Posted by chicagomedia.org on October 14, 2009 at 15:50:03:
JulianOnTheRadio
Mornings
Station: WBBM B96.3
Market: Chicago, IL
Company: CBS Radio
Born: Alexandria, VA
Raised: Falls Church, VA
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10 Questions with ... JulianOnTheRadio
All Access - Oct 13, 2009
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Discography:
* WPGC/Washington DC Promotions Intern
* WWZZ/Washington DC-Intern, Promotions, Account Executive, Board-OP, Parttime On Air Personality
* WQPO/Harrisonburg, VA-Nights & Production
* WVSR/Charleston WV-Nights
* WNVZ/Norfollk, VA-Interim Late Nights, Swinger
* WIHT (HOT 995)/Washington DC-Parttime Personality/Swinger, Full-Time Nights
* WBBM/Chicago, IL - nights now mornings
1. B96 made a pretty dramatic change in January when you and J Niice replaced Eddie and JoBo in the morning. What do you miss most about doing nights?
Well, me being the perfectionist in that "radio geek no one notices except us radio peeps kind of way". I would have to say slamming a funny ass phoner over an intro of a song, or doing a speed break and leaving it with a strong out right up to the vocals. Tight, brevity with impact! Another thing with nights although you do have a significant amount of audience listening, I was never really concerned nor thought about it as much as to "who was tuning in", which allowed me to do some "interesting content" from time to time The fact that management was either at home or in bed also helped.
2. What's the best part of doing mornings?
The fact that we have the opportunity to paint pictures and share personal stories that relate, amuse, and evoke emotion. How a conversation we have amongst friends now makes its way to the show. Whether it's the violence in Chicago Public Schools, or maybe the fact that I spent all night with a ladyfriend who slept over trying to seduce her with my Ninja Skillz and still ended up with nada is all fodder for radio. Being able to open up, and express who we really are through our daily lives is absolutely wonderful to me. Being real.
3.What has surprised you about doing mornings?
Well for one, I always heard from other AM shows that you never get used to the hours. But, for some reason I thought after a few months we'd get used to it just like anything else you learn. Fast forward almost 10 months later and NO...I'm definitely not used to the hours. Having a schedule is KEY, and getting to bed is muy importante! The brain won't function without proper rest. As a matter of fact, I need to take my own advice!
4. Obviously, you've come a long way in a relatively short period of time in radio. What advice would you give someone as they get their first radio gig??
Well, I've been in the game for 10 years starting as an intern at WWZZ/Washington DC. One thing I have learned that stays constant is be HONEST. Be honest with yourself, with others and work your BOOTY off. It really is true do whatever it takes when you get that gig because you have NO idea where it will go. I went from a board-op to parttime in #8, which led me to my first fulltime radio gig. As you grow you'll adapt our own set of beliefs some influenced by others, some on your own. Regardless, stand your ground and believe in what your beliefs are. Of course, listen to others...grow and learn from them but form your own opinions from them and thru your own experiences. I may have gone off on a tangent but I really believe this and anyone that knows me knows this about me.
5. What morning shows come to mind from listening to the radio as a youngster??
To be honest I didn't grow up a "radio kid". I didn't realize this is what I wanted to do until I was in COLLEGE. Attention, people who are asking yourself am I too old to get into Radio? NO, if it's your passion, do it. I started later than most and just focused.
With that said, as time went on I began to listen more and more. Elliot @ DC 101 is a genius in any format. I remember Billy Bush when he did Mornings @ WWZZ-Z104 where I began my career. Of course, I bow down to the Dave Ryan, Elvis Duran, Kidd Kraddick and MJ's of the game. But, I really listened to a lot of nightjocks (which a lot of them now do Mornings currently), already had the Morning Show mindset. KANE @ Hot 995 whom I have an immense respect for because he simply innovates BOOM, Mathew Blades (who I once interned for and has helped me immensely in my career), Tone E FLY @ B96 Twin Cities, Scotty Davis @ WNOU, and Tik Tak @ The Original Freakshow.
6. Where would you like to improve the most in 2010??
My attention to detail and my organizational skills. Oh, and my stomach. Flatter baby Flatter!
7. You're wonderful at networking and always willing to share...any hints about up-and-coming radio stars out there. Is there a night jock out there that's ready to explode and maybe make a similar jump to mornings?
To be honest we were all night jocks together and at times have shared prep ideas in the past. I think they could've been doing mornings years ago! Gellar @ WDCG is the Lil Wayne of creative! Maybe a bad analogy but you get what I mean! I've only traded a few chats with him over the past few years but always respected his craft. Another cat Kaden (former nightjock now @ Hot 95-7 Houston) doing afternoons is another killah. Trey @ KC 101 & Z100 is another one that really impressed me when I had a chance to check out his video aircheck. Jason Cage @ Alice, Little Rock is another creative cat doing a Morning Show at night.
8. Let's talk about your morning partner, J Niice. If J Niice were an animal...what animal would he be?
Anything marine mammal or fish. He loves to scuba dive and anything water related. As a matter of fact he travels frequently every year to pursue his love for scuba diving. Come to think of it maybe any fish that lives in the water year round may be a good fit for J!
9. While we're on the subject of J Niice, what secret does he have that would possibly surprise even his family?
The amount of alcohol he can actually consume. His Mother thinks he really can't drink that much but if SHE only knew. Just look at the photos from the Cascada show last week @ b96.com powered by Pepsi LOL. Call up AA!
10. Is radio as much fun to you now as it was when you started?
No question...YES. It's definitely more challenging, with the industry, economy, and new methodologies. But, every business goes through challenges. This hasn't changed what we do. If anything these days we are better at what we do with new emerging and existing technology. We still walk into studio every day or night and try and entertain our audience the best we can.
Bonus Questions
Looking back, is there anything you might do differently in your career?
Yes. I made a very rash quick decision to do nights early on without researching the market, station, nor the company. I was so psyched in the market jump and at the fact of making $20,000 which was like a $3,000 increase from my prior gig that I literally packed my ish into a suitcase and said YES. Bottom line, research where you're headed to and who you're working for. Your employer does a background check on you right? Do the same.
Are their any mentors or people who have helped you along the way?
Oh...God...and I'm not very religious But, seriously Jeff Wyatt (my former PD @ Hot 995) - he gave a kid a chance because he knew my hunger to win, my passion, and saw my work ethic. Mathew Blades @ The Lake, Milwaukee (I was his Intern when he was the hottest nightjock in DC, who has helped me to this day with anything. He's a great friend). Mike Klein (new PD @ Kiss Lexington & Gen X Radio) - the next Genius PD who I used to pull CDs for back in DC! One of my best friends and radio people you could ever know, Cat Collins, Jon Zellner, Mark Adams, WRDW's Kannon, Joe Rosati, Sean Sellers, Eric Rowe, Jacobs Media, Don London, Mike Mcvay, and I have mad respect for our VP/Top 40 Programming Dom Theodore, along with my direct managers Todd Cavanah and Erik Bradley.