SMM : What do you think is the greatest challenge facing Radio Personalities today?
Tyskeeks -Breaking in the industry, making a name and KEEPING a name.
SMM : What’s was the most difficult experience you have had as Radio Personality?
TySheeks- Being a female in an already male dominated industry is difficult all in itself, but being taken serious is something I experience quite often.
SMM : How did you get your start in radio?
TySheeks - Ultimately I went to college to become an news anchor, but after taking a course in radio one Summer and actually hearing my voice...Was super dope! My professor, Ray Caputo told me I had a voice for radio and ever since then I just stuck to it. I moved back to Jacksonville in 2013 as a Promotions Assistant for Cox Media Group and sent in endless air checks to my Operational Manager until he gave me my first break. I started out on Saturdays from 10am-2pm then to Weekends 10am-2pm, months later I became the Midday Radio personality for POWER 106.1 Duval’s TRU Hip Hop which is Mon-Fri 10am-3pm and weekends 9am-4pm.
SMM : You’re on in Jacksonville, Fla; so what do you think about the local music In the city?
TySheeks- The local music in Jacksonville is really good! Every two weeks I get a chance to listen to local artists through a contest POWER 106.1 has that’s called Duval’s Finest XXL and I’m really amazed at the production and lyrics.
SMM : Have you had the opportunity to meet any big names in the music business, and who would they be?
TySheeks - Yes I have. The Rickey Smiley Morning Show crew, Yo Gotti and Kodak Black.
SMM : How has being a radio personality helped you move forward in life?
TySheeks - Being a radio personality has definitely increased my networking advantages and that’s always a plus being in an industry that’s so huge!
SMM : We see that you really believe in the artist Jane Doe. How did that relationship come about?
TySheeks - Well, me and Jane Doe have been friends for over 6 years, and she’s really the reason why I moved back to Jacksonville. I was actually working at the mall in Daytona Beach a year after graduating college and she asked me why I was still there and that I needed to pursue my career in radio.
SMM ; Where did your love of writing come from?
TySheeks- My love for writing actually started as poetry in elementary school ( my dad still has my poems ) from there I wrote for the newspaper staff in the 4th & 5th grade. I’ve just always been a great writer, it’s just easy and flows altogether.
SMM ; Any advice to young females trying to get in the radio business?
TySheeks- W O R K even if it’s not “your job” – work it!
SMM ; How do you feel about hip-hop today?
TySheeks- Hip hop today is so different from when I grew up in the 90’s and early 2000’s. Hip hop today is all about what sounds good, like beats and stuff... It’s not about the lyrics and what’s real anymore.
SMM ; So how do you feel about education? We know it’s a big part of your life…
TySheeks- It’s the one thing no one can take away from you.
SMM : Are there any charities TySheeks involved in..
TySheeks - No, but I currently volunteer in different youth programs and conservation programs.
SMM : So who does TySheeks listen to on her down time?
TySheeks - Bryson Tiller, Tory Lanez, Ty Dolla $ign and anybody up and coming with good music I can vibe to.
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