10 Questions with ... Jamien "Melz On The M-I-C" Green

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

2009- Current HotBox254 Productions 2012 - 2013 Sales/On-Air/Overnights KOOC. 2014-2020 KSSM Asst. PD./Midday. 2020- Now KISX Brand Manager/Afternoon Drive, Executive Producer and Host of syndicated Brown Liquor Music "Southern Soul Mixshow”

1. What are you up to these days?

Currently, Brand manager/Afternoon drive for KISX-FM "The All New 107.3 Kiss FM" In Tyler-Longview and Executive Producer of a weekly syndicated mixshow dedicated to "Southern Soul and Blues" music called, “Brown Liquor Music” which airs on two terrestrial affiliates and 2 online radio stations.

2. When, why, and how did you decide to go into radio?

In the early 2000s, after being discharged from the Army, I drove OTR trucks but always wanted to work in media, so I began a content creation company called, “HotBox254” which focused on creating video content for YouTube. We had modest success to the point where we were in talks to syndicate the show to broadcast TV but ran into the problem of how to monetize our content. I was always intrigued by radio because during that time driving my truck. I would listen to stations across the country and I felt like I could do so much better than a lot of the jocks I was listening to. So as a way to learn both sales and programming, I applied for a job with our local radio station (owned by Cumulus at the time) to join the sales staff. I spent a year learning the ins and outs of sales and how to monetize and sell content but at the same time, learning all I could about programming. I was let go from sales and returned to the "real world" for a year working various jobs including roofing, bartending, and general labor before I got the call to come aboard as a part-time board operator. I picked up my shift thanks to DJ Poncho who believed in my talent so much that he paid out of his pocket to buy a time on KOOC for me to host a mixshow. After working overnights and midday fill-in, exactly, one year later, I was interviewing for PD for two stations in Killeen-Temple. While I didn't get the job at that time, I stayed on as APD of KSSM and took on Midday responsibilities. I held that position for close to 6 years helping lead KSSM as its "lead local talent" to a #1 overall rating for the first time since the station launched and Townsquare promoted me to Brand Manager at KISX in Tyler in 2020. A few months into taking over in Tyler, Brown Liquor Music picked up its first affiliate and have added 3 more since.

3. If you wanted to change careers, what would you like to do?

I would like to run a bar, one of the jobs I had while on hiatus was bartending and I kind of fell in love with it even though I don't drink.

4. Would you share one of your funnier radio moments?

I had to hold a PD back from fighting our syndicated morning show host who was in town for a show because the host insulted the PD’s mother on-stage in front of the audience. The PD was livid and threatened to drop his morning show the next day. But on the air the very next day, the host talked about how "awesome" the show was and how he loved the city, forcing the PD to basically keep him on the air.

5. Would you share the names of some air personalities you grew up listening to?

Tom Joyner, Howard Stern, Tom Leykis, Wild Wayne, Davey D, Uptown Angela, Superstar CJ Morgan, and Papa Smurf.

6. What are your challenges being both on the air and programming?

Definitely time management, because you have to find time to create and prep a great show while juggling meetings with clients, staff, figuring out promotions and writing content for our station’s website.

7. Who have been some of your influencers and mentors?

Poncho Strickland, Shani Scott, Erik Tee, Brion O'Brion, Jamie Garrett, John "Romeo" Medina, DJ Big Bink are folks who have mentored and coached me up. All the personalities I grew up listening to influenced me in some way.

8. What Inspires You?

I'm a firm believer the that main competitive advantage radio has over any other medium is LIVE AND LOCAL. Connecting with the local community and serving their needs inspires me to show up every day. The great thing is, in this day and age, you can pull the world outside of the market to you if you make and create great content. One of the many reasons I like working for Townsquare Media is our focus on local content both on-air and online.

9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _______?

My family, the people who supported me through this journey.

10. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

No matter what position you're in now, “Show Up And Go To Work.” One of my mentors and I got opportunities just because someone didn't show up or was let go and YOU were the closest body available. So yes, keep doing those "weekend/overnight" shifts. Be "Effective,” Not "Famous". Focus on the city you are in now instead of what the next market will be. If you love your city, they will love you back. Pick and choose your battles wisely and remain levelheaded and patient, leave your emotions out of it. It's also just as important that you learn what not to do from the mistakes of others. Most importantly, don't let people who have been jaded by this business discourage you from your path.

Bonus Questions

What are most proud of?

The first market president I worked for told me "You will never be on the air.” Here I am almost a decade in, took a station to #1 overall, created a top-rated syndicated show that's picking up steam, plus I'm on National TV from time to time. Just making it into and thriving in this business is what I'm most proud of.