10 Questions with ... Tony Neal (T. Neal)

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• The CORE DJs started from my being a well-known DJ in The Midwest area. I started in the clubs back in 1992. I went from there to being an on- air mix show DJ for WKKV (1996-2000, 2002/2006)
• R&B Mix show on WMCS (2000-2002)
• Popular afternoon show/on-air at WNOV 860-A in Milwaukee (2000-2001)
• Co-Owner of The Onyx nightclub in Milwaukee (Nov 2005 -Present)
• I founded The CORE DJs in Dec 2003 in Milwaukee/Miami (We're now over 350 strong and include DJs/programmers around the world.
• In addition to my mix shows, The Core DJs present mix shows on the following stations: WRVZ, WEDR, WRJH. WWPR (Holidays), KTTB, WWLD, Sirius/XM 50 Hot Jams as well as The Core DJ Shows on Music Choice.

1) What was your first job? Early influences?

WKKV was my first radio job (on-air) I was hired part-time by Tony Fields in December of 1996. Influences were my uncle Jim Frazer (a 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 that made you realize "this is it"?

1n 2003 when I started the Core DJs

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

A "45" of Roger and Zapp's "More Bounce To The Ounce" when I was 10 years old ... and 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 DJs are 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 and disco ... and any station that plays that music.

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 it was 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). 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! It depends on my mood. You'll hear new music, old school hip-hop, reggae (grassroots ... 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) don't necessarily translate to radio, but most do. Once you hear the original version of a joint in the clubs, you don't want to hear the clean or edited version. Some are just made to be dirty, unless you are able to play these records on your mix shows. 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. I don't have any surprises. I help anyone who can be helped and that I have the skills and 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 and MDs; some labels that are on the same page make things better for us as a whole in this crazy industry. I haven't had any experience that I can consider "the worst" cause they all lead me to this point.

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

No, not really. With exception of a few songs, most of them cross over, 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. Programmers must program their stations to the masses (females 18-34), and to the listeners who generate revenue for the station. Rhythmic stations generate sales revenue, but Top 40 generates a whole lot more.

Can mixers and club DJs still break an act?

We always do. It's always a DJ -- or someone who has had DJ experience -- who breaks most acts.

How can radio work better with the CORE DeeJays so that both can benefit?

Radio can do this by building solid relationships with their "ear to the street" and by respecting what their DJ brings to the station. Every station needs that foundation from the DJ. Your DJ must be able to make your station look good locally and nationally.