TIM GARRISON'S
CHILL OUT JAZZ
continued...
play professional basketball.” And he suggested that I take up communications. He said God had given me a great set of pipes. That went in one ear and out of the other, until my dreams of basketball didn't come out as planned. Then I remembered what the speech teacher had said. I knew I loved to talk, I loved music. That's a good collaboration into becoming a radio personality, so after college I heard about this school called the (LAB) Los Angeles Broadcasters in Hollywood and if I was good enough, they would teach me the business of radio. Well, here I am...lol.
Q: What has been some of your biggest challenges?
A: FEAR! Overcoming fear was huge for me. Remember that I was going to be the next Superstar Basketball player and I didn't succeed and I was afraid of failing again. Putting in all that work and succeeding hurt like crazy, I wasn't in a hurry to fail again.
Q: I know you’ve seen a lot behind the scenes in the radio industry, do you think there has been a big decline in the industry and do you believe that internet radio will have a huge takeover?
A: I personally believe internet radio will have a complete takeover by default. When radio stopped playing for the people, it made room for other avenues such as satellite radio and internet radio. These other avenues gave the people a choice unlike terrestrial radio.
Q: Tell us about your current radio show, Chill Out Jazz.
A: Chill Out Jazz is a mix of music I've always enjoyed to listen too; Smooth Jazz and Smooth R&B. A soulful mix of music that felt good.
Q: By the way, I love your show. What made you come up with the name Chill Out Jazz?
A: Thank You. I came up with Chill Out Jazz when I moved to Las Vegas after leaving Dallas when 107.5, the Oasis, changed. I was hired at a Smooth Jazz station in Vegas and The New of the show was called "Chill Out Las Vegas". While I was there, a national PD for the Smooth Jazz Network wanted me to be national with their overnight show and they loved the name and wanted the show I hosted
to be called "Chill Out Tonight". Well, smooth jazz, in my opinion, wasn't inclusive enough for all people and the format started to fail nationwide; thus, the reason we can't hardly find any smooth jazz stations on the radio today. So when an opportunity for me to start my own show...It just felt right...Chill Out Jazz was born.
Q: How has the show been motivational to you?
A: I love people. I believe music is a way to touch the soul, if done right. When I say it's time to relax and unwind...I think people not only hear me, but they feel me. Life is stressful and it motivates me when I can musically take the stress away...for just a little while...
Q: What has been one of your “aha” moments?
A: Coming Up with the name "Chill Out Jazz" and understanding how music can make you feel.
Q: What advice would you give to those who are interested in choosing radio/communications as a career?
A: Learn to speak correctly. Talking Slang on the radio has limits. I was taught early in my career, people judge you on how you speak, especially when it comes to broadcasting. Educate yourself toward the business, not just the on air side of it.
Q: Are you currently working with any youth programs or other community organizations?
A: Yes I am....I'm a spokesman for the National Kidney foundation. I truly believe in organ donation. It saves lives.
Q:: Where can those who would like to listen to your show, find you?
A: Chill Out Jazz is now syndicated. You can listen on the Fishbowl Radio Network (FBRN.US) during the week, and other stations as well. Check out my website for all the stations that pick up COJ.
http://chilloutjazz.weebly.com
Q: Give us some inspiring thoughts to take with us for the future?
A: Ummm? OK! I'm one DJ from the old school that still has a sign-off: It's Nice To Be Important, but Most Important To Be Nice/ When All Praises Go Up, Blessings Fall Right Back Down!
19 Fuzionz Magazine and TV