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10 Questions with ... Brown
August 6, 2019
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1) Could you tell us about your station and all your duties as the Urban Format captain?
My role as Format Captain is to be an informative resource ensuring we protect ratings, an educator, executor, recruiter, and quality control officer.
2) How did a career in radio come about?
I started off as a mixer with a love for production that turned into a passion for radio programming.
3) What are some of your other goals for the Columbia stations and other Alpha Urban properties?
To be a winning media family focused on our local presence and connection to the community; deliver the most compelling live and local digital and on-air content; be known for our outstanding service and commitment to the communities and the local entertainment industry; and to dominate in revenue and ratings in our perspective markets.
4) Who were some of the influencers in your career?
Bobby Bennet, Ray Boyd, Jack Daniels, Skip Dillard, Nate Bell, Jay Stevens, Reggie Rouse, Charles Warfield, Shawneen Thompson, Scotty Webb, Dr. Dave, Hurricane Dave and so many more. Please forgive me I cannot name them all.
5) If budget was no object, what things would you do?
Promotion-wise, I would upgrade all our marketing materials and vehicles for our perspective brands. I would also do a million-dollar cash contest quarterly with the qualifying prize being "Win a Thousand Dollars Every Hour." I would make sure we institute a program where we could identify, recruit and train new talent -- this would be a paid program. I would love to create our own Alpha Media School of Broadcasting. And I would also do two major events a year that would rival a Live Nation concert or event.
6) What role should a radio station play in a community?
In all the markets I have been in, I have always put in action something that Skip Dillard religiously preached to me: "Stations that perform at their very best are extremely entrenched in the community. It's synonymous with winning."
7) Do you think radio as we know it will exist in the future?
Radio is free so it will always exist. However, I believe how we deliver our content will constantly evolve.
8) Would you share some of your funnier radio memories?
Early in my career as an intern, I was encouraged to enter a jalapeno contest. None of the major talent would do it, so with me being new and an intern, I thought this would be a good way to prove my loyalty and earn me a full-time slot. Well let's just say I couldn't feel my tongue and lips for two days, but I was finally hired full-time. To anybody up-and-coming who is reading this, there are better ways to earn your spot on a team.
9) What surprises you about music today?
Nothing really surprises me. I truly enjoy how this generation is creating its own vibe and wave while still having respect for those who came before them. These kids are on a whole different level with their ability to make hit records from the comfort of their bedroom.
10) How can radio use other platforms to reach its audience?
By doing what we do best ... creating content. Now that we are in the Internet age, it has in some ways leveled the playing field, allowing us to reach people in real time around the world. He or she with the best content wins. It's just that simple to me.
Bonus Questions
What new artists do you predict will become huge stars?
I really have a wide range when it comes to music, but some of the artists and producers I've really been listening to lately are as follows:
- Doja Cat - She is a one-woman wrecking crew as a producer, singer and songwriter. She is super-creative and in my opinion, she is moving the culture forward.
- Valee - Something about this guy is so dope! He is kind of reminiscent of Slick Rick from the Golden Air of Hip-Hop in the way he delivers his rhymes
- Niniola - She is from across the seas with the Afro Beat style song called "Maradona." I have been totally entrenched in this style of music for about a decade now. It seems like it's becoming mainstream with artists like Davido who had major hits this year.
- Daniel Caesar and Ella Mai are some of my breakout R&B artists of the 2018 year. Keep a look out for "RlumR," Pink Sweat and so many more. I need to do a weekly "Who's Up Next List"
- Pi'erre Bourne - Is one of my favorite producers right now. I first heard his earlier work on the Playboi Carti song "Magnolia" and SixNine song "Gummo."
For now, I'm going to stop here but there are so many talented artists out there who are changing the game. I will have to do a part 2, 3 and 4 to cover my whole list.
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