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Charese Fruge’ @MCMediaonline Talks To Lauren Cakes
June 13, 2023
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Lauren Cakes is the Midday Host for Las Vegas’ Rhythm CHR, KVEG, Hot 97.5. It’s her first “radio job” but she worked her way up through the ranks to get there (Insert Rick Ross’ “Hustlin’” here). Her journey started like most in the business, a resume submission, with no response. But that didn’t stop her. “I knew I wanted to be in radio since I was 12 years old,” she says. “So, when I heard about a casting call for the station, I went and survived the first round. After that I went through 3 different interviews, and I finally got the job.”
“I got hired the day before or after Christmas in 2014 for promotions. I started on the street team, my first day was in January of 2015. I was out in the streets, hooking up listeners with prizes, setting up the tent at remotes and meeting people,” explains Cakes. “That was fun, especially with my other street team members. I became a promotional lead and driver within 6 months on the job. Within in my first year I let my PD know my goal was to be on air.”
“In the meantime, I became a co-host on UNLV's radio station with a good friend Miles Low. He gave me a chance. After about a year on the job at HOT 97.5, my PD offered me an opportunity to learn about the boards. I did that for about another 6 months and then I broke the mic and went live. I then became a weekend jock and started to cover shifts. Around 2019 maybe 2020, I started working overnights M-F 12am-5:30am and then in 2021, I got my first official contract for overnights. Now it’s June 2023, and in May I got offered middays. I don’t take my journey for granted, it was necessary and makes me who I am today.”
“Besides being in radio, I do some acting, background/extra work for television shows and movies. I started to learn how to DJ during COVID 19, and now I’m spinning in lounges, clubs, parties, and corporate events. I even DJ’d a celebrity baby shower,” says Cakes. “Another side hustle is, I work in Behavioral Health. We do Neurofeedback Therapy. My hustle game is strong, I work like I got 7 kids!”
“The most exciting thing I have experienced on my journey so far is meeting the listeners and artists and the ability to attend cool concerts and shows. I am just as big a fan as any. But my biggest accomplishment thus far is starting from scratch and now hosting middays for the same radio station for almost 10 years.”
“It hasn’t always been easy,” explains Cakes. “The biggest challenge I have had in my career thus far was that people were passing me up. At first, honestly, I was questioning myself. What am I doing wrong, was I good enough, and I also questioned my identity. I had more experience than others and I kept getting passed by, not offered a promotion, and wondered why. In the end, I kept going and working hard, kept learning, and didn’t give up regardless of how I felt. I was not going to stop, and now I'm here in my new position and I’m very proud of myself for not quitting.”
As far as the challenges in the industry in general, Cakes has her own opinions. “As far as engagement and growth among Millennials and Gen Z go, we need to maintain consistency. It’s that simple,” she says. “When it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion, have we moved the needle? Yes and no. Women are still getting paid less than men,” says Cakes. “I also believe in giving someone a chance regardless of how they identify. If someone has a dream or goal and they relay it and are reliable, I say give them a chance regardless of their skin color or social identity. So many people’s dreams are killed because sometimes people don’t get that chance based on bias.”
“And as far as AI for radio goes, I’m not a fan,” says Cakes. “I think I am more old school and traditional. I think it will get boring, no fun in AI. Natural talent and personality are what gets listeners to listen. The younger generation won’t be fooled by fake talent.”
“If I weren’t doing radio, I think I’d be okay,” she says. “I have had a few jobs while working in radio and even went to school for Cosmetology, Realty, and Bartending. Then I even got into medical and behavioral health. If I wasn’t doing what I’m doing now, I’d possibly be cutting hair, selling homes, or becoming a nurse (like my mom).”
“What keeps me up at night? True Crime and some good wine, I am addicted,” adds Cakes. “As far as finding balance, it wasn’t easy at first. I used to work overnights on air 12am-5:30am M-F for almost 3 1/2 years (before my midday position) and on top of that worked a day job from 8am-5pm Monday through Friday. People would ask, how do you get sleep? I honestly didn’t, maybe slept 3-4 hours a day. But I got balance by praying and working out. I still do.”
“My goal moving forward is to make a big impact in Las Vegas and then world domination,” says Cakes. “As far as middays, I want to give my listeners real stories, topics and ask real life questions. I also want to learn more about the programming and music director side of radio. Possibly one day be your next PD/MD. I’m also a DJ outside of radio, I want to travel and become an international DJ. I want people to hear my DJ sets, vibe, dance to my music, and I want to make them feel good. Lastly, I want to become a SAG-AFTRA actress. You just might see me more in television shows and movies.”
Follow Lauren Cakes on her journey on Instagram @Iamlaurencakes
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