10 Questions with ... Armand "DJ Q" Flowers

1. Who has influenced your career?

My mother & father encouraged my music interest early on by purchasing my 1st boom-box in the 4th grade. My friend Greg Martin would send dub-tapes from Brooklyn, NY., and that was my school of learning about Mixshows, imaging, drops and engagement from 98.7 KISS-FM and 107.5 WBLS. I've been influenced early on by DJ Red Alert, Chuck Chillout, Kid Capri and DJ Marley Marl, because I was exposed to their Mixshows and they pioneered well rounded radio shows that set the tone for hip-hop culture.

My introduction started in high school with DJ John Martin and DJ Murda One mentoring me while they attended Indiana State University. After college, I relocated to Louisville, Ky. DJ B Real, Mark Gunn, Phillip David March, "Brown" and Ben Davis were instrumental in my journey from Mixshow DJ to becoming Program Director.

2. How do you see the role of a PD?

Being a PD isn't about just programming but leading your team to new heights and levels in their careers. It's more about team, connection, and being a teacher. Not being threatened by talent, but welcoming talent as part of your legacy.

3. Lately what’s the best advice you’ve been given?

"Don't let radio use you, use radio." I understood that to mean, use your platform to reach as many people and leave as big of an impression as possible because radio is the best way to brand yourself daily, and reach the most people at any given time.

4. How do you see the future of radio?

Radio is the best local tool for information. The only thing that will change is people's listening habits and how they're exposed to new and charted music.

5. When did you decide on radio for a career?

I transitioned to not just be a mixtape, club, tour or Mixshow DJ when I realized I was missing the personality side by not having a full-time on-air shift and really building an organic following.

6. Is there a promotion you were involve in that stands out?

Creating a Christmas promotion with Mar Brown (R.I.P.) and giving kids in my community one of the best Christmas promotions over the last decade with the best giveaway

7. If you hadn’t chosen radio, what would you have gone into?

Music production! I still make beats on my MPC 2000XL or MPC Studio Models.

8. Is there a theme in life that you live by?

Everybody is not your friend. Real relationships are hard to come by. Be yourself and be a "straight shooter.

9. How do you split your time between on air and programming?

If you love what you do, coming in early, and staying late pays off. Daily team huddles, show prep, scheduling, sales, programming meetings etc. make a full day.

10. What do you strive towards?

Giving my co-workers and community the vision that they can have a career in radio and being successful in helping grow the culture and community.