YBFREE.comIn Pursuit of Human Interests
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YBFREE.com: Did you experience any hardship because you are a female DJ?
Holly C: As a woman, I've found just a lack of peers to commiserate/collaborate with, discouraging. Some stations have lots of female air talent. I'm the only full-time woman at WLNG (although I can't promise that some of our guys aren't part-time women on their own time. But that's another story.) I've been bothered, yeah. Not exactly sexual harassment, but I've been hounded and received un-welcomed attention from ex co-workers.
YBFREE.com: Any suggestions for females aspiring to be Radio DJs?
Holly C: Women, I'd suggest you don't let yourself be used as "fluff", or a "token". Some stations just want a token woman co-host for their male morning star. Make sure your intelligence is valued and recognized and that you have a boss who will look in your eyes, not your chest or at his watch when you are talking to him. And don't give male listeners your phone number. I have a Radio Divas (http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/radiodivas) club at Yahoo, for women in radio to support one another and exchange advice and encouragement.
YBFREE.com: With software like Napster and the current boom in Internet radio, how do you think the radio industry will be effected?
Holly C: There's a difference between people just acquiring music they want to own and listening to radio. Where do they hear the songs they want from Napster in the first place? Plus, people like to hear personalities on the radio, to stir them up, make them laugh, or piss them off. Whatever...
YBFREE.com: What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of being a DJ?
Holly C: Favorite thing about being a DJ: the immediacy of it. Instant gratification. Instant release. Worst thing: the salary-if you call it that.
YBFREE.com: What are some misconceptions good and bad about DJs?
Holly C: Misconception numero uno: We look like you imagine us in your fantasies, whether rated PG or rater R or triple X. No, no, no. "I thought you were blonde!" "You sound taller on the radio!" Shut up.
YBFREE.com: Any advice for aspiring DJs?
Holly C: Be a pest. Make sure radio programmers and VP's know your name. Record yourself and listen objectively, if possible. If you can't stand to listen to the sound of your own voice, something's wrong. Make sure you're a clear speaker and that you don't talk in a monotone voice. Be prepared to answer questions like "Why do you want to do this?" Don't copy other people you think are cool or popular.
YBFREE.com: Who have been or are your inspirations?
Holly C: Shadoe Stevens and Rick Dees. Not too many women I look up to, other than for their voices. It's more about content, entertainment, and style with me.