10 Questions with ... Tony Neal

NAME:Tony Neal TITLE:CEO of The CORE DJs/Syndicated Mixshow DJ COMPANY:The CORE DJs MARKET:Milwaukee BORN:Detroit RAISED:Milwaukee

Please outline your radio career so far.

-Well known DJ in The Midwest area -- started in 1992 (clubs)
-On Air/Mixshow DJ for WKKV (1996-2000 - 2002/2006)
-R&B Mixshow on WMCS (2000-2002)
-Popular Afternoon show/On Air at WNOV 860 am in Milwaukee (2000-2001)
-Co-Owner of Onyx nightclub in Milwaukee (Nov 2005 -Present)
-The Core DJs -- founded in Dec. 2003 in Milwaukee/Miami (now Over 350 DJ's/Programmers Worldwide)
- Present mixshows on WRVZ, WEDR, WRJH. WWPR (Holidays), KTTB, WWLD, Sirius 50 Hot Jams/The Core DJ Show & Music Choice.

1) What was your first job? Early influences?

WKKV was my first radio job (on air), I was hired parttime by Tony Fields in December 1996 . Early influences were my uncle Jim Frazer (radio legend in Milwaukee) Cousin-Jerry Rupert (PD - Hot107.9/Atlanta), Homer Blow (PD - WNOV/Milwaukee), Reggie Brown (APD - WKKV/Milwaukee), Doctor B (Mixer at WKKV) and Mike Love.

2) What led you to a career in music? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?

In 2003 when I started the Core DJs.

3) What was the first record/CD you purchased?

A 45 of More Bounce To The Ounce when was 10 years old by Zapp & Jerry Knight's "Overnight Sensation" LP.

4) Where do you see the industry and yourself five years from now?

Programming a region of stations and making the Core DJ's a worldwide source to break new music.

5) What is your favorite type of radio station or format and why?

I was brought up on R&B, Funk & Disco ... anyone that plays that.

6) How many of the Core DJs work directly with radio stations and have been given the freedom to introduce new music on their shows?

About 65% to 70%

7) What's your take on current music? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same?

The R&B is better than six months ago. The rap, we don't have a clue.

8) What's the long-range goal for you personally and the Core DJs?

Refer to # 4 (just kidding, Doc). I want to start Hip-Hop over through the Core DJs. We differently need a serious make-over in this industry. I want the Core DJs to be a household name where everyone can relate to US for BREAKING NEW MUSIC.

9) Tell us what music we would find on your car or home CD player.

Everything, Doc! Depends on my mood. You'll hear new music, old-school hip-hop, reggae (grass roots/from my upbringing), house and disco -- some of everything!

10) How do you feel about Urban radio saying that everything that does well in the clubs does not necessarily translate to radio -- meaning that radio likes some records that do not do well in the clubs, including some hit ballads?

That's true. Some records you hear in the clubs (because of their content) you don't wanna hear a clean. Some are just made to be dirty unless you are able to play these records on your mix shows. I think that some records are best left on mix show (if they are allowed to play them). I thought that the mixer was supposed to be the station's "ear to the street," but that's changed now. It's all corporate now

What would people who think they know you be surprised to find out about Tony?

Nothing, Dr. I don't have any surprises. I help anyone who can be helped and whom I have knowledge to help. I try to let everyone know the real me.

Please describe the best or worst promotion you've ever been part of.

The best promotion that I've been involved in is my Core DJ family. It's a unit of DJs, PDs, MDs, some labels that are on the same page, to make things better for us as a whole in this crazy industry. I haven't had any experiences that I can consider "the worst" 'cause they all lead me to this point.

Explain how the Core DJs organization came to be formed. How do you account for the fact that you all have been so successful?

It's family. That's what makes it successful. No one is bigger or smaller in The Core DJs, we all think on ONE ACCORD.

Is there a clear line between Urban and Rhythmic? Does Rhythmic lead to Top 40 in the crossover mode at radio?

Not really. With exception of a few songs, most of them crossover, so I would say no. As far as Rhythmic leading to Top 40, I would say yes. There is no other direction it can go.

How important are promotions, track dates and drops for radio?

Imaging for the stations is very important. This is all about imaging for the station. Very important.

How important do you feel videos are in the building a new act?

Now visual is also an important part of building a new act. You use to break a new act just by the act having GOOD MUSIC. Now, some videos are ALREADY made before the record even hits radio. We had street teams to create visual before. The videos cut down that part of the game.

Can mixers and club DJs still break an act?

We always do, Doc. It's always a DJ or someone who has had DJ experience who breaks the act, LOL.

How can radio work better with the Core DJs so that both can benefit?

Building solid relationship with your "ear to the street" and respecting what your DJ brings to the station. Every station need that foundation of the DJ. Your DJ must be able to make your station look good locally and nationally.