radio Woodstock has no gender boundaries when it comes to the music -- if it sounds good then we’re going to play it. It feels right to be a woman in music supporting and empowering other women in music.
5. What new artists are you most excited about?
I have a laundry list! But my favorite album out of 2021 so far has been Allison Russell’s solo album Outside Child. Cautious Clay, who’ve I’ve been a fan of since hearing his song ‘Cold War’ in 2018. Anyone who knows me knows that my heart lives with reggae music, Listening to a lot of Afrobeat as well. Artists like Ria Sean based in Nigeria.
6. Tell us about your new studios/offices?
We showcase the incredible music, artists and programming that has been alive and on air since 1980 here in the Hudson Valley. We recently moved to our own building, a church from the 1800s that was renovated with brand new studios, a performance space with livestream capabilities, and keeping the old spirit of the church with the original tin walls, and stained-glass windows. Did I mention we have a church bell? Yea, we have a church bell, and every artist and client that walks through our doors gets a chance to RING THE BELL!
Excited to get our performance space in tip-top shape -- where we will host live intimate events, along with great in-studio performances. We are launching a series called “Tiny Church Sessions,” that could entertain the likes of panel discussions, concerts, speakers, listening events … the clouds are the limit with the set-up we currently have. We are creating a safe space for all artists and the community to be creative and get their mention.
7. What do you view as the biggest challenge for radio these days?
Staying relevant. We’re inundated with so much; social media, music streaming platforms, streaming TV … the list goes on. Radio was and still is an innovator of the arts and media.
8. How do you stay in tune with your audience?
Radio Woodstock has an interesting format of listener and commercial support. Monthly we send our music surveys of new (and sometimes older) music and ask for an honest evaluation and feedback directly from our supporting audience. Monday-Friday, I host a midday tradition of an interactive hour of theme-based song requests. This is a great way for me to monitor what songs are currently hitting with our audience, and I must say, our listeners have great taste in music and will put me on to new music all the time.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without …
… Laughing at myself.
10. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?
Ha, I’m never not working.
Bonus Questions
First record ever purchased:
Janet Jackson - Janet, on cassette with my own money and wore the tape out in six months!
-
-