BMM SPOTLIGHT: The Quenn Echols Interview, Part 2

(Didn't see Part One?, Click HERE)

RADIO 101


I know firsthand what being in the media is like.

Though I’ve never been in front of the camera (not that I’ll mention anyway), being the go-to person when the public needs to know is sometimes a hard job to handle.

When things go right, you get no credit and when things go wrong it’s all your fault.

You could get frostbite from how cold the media world can be.

Still, some of us love our world.

We love to inform, entertain and make friends with our audience. We even like to open the eyes and minds of young people who may want to enter this world of ours.

Quenn Echols loves what he does. Why else would he still be doing it after 3 decades. While others have come and gone and come back again (much like his own story), Quenn stood the tests of time.

And now he’s passing his wisdom on.



In Part Two of my interview, Quenn schools us with Radio 101:

How radio has changed since his interning days. How aspiring jocks can get their foot in the door, and most importantly how artists can get their work on the AIR:




ME: How is radio different now from when you first started?

QE: It’s not as personable as it once was. Back then you could reach out to a disc jockey 24 hours a day. That doesn’t exist anymore. When I started, Black stations were tax-write offs. We’ve gone from an afterthought to the priority.

I remember when people thought rap wasn’t going to last. Look at it now. We’ve superseded Country music and have become the cash cow of the industry.




ME: What exactly does a Program Director do?

QE: We influence the music that you, the listener, hear. I make decisions on how the radio sounds, everything from the words the DJ says to the order of the music. I decide the overall sound of the station – what is said and what is played. I am the musical gatekeeper.




ME: What’s the hardest part of your job?

QE: Keeping us (the staff) focused and never taking success for granted.




ME: What’s the best part of your job?

QE: When I walk into the studio and it’s time to go on the air, and I put my headphones on and I hear the music in them … I zone into this place and at that point I know I’m about to tell someone out there something. I know for that brief moment I’m touching lives … every day.

I get to talk to my listeners more than their minister, parent or even their boss.

I impact someone’s life in some small way everyday and I really enjoy that. I’ve been blessed to live a rich man’s life poor.




ME: What’s your advice for those pursuing careers in radio?

QE: Be very well-rounded in a lot of areas. In some markets, the radio announcer is the closest thing to a celebrity and you’re the first point of information for that market, you have to know a lot. You’ll have to know production, announcing, sales, etc.

Our business has evolved to where if you can fill a need, you create longevity. It takes a special kind of person to last in the media. Announcers of today don’t have the kind of time I did to develop. Larger markets are looking for developed people/announcers. Opportunities have become fewer.





ME: I’m sure people seek you out all the time trying to get on the air and become announcers/DJs, what do you look for in a good announcer?

QE: They have to have self-confidence and a swagger or bravado about them. They have to have a gift for gab or witness. And they must have an awareness of what’s going on in entertainment. They have to know what’s hot. They also need a passion for entertainment and have to want to be in the spotlight. Oh and they have to LISTEN!




ME: Do you think a formal education is necessary to get into or succeed in the business?

QE: It’s not as important as it once was. One of my top DJs at KBTT (Tha Beat) was Bay-Bay. He had no radio background, but I saw this person who was full of life and had the gift of gab. He was edgy and had a hypeness about him. He didn’t want to do radio when I first brought up the idea. But once he got that taste, it was over.




ME: How many of the people aspiring to become announcers actually make it on the air?

QE: Maybe about 20% of those who come to me make it in the door. And part of the reason that number is so low is because there’s not much space for a lot of announcers in today’s radio station. The computer does most of the work.

ME: For artists seeking radio spins, what’s the best way to get airplay?

QE: In a market like Shreveport, airplay is just as vital as any major market. Without smaller markets like ours, it makes it that much harder to get to the majors.

For me, if an independent label or artist (and even some brand new major artists) wants my attention (and spins), they need to tell me a story. Not lyrically, but I need to know how their song is being received and what they’ve done to get it out there. Tell me about performances in other smaller markets like East Texas (Tyler), Monroe or Alexandria.

Take your song and go develop it into a buzz worthy hit.

If it’s a hip hop song, get it to your local club DJs and test it out in the club atmosphere and then tell me how it’s being received.

A lot of people think the radio is a testing ground for any and every artist but it’s not. If it was like that, every local person (who thought they had talent) would be on the radio. You’ve got to earn your stripes.

And in the digital age we’re living in there are new ways to get your music out there.

Look at YouTube and what it did for Soulja Boy. Shoot a video and put it on there and then get the word out for people to view it.




ME: What’s the craziest way an aspiring artist has tried to get their music on the air?

QE: There’s been so many… I get people coming at me every week.

They’ll have people call and request a song then they (the artist/manager) will call and say they heard people were requesting it.

Some send “paraphernalia” to get attention and get on the air.

The craziest though would probably be this guy I went to school with that came up to my mom about his sister, who was a singer. He even called my mom trying to get her to talk to me.




ME: Put it in perspective … how many locals actually make it big?

QE: Out of hundreds of aspiring artists in the last five years, only about three have made it. Usually when a local artist DOES get on the air they are among the chosen few that the city likes. Only 1 or 2 get that kind of reception.




ME: Your kids are pursuing careers in entertainment, what advice do you give them?

QE: I only give advice when I’m asked. I just tell them to make sure they understand what they’re after. Anyone pursuing this business needs to be clear about what they want from it. Go study what you want to be and go after it … and stick to it!

Research what you want to do and have the willpower to stick with it, because you’re going to hear a lot of No’s. But every time you hear a no, you’re much closer to a yes.

A lot of aspiring entertainers (actors, singers, etc.) look at the people on TV and radio and think it’s easy.

We’ve had a local guy, Hurricane Chris, make it big and they all think it’s easy to do. Hurricane Chris didn’t just start rapping last year, he’s been around the studios for years trying to get that break.

Bow Wow has been performing for over 10 years now. People don’t realize that. He was running around Snoop when he was in elementary school.

Everyone has the opportunity but not many get the chance, but once you get it, remember this is the music business. Keep your eyes open and watch your back.

(CONTINUE READING BELOW FOR PART 3 OF THE Q.E. INTERVIEW)

BMM SPOTLIGHT: The Quenn Echols Interview, Part 3

TALES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS ...
(before they were stars)

After 30 years in the entertainment industry, Quenn Echols could drop names like an snitch about to do a life sentence. But he doesn’t.






In all the time I’ve known him, it took other people telling me stories about his close encounters with the famous kind, to know just how many celebrities he’s been (and still is) in contact with.


In this last part of our interview, I coaxed him into sharing some of his stories with me. Some I’d already heard and some were brand new ... but they’re all worth sharing:




ME: Who are some of your favorite artists?

QE: Babyface -- He’s one of the best R&B vocalists of all time. R. Kelly -- Despite his problems he’s a musical genius. Michael Jackson – despite his problems, there has never been another performer like him.

Tina Turner and Beyonce are favorites too. I, along with some other radio executives, got to help pick singles for her first solo album. Some compare B to Tina and they are both stars in their own right, but Tina is the queen.

Alicia Keys is another one. And Whitney – in her day, no one could beat her singing.

Anita Baker is one of the classiest ladies on stage. And Mary J. Blige is the most soulful singer since Aretha Franklin.




ME: Who has been your favorite artist/person to meet?

QE: I can’t pick just one, there have been a lot. Marvin Gaye, Richard Pryor, Muhammed Ali, Lou Rawls ... I met Prince in a gift shop and got his autograph. I have so many celebrity stories. I should write a book.




ME: Give us a preview ... tell me about some of the stories:

QE: I hung out with Anita Baker (before she became famous).




ME: That’s all you got?

QE: Ok, I was emceeing a show for Rick James and they shut the elevators down. Inside the elevator with me were the Mary Jane Girls and we were stuck together for five minutes. That night I also saw Rick James fall out on stage.

I went to an introduction party, a talent showcase that the media were invited to attend. This was back when I had the video show. I went to see this new white girl singer and heard her and said “She’s not bad.” – The white girl ... was Madonna.

I became friends with this guy that was in an up and coming group. Every time he came to Dallas he’d call me and we’d hang out ... It was L. A. Reid.

Michael Jackson called me on the radio in Dallas to let fans there know that he was okay after the Pepsi accident. He picked radio stations at random in select cities to call and he ended up calling mine. At first I didn’t believe it was him. He said “This really is Michael!”




ME: Wow, any more?

QE: This white guy who was a stripper used to come dance at this club I owned. He ended up becoming a rapper. A promoter friend called me up to tell me he was pushing this white rapper who had a song based on the Alpha Phi Alpha chant “Ice, Ice Baby.” Of course, that was Vanilla Ice.

They brought him to Shreveport and he did an autograph party and then took him to Louisiana Tech for a show that only pulled in 200 people. They offered me a piece of his career, but I turned it down thinking it was going nowhere. But we all know what happened.




ME: You turned down Vanilla Ice!??? OMG! How much would you have made if you took the deal?

QE: Somewhere around $1.6 million. (shakes his head along with me)




ME: I hear you went out with Whitney Houston ... tell me that story.

QE: Well she wasn’t the Whitney we know now. She came to my station in Dallas with Teddy Pendergrass and they presented her as this background vocalist they’d just signed. She was a model too, and of course had famous family. Her mom is Cissy Houston and her aunt is Dionne Warwick.

Well, we hit it off and clicked and we were around the same age, so we ended up going to dinner. But nothing ever came of it. I wasn’t really into her.

Later down the line I became a national representative for Pro-Line (I was on the box and everything) and my ad ran during the Soul Train Music Awards. Whitney won that night. (Laughs)





ME: Ok, you turn down Vanilla Ice and then you diss Whitney Houston?!!

QE: Yeah, I know. Stupid. Who knows what would’ve happened had I taken those chances.







ME: So you’ve done radio for nearly 30 years now, have been at KDKS for a little over 10 now. Have rubbed elbows (and even dated) the stars, what was your most memorable experience of it all?

QE: There are way too many to recall! But I’ll tell you my proudest moment (besides becoming R&R Program Director of the Year back in 2002).

In 2004, during the election, I got an exclusive interview with Bill Clinton. It was the year John Kerry ran. He talked for about 4 or 5 minutes about the importance of voting and especially the young vote.

I was so proud, I called my mom and other family and played it back for them. Not a lot of people get the chance to interview a President, former or otherwise.




ME: Where do you want to be 10 years from now?

QE: Retired! But I may consider consulting stations. I’d like to venture into that. There aren’t many with the longevity I have in this market. So maybe I’d like to consult stations in the region.

I aspire to own my own station. A small station here in the region, hopefully.

If I still had the goods to be on the radio, I’d stay, but I’m thinking I’d just hang up my headphones and be thankful people allowed me to be part of the market for so long. It’s a privilege to be in radio, especially for so long.




***


Since our interview, Quenn has added another award to his already overflowing portfolio of accomplishments.


KDKS was named Station of the Year in 2008 (for same-sized markets) by R&R (a distinguished industry company/market publication).

It's the same organization that named him Program Director years ago.








The honor is a big deal for any station/Program Director, but you wouldn't know it from talking to Quenn.


So there it is .... The condensed version of The Quenn Echols Story. My 30-minute talk with him resulted in this lenghty feature ... but I had to publish EVERYTHING in order for readers to get the full picture of who he is.





This man, who some see as just another well-off music personality, is truly much more than that. He's a man who started with small moves to achieve big gains in his career; and doing his best to stay humble along the way.


Maybe that's why his career has lasted so long.






[You can catch Quenn Echols on KDKS 102.1 from 3-6 pm. Along with his "radio boo" Ferrari Fox!]










*** See PART ONE of this interview HERE ... Read PART TWO HERE ***

BMM SPOTLIGHT: Billy Broadway, Part 2

(Continued ... Go HERE to see the first half of the interview)

Close calls in a Texas snowstorm, touring and performing with some of the best in the industry, and learning the business through the first-hand account of the rise, fall and return of a local favorite – BILLY BROADWAY has seen and done a lot so far. But there’s one huge hurdle he’s still trying to clear:

Getting support from his hometown.

In a city where some say “hatin’ in a hobby,” this artist, who grew up in Cedar Grove, has done his best to support local acts, events and people. And he’s just looking for a return on his life-long investment.

Most SBC’ers know BILLY BROADWAY as that extra-talkative brotha who calls into a radio show every morning to show and spread love. But he wants them to know him as the artist who grew a following, and put Shreveport in a positive light, through the power of his music.




ME: What’s the hardest part about being in the entertainment business?

BB: Lack of respect in artistry, if that’s a word. There are really talented songwriters and talented performers, but they don't' get to shine because you have 75 dance records on the radio -- and that’s all (people) wanna hear. Then (people) wonder why the world is the way it is.

Music is designed to touch people. When I used to pop in an Outkast CD, or a Goodie Mob CD, it helped me make it through school or whatever I was going through. ‘Cause they were talking about something.

But now, you pop in a CD and all they wanna do is dance. And then the record labels want you to make nothing but club CDs -- but I'm not a club type person. I go to the club, but I want to make records that will change the world ... and have people saying "Ok i can make it through this" ...

Honestly, I just think DJs need to do their job ... and I mean CLUB DJs. I want them to start being DJs again. Not DJs that wanna be a rapper or want a cameo in the video or don't wanna do something ‘cause you think somebody's gonna steal your shine. Set yourself apart -- Play what the other DJs won't! (seek out new and different music).

I have one DJ that plays my stuff -- DJ Slim plays my records at GiGi's and that's the only place I really go ... the rest (of the local DJs) are cliquish. They have the power, but won't do it; especially if its' not benefitting them

But artists can still get their shine. The entertainment business is do-it-yourself now. You can go online and sell your records, so nothing's hard but you gotta get out there and do it yourself. You don't have to wait for the record companies to do what you do.



ME: Well we all know the grind is hard on the national level (with major labels), but what about on a smaller level? How hard is it being a local, independent artist?

BB: Well, I have always worked out of Shreveport, doing my music. But, you flip on the radio and there's only certain (local) artists being played. But (speaking to the DJs) what about the local people you hear about all the time? Why don't you reach out to the artist and send them an e-mail and request a CD or song?

(DJs) want you to kiss their butt, but they aren’t doing their job. They are supposed to go find music. They're not real DJ's anymore because they don't seek out what's hot locally.

The game is all about numbers now, and u should want to support (local artists) and help them get their numbers -- but they don't. They want to play their friends or their artists from where they come from or the ones they promote and that's how it is.

The talented people in Shreveport never got the shine they needed to get. That's the truth. Talented people never get their due in this city.


Shreveport, whatever you support is what you get back. If you support garbage, you're gonna get garbage!

There's a lotta people y'all need to sit down and listen to ... but y'all just wanna dance all the time ... You don't listen to lyrics anymore .. Y'all listen to a person who pop a pill and go make a five-minute song ... and it's the “da bomb” to y'all.

But y’all don’t realize you have the power. Just like American Idol -- Y'all have the power (to make someone famous). And sometimes y'all mess it up!


And I'mma say this -- and Black people, I don't care if you get mad -- Shout out to the white people! They're my number one customers! White people and Mexicans!

If I put out a record and I go look at my Soundscan, I get upset because Shreveport will have like 5 and in New York, I have a thousand.

The same thing happened with Profyle. They were wondering how everyone had an album but it wasn't Soundscanned, and that’s because people – in their hometown! -- were burning the CD and not buying it. People way in New York were the ones keeping them #1 on Billboard!

ME: So what do you think is the key to changing all that and helping local artists get their due?

BB: Education is the key. Some people have the power --- have the ball in their hand -- but use it for selfish reasons.

We need to educate our people. We need to help them understand how music works, and then I think it'll be better. Other cities are having conferences -- like Dallas --- and end up getting artists on. (Those artists) may be one-hit wonders but they got on!! We just have to come together to make it happen.

Everyone loves the Lil’ Waynes and Gucci Manes, but (those artists) don't come here because promoters don't pay them their money. Promoters need to educate themselves too. Stop doing promotions for the money! Please, you’re your money and invest in sound and lights! Put on a GOOD SHOW. Then people see that and they'll come back and support you!! That’s real.

ME: Okay so we’ve heard your advice/plea to the powers that be, now what advice would you offer to artists aspiring to get into the business?

BB: Same thing -- Get educated. And make sure you know who God is. I know for a fact that God is the reason a lot of stuff has happened for me (talking to the right people and being in the right place). You gotta believe in something to make it in this business.

So for the people that wanna do it ... just educate yourself! Take a business class. Network. Make friends with a lawyer -- because somebody has to read a contract! Education and learning the business is important. If you don't do that, you’re gonna be bent over with no vaseline!



ME: OKAY!!! (laughing) Let’s move on to something more pleasant. :) What’s the best part about being in the business?

BB: The FANS -- like you -- that be like "Can I do a story on you?" I try to stay humble but I'm like "Yeah!!" (he blushes and grins).

For me the best part is fans, kids and family – ‘cause that’s where your support comes from. Well God first, then the rest.

Oh! and let me give a shout out to the rent lady ... ‘cause she's really been holding me down!!

But back to the best part – the fans. There ain't nothing like the street grind ‘cause you get to meet people and interact with them. They'll sit and talk for hours.

I've had people pass by this Circle K and stop, and come back to tell me they liked (my music). I try to stay humble but on the inside I'm excited.

This is how you get to interact with your customer and tell them Thank You, instead of them having to go to a store. They want to meet who they're supporting.

ME: Is this what you always wanted to do? Be an entertainer?

BB: Actually, I went to school for Secondary Education. I wanted to work with kids. I had no idea I'd be interacting with kids like this ... on this level.

But it’s good because kids are looking up to me. I take my rapping and flip it into other things. I pull them in with the rap and then when they sit and talk to me, they realize "Dude, you’re really something different!"

That’s why I'm on MySpace, and all that, sharing a thought of the day or sharing something uplifting that could help (someone) make it through the day. I use my gift for the good.

ME: So tell me about this Mix Tape you’re pushing right now...

BB: It’s called the Southern Grind, mixed by/featuring Go-DJ Shawny (from Houston). It’s available online (for download) on Rhapsody and Amazon. It’s accessible, and a lot of people play me because they can access it online.

ME: What kind of feedback are you getting from this one?

BB: Positive. I always tell people -- if you buy my CD and you don't like it, come back and tell me I need to stop rapping. And people do come back and give me a review! Fortunately, I haven't had a bad complaint yet!

ME: That’s great! So what’s next on your music agenda?

BB: An unnamed solo project. I don’t know what to call it yet. Maybe “Billy Broadway: Live from the Strip” or “Billy Broadway Been Here”. I want my fans to give me a name. I’m working on that right now.

ME: And what producers will you be working with on this album?

BB: Navajo!! I'm working with what got me here and made me hot. A lot of people go out and get someone else ‘cause they feel the album ain't hot or the producer ain't making them hot – but maybe its you!

But I want to keep it local. I want my CD to say “Made in Shreveport” or “Made In The 318” or “Homegrown”.

ME: Maybe that’s your title!

BB: Maybe!!!

ME: When do you plan to release that?

BB: I’m shooting for the beginning of 2010. I want 100,000 (sold) the first week, so I’ll be grinding hard.

ME: Will your solo project be released by Rap-A-Lot?

BB: If Rap-A-Lot likes the project, that’s cool; but if they don't, I have the option to take it elsewhere. And it’s good to have that option.

I personally think independent is the way to go, because you see a LOT more money that way. Like $5 (per unit) as opposed to 50 cents.

ME: On this project, or any future one, what artists would you like to work with?

BB: I’mma be honest about this one -- Bun B is really the only major artist I want to work with on my first project. I really want to work with local artists that need their shine.

A lot of local artists get on and want to work with other people outside of their area. I wanna work with Bulletproof, and people like KP, L-Jai and Navajo, Wild Yella (“I'm Feelin' Myself").

I want it to be full of local artists. I want it to be a totally local album. Then when other albums come along I may go to artists out of the state.

ME: With all your experience and advice, do you see yourself goin into management one day or becoming an executive?

BB: I probably will go into management. Especially since I'm doing it for myself. I'm the Street Team, the manager, the Promotions Manager, the CEO, the COO, the distributor ... I’m all that right now.

You have to be a special person to be a manager, because us artists are not the easiest people to work with. We really have problems. We really do. (we both laugh). We need monthly evaluations! I don't care the age, we're really special people to deal with.

ME: What’s your ultimate goal?

BB: To give my city the respect and due it deserves. I'm out here on the grind for those artists that want to do it and can't yet. I want to make an easier path for them. We're not in New York. We can't just walk up to Universal or Warner Brothers or whatever. I just want to make the path easier for other artists.




BILLY BROADWAY needs your help in becoming a household name in the 318.

Whether you just go online and listen to his music (go HERE to check him out), Request his music on your radio (fans have formed a group on Facebook to get him radio play ... “Money Can’t" and “2 Cold” are my personal favorites; Buy a Mix Tape (go HERE to cop one), or Support him at a show (he’ll be performing at the Marche’ Group Mixer on June 19th at Encore) ...

A little hometown love goes a long way.

(story written, published and copyrighted by mahogani media 2009)

ATSBC's Black Music Month QOTD Answers

Q: In the movie LEAN ON ME, what was the name of the group that sang the alma mater (Fair Eastside) in the bathroom?

A: Riff