John Gaskill
John Gaskill is an example of a student who took two artistic passions and made them both part of his current position. John started out as an intern at Q101 and currently holds the unique title of "Live Audio Specialist" for Emmis Communications. John took a break from some studio work to sit down with us and discuss his road to success. 1. Transferring into Columbia, what were your main goals in terms of Radio?
Well, I didn't exactly transfer the typical way... After leaving the previous college I attended, I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. I began working with Granton Marketing where I received my first lessons in mass-communications and things like ‘target demos.’ I was only 19 years old working with people multiple decades older than me- after 2 months I realized that I needed to be in school. That and my student loans were creeping up. I entered Columbia with the intention of studying music business and after a couple of classes found myself with a bigger interest in radio.
2. When did the "radio vibe " first hit you?
I never thought I’d be working in radio before 3 years ago. Radio and me fell into each others laps. Being a musician most of my life, I found I had a natural understanding for production and engineering (and I liked to screw around behind a microphone and play rock music.) PERFECT JOB!!!
3. You co-hosted a morning show on Columbia's radio station( WCRX 88.1FM) what were you able to take from that experience?
I learned a lot about timing and making things ‘ready for the public.’ Allow me to explain: One might have an idea which that individual thinks is the most amazing idea in the world, they might see it a certain way in their mind, they might want to keep that idea personal or any other number of plans. BUT that idea doesn't always translate to other people. People do not all have the same likes and dislikes, or the same methods of working. I learned to better motivate people that I was working with, and the importance of organization in a group.
4. Your first internship was with Fook at Q101. The great thing about the internship is that it allows you to be an integral part of a show. Can you give a first hand account of a day in the life as an intern with Fook?
WOW, a day in the life of an intern. Well, it was over 3 years ago that I began my business relationship with Q101 and things have definitely changed since those early days. When I started I was awkward. That’s the only way to describe it. This was a different country in terms of the world of radio (Q101/Fook.) I learned the importance of being quick, accurate, and prepared for everything. In a typical evening/afternoon I would organize prep materials for that days show, screen hundreds of calls, go out and buy homeless people fried chicken (and other misc. bits)... Everyday was a new experience. I can’t take this question any further without using at least 3 pages. This internship was intense. I learned a lot working with Fook.
5. Many people might not know this, but you are still heard on Fook's show. It must be real cool to hear the Springer intro each day?
I always forget about it or have just figured that they would be replacing it sometime within the last 3 years. But apparently its become a staple for his show. Its cool if people will be talking about a random story they heard during the bit, or if they actually sing it and don’t know they are hearing me! It represents my baptism by fire.’ The first day of my internship, while we were ON-AIR, Fook put me on the spot and aggressively directed me to make up a song for an intro to Springer stories.. In this industry: you sink or swim.
6. Before talking about your current position, I think it is important to point out that you have been involved in bands from an early age. I think that your success with your current position is due to the fact that you have that background. Would you agree with this?
Yes. I definitely had an edge, but I just like to learn as much as I can about any industry I take an interest to. It’s never too late!!! I just learned how to make movies this year.
7. Let's talk about the recording process. How do you make make a band feel comfortable during the recording of a session?
The best part of my job is that I get to work with so many different bands from so many different places. They are all so unique but also all have that ‘typical band thread.’ I have lots of equipment in studio and always work at the pace of the musicians. I also hold off from praising the bands, getting pictures, autographs, etc until after we have completed working together. Every band that comes into our studio is initially dealt with and treated equally. It could be some band that I’ve never heard of, nor care for, but a listener/fan might only be tuned to our station for that artist. Or that artist may be the next big thing...
8. What has it been like to meet some of the band's that you have may have followed or been influenced by?
Definitely get a better understanding of the mentality of performers. Recently I have formed a production company/talent agency and the only reason that I am able to maintain my artists is because of the experience I have received working with so many different people. I love when the local musicians, or an up and coming artist comes in. They have so much passion for what they are doing and are so excited to work.
9. What was the most important thing that you can pass along to future students of radio?
You can learn something from every situation. Every person. Every minute. There is always something to be learned from in life. You have to be passionate about what you do. Radio is a very demanding world. It requires thick skin, lots of energy, little sleep, and willingness to make changes at any moment.