I chatted with Priestly about his new radio station, Maryland Radio!
When brought you to radio?
I grew up on Long Island and listened to some of the most amazing talent ever. Like Elvis Duran and my mentor, AJ Hammer. They connected with their audience and it was AWESOME. I was an incredibly shy person growing up. Radio is such a nice little thing before we were faceless. I didn’t know what AJ or Elvis looked like. It was the personality that stood out. They spread joy, love, and help. Radio is a service in my opinion; it’s not a job. The six months I was out, I fucking missed it. Starting with the B102.7 days, they added webcams into the studios and the rest is history.
Speaking of B102.7, that was formative years for some of us, myself included. We were in Middle School and you played the best music of that time. You taught us what proper dance music is. So thank you for that
You’re giving me goosebumps! Those were formative years for me too. I was just getting my start. Those gigs? They were FUN. They were pre-social media so the craziness we got to witness in the Baltimore club scene..it was an education.
You played songs like Rockell “In A Dream..”
Yes! Even “Sandstorm” by Darude. My eldest is in college now and that song is a huge deal down there. We played some AMAZING some dance music. “Ohh Ahh Just A Little Bit” by Gina G.
Ohhh man! That’s one of my favorites. I still blare it to this day.
What has it been like “growing up” here in Baltimore?
Amazing. I grew up in New York and came to Towson to attend college. I’m a full blooded New Yorker..if I didn’t know you I didn’t like. ::laughs:: Mama P would come to visit and she would be like “The people are so nice down here.” If you needed help in the supermarket, someone would help you. Back in New York, they would yell “what are you stupid? find it yourself!” ::laughs::
This place? I love the people and the City. People can say whatever they want about Baltimore, but coming from New York City? This is a BEAUTIFUL city. The people are BEAUTIFUL. Sure, there’s crime. But coming from New York? You have to be able to compare and explore and see the differences to know and appreciate what you got. And I appreciate what Maryland has given me. And they’ve adopted me as their son. I feel it. I love it.
I have to tell you. I almost left. There was a moment during Covid that I was approached to be Program Director of a Seattle station that wasn’t doing so hot. I would’ve had my pick between morning drive and afternoons. So the company flew me and the family out and treated us like kings and queens. Of course, I had a non-compete with my employer here at the time. The Washington company said “Everyone has non-competes and they’re broken all the time; don’t worry about it.” A cease and desist letter showed up at my door and in Washington. And ironically, I was let go from MIX a year later.
What is Maryland Radio?
It’s a vision that myself and my brotha Billy Zero (formerly HFS) came up with as a love letter to how radio should be done. We want to play EVERYTHING. Hits, non-hits, songs that we think Maryland would love. Radio stations used to have identities. No station has one anymore. We wanted to sound like the waves crashing on the beach on Ocean City. We want you to hear the cheers at M&T Bank.
When I look at the landscape of local radio, the majority of them aren’t even from here anymore. I know radio. I have the platinum records here to prove it. I’m looking at “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten right now. Billy and I want radio to represent who our jocks are. So each jock can schedule whatever music they want that fits their personality. That’s what radio USED to be. Now? It’s the same 6-8 songs per hour.
We have people who LIVE here breathing the same air. It’s music and connection.
Who is with you on this Maryland Radio journey? I know our girl Neci is with you..
She sure is! She was the first call I made. I have my buddy Billy Zero. He’s the founder of Juicebox Jams and co-founder of Maryland Radio. Billy brought in his partner from Juicebox Jams, Jeanette, who is a artist/musician. She’s an incredible light. She also works behind the scenes for us as well. We’re trying to assemble the Maryland Avengers..
We’ve “known” each other for a long time. I believe we connected on Facebook first and then when you had your show with Jenn, I randomly saw you at Sunset Cove and told you I ran Baltimore Media Blog. Your jaw was on that sand. What is it like being able to still connect with your listeners?
They’re like family. You guys are more family than my own family; and I say that with respect to my family. You guys make me feel loved and special. You give me the confidence in myself that I don’t have all the time. We do great things because of YOU guys. You keep the fire lit in me.
You can stream Maryland Radio now!