10 Questions with ... DJ New Era

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Full time radio personality, Mixshow DJ, Member of The HeavyHitter DJs.

1) Could you tell me what a typical workday is like for you?

My day starts at 4am and I don't go back to sleep until 10pm that night.

2) Do you like your work?

Hell, yes being on the air everyday gives me an adrenaline rush! When I engage with listeners, that's the most exciting part of my career. I have a mixshow on two Hip-Hop & RnB stations (WMJJ-HD2 104.1) & WZHT 105.7), which both are based in Alabama. I always engage my audience with new music. Playing new music gives me a head start on breaking artists, which allows me to be creative. Having a mixshow was the jumpstart to being the co-host with Alabama on The Alabama In The Morning Show on our Top 40 station WQEN (103.7 Q), which is based in Birmingham Alabama. I tell people all the time it takes hard work and being patient when it comes to radio. I had to prove myself, which took 4 years as a mixshow DJ before I was offered a full-time position as a co-host. The adrenaline rush starts at 4am Monday-Saturday and by Sunday I'm resting to start my day back up on Monday morning.

3) And the best advice you've ever been given?

" Never Play It Safe." I always tell people when it comes to your career you can't play it safe.

I went in with the mindset of not having a Plan B, because I was so focused on making Plan A work. Take risks and jump out of your comfort zone.

4) How did you learn the difference between being a DJ and an air personality ?

I was told to learn the difference between the two and I can honestly say I know exactly what means to be an on-air personality and a DJ. There are two sides to DJ New Era, which are DJ New Era the club DJ and DJ New Era the on-air Personality. Being an on-air Personality involves planning and getting people to like your personality. You have to engage with a variety of people daily on the radio. Being a DJ gives me the opportunity to affect people's lives. People come to the club to laugh and have a good time. I love to create memories for people. When I was hired to do the morning show on the Top 40 station, I was told "Not to be DJ New Era the Club DJ, we need you to be an on air Personality." Being a mixshow/Club DJ helped me to become an on air radio personality.

5) Would you tell me about the company you own?

F.C.L.M. is my company. I've pushed this brand for over 14 years. The original name for the company was "Friends Can Love More." I'm big on making friends in this industry. The word "Love" was applied to my DJ Career. I love music and I also strived to put myself around like-minded individuals that share the same passion as me when it comes to music.

6) And what are you most proud of?

I'm proud of my son(Jaylen). He's a YouTube influencer. He is the true definition of a hustler. Make sure you follow him on his YouTube channel (LifeWithJaylen).

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

DJ Drama has been a major influencer in my life. My mixtapes, my brand and my DJ voice were built around damn near everything I saw him do. Every Time I crossed paths with DJ drama it's always been genuine love. DJ Drama allowed me to interview him for my YouTube channel (NewEraTV) I learned from watching Drama that anything is possible. He told me "To stay hungry and work hard"

8) What does the future hold?

I see my future growing and going global. A goal of mine has always been to reach a bigger audience. I want to grow more and expand overseas. I also plan to jump into the food industry soon.

9) Could you share one of your funnier moments on the radio?

Well, I can honestly say playing an R Kelly record in one of my mixshows. The listener emailed my Program Director complaining about my mix. The record was a Bow Wow Feat R Kelly song, and I didn't even let R Kelly Verse play; it was only the hook.

10) How do you view the music and radio industries ?

What bothers me the most is not really having access to some artists. I'm based in Birmingham Alabama and most of the time, I feel like I'm always having to battle to make relationships happen. Alabama is on the rise, and I wish most record labels would see what we have to offer.