Go out of your way, always
"Making It"
 Knowledge, Wisdom, and Guidance for The Talented
by
David Hamilton

Creating a Buzzzzzzzzzzz with Jimmy Steal of Power 106 FM, Los Angeles

    "From The Top"

Now that you have learned how to promote yourself and develop networks of new contacts, next is building a buzzzzz for yourself. You have heard a lot of the artists and industry leaders talk about how creating a buzzzz for yourself is one solid way to push word of mouth. In this chapter I will have a few variations of artistic nature as examples to follow from different industry professionals. First, meet Jimmy Steal. Jimmy Steal is the most successful Program Director in the country for music radio. His station, Power 106 in LA, is the most listened to radio station for Hip Hop / R@B music in the country as well. His radio station Power 106 has been the number one rated English radio station across the board consecutively for over two years. His radio station is responsible for more than half of the artists you hear on the radio, and the other half come from his sister station Hot 97 in NY. He is definitely someone that can give you real solid advice for creating a buzzzz, because he is responsible for entertaining the entertainers in an entertainment market that breads trends, styles, and the ones who entertain.

Jimmy Steal ( Program Director for Power 106 LA )
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1. Can you explain to up and coming artists how they can create a buzzzz for themselves in general, and then apply it to radio since that is your forte ?

The best way to create buzz about oneself is to posses genuine talent presented in an original fashion. Real talent drives our business, but real talent is truly hard to find.  For instance, we have been looking for a new morning show for Hot 97 in NY, market # 1, for over a year!  What is sometimes difficult is that many Program Directors get stacks of packages where the presentation either sounds dated, tired, or off point, and often the person who submits them does not realize the level they are at...or not at, as is the case unfortunately many times : )

2. Can you tell up and coming talents what you look for ( radio ) 

No one is looking for DJ's, we are looking for characters that can communicate with our audiences in an original, compelling, fresh, honest fashion.  If you honestly believe you have the skillz, you do not present yourself like anybody else, and your craft is about your audience at least as much as it is about yourself, you are on the right track

Jimmy Steal ( Power 106 LA )


As you can see, true talent is hard to find, and if you possess true talent, it is just the beginning. You will notice words Jimmy Steal used..... compelling, original, fresh, honest fashion......... regardless of what you are trying to accomplish, these words should always cross reference what you are trying to achieve. Learning from the top of entertainment starts with this small list.... Call it the Jimmy Steal list.

1. Are you compelling in what you are trying to do ?

Make a list of some things that separate you from let's say, another model, singer, or painter....... Is your film project unique, are you putting all your effort into doing something that will make a difference ? These are just a few things you can think about as you define where you are with being a compelling artist ( talent )

2. Are you being original in everything you are working on ?

Being original seems quite hard these days for talent in all spectrums of entertainment, and as you can see from the answers above, talent scouts aren't looking for how well you can act, sing or look like, they are looking for something about you that stands out. 

3. Are you fresh with ideas and full of honest fashion ?

Here is a start to having fresh ideas......... make a list of 3 things you can do that will make you unique. For instance, if your a singer, come up with a unique way to end a show you are going to perform on stage. If your a model, come up with a costume idea for your next photo shoot that has never been though of or done.....
 

Before I introduce my next person " From The Top " I want to expand on the very first thing Jimmy Steal said in his answer to creating a buzzzzz for yourself.
" The best way to create buzz about oneself is to posses genuine talent presented in an original fashion "

As an artist, public speaker, dancer, model, singer, radio talent, tv, film, etc.......... if your haven't worked on a presentation of your ability, chances are you need the definition of a solid presentation in general terms. This next page will help you come up with your own presentation.

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David Hamilton
contact information
www.ezstreetrecords.com/address.htm