RJ’s we like brings you, RJ Joed of IndigoMusic.com (Goa). On his show, ‘The Drive’ he satirizes local concerns ranging from current events to what’s trendy. Joed has a cheerful, fun-loving personality that captivates audiences. His show, ‘The Drive’ airs Monday through Friday from 5 pm to 10 pm. on IndigoMusic.com.
MediaBrief.com has created RJs We Like to help the FM Radio industry by highlighting the strong and beautiful human and local connect that only its most valuable asset, the wonderful presenters or Radio Jockeys, popularly known as RJs, can help FM Radio provide across the length and breadth of India.
We thank the Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI) for its support of RJs We Like.
We hope RJs We Like will help each network and its stations get their popular, hard-working RJs profiled and highlighted in a way that, in the process, will also bring out the USPs and strengths of the network and station. After all, it is the RJs who give FM Radio its invaluable strength of a hyper-local connect that is both – an emotional and empowering link with its listeners.
Drives back from a long day at work are never really fun… Or are they?!? Well, you’d know the difference if you tuned into The Drive with Joed. With a voice that soothes any ruffled feathers and calms every frazzled nerve, he’s got all you need for a smooth journey home.
From music and conversation to trivia and laughter, he has you covered on all fronts. And if you needed something a little more locally grown, he has that ripe for the picking too! After all, Joed is as son-of-the-soil-ish as it gets! From his constant use of local lingo to his love for authentic local food and all things Goan, he always lets his ‘goan-ness’ shine through!
And here’s RJ Joed of IndigoMusic.com, on RJs We Like
Tell us about your show, and what it’s all about. Whatit means to you, and why you like doing it. What makes it unique?
I still remember the first time I switched on that mic to go on air, the 1st of November 2012. A feeling like no other, was nervous as hell. Am I really doing this? Are there people listening to me, the state of Goa is listening, the thoughts that were going through my head, it felt like an Indian soap opera upstairs.
My show has evolved over the years. It is a way of life for me now. Although I’m serious at times, more often than not, I’m fun on air especially because of our tagline, the radio station for a Fun Young, India and I must confess, the on air fun enters my personal life too at times.
Why do I like doing it? Well, what’s not to like and love about it and the fact that I can connect with local communities and speak about what irks them and also pleases them. And there are a million things to connect on those lines to make a difference where it counts and more importantly when it counts.
I think my show is different because of who I am and that always rubs off on the airwaves. For instance, you can’t be having a great day every day and yet probably you need to sound happy but then I’ll get calls on those days asking me what’s wrong.
It’s funny how people can actually figure so many things out just by hearing someone’s voice. Also there are people from different walks of life, the high and mighty as well as folks who connect with me because of my show and that’s why I think I am different.
From the shout outs to the dedications on radio to chatting with local celebrities to just making someone’s day (like listeners have told me in the past) to turning a frown upside down is something that matters to me, and just keeps me going.
Here’s something I haven’t told many, I’m not a devout religious person but I do say a short prayer before going on air every time, “God if I can put a smile on someone’s face today, and make someone happy, do it through me.”
Were you always planning to be an RJ, or did you sort of stumble onto it?
Growing up and passing out of college the thought of being on radio never occurred to me. Quite the vagabond when in college, always getting in trouble, little did I know then that I’d be doing something that leaves smiles on people’s faces later in life.
In fact I worked in several roles at two of the biggest private banks in the country before I realised that wasn’t where I saw myself in the future. And it’s funny I used to wake up startled because of nightmares about a certain boss while working in the bank. And that’s when I said, ‘come what may, I’ll figure things out’.
One morning I went in and gave my resignation. Months later, while driving with my sister, it was she who alerted me to the radio message that said they were looking for interns at IndigoMusic.com. ‘This is something you will like doing’ she said. Got the internship and gave it my all, did it for close to five months.
Then, I think the local team in Goa eventually came to a consensus with the Programming head and the team in Bangalore gave a nod: ‘Yeah, let’s give him a shot’ they said. And that’s the story of how it began. Coincidentally I was hired exactly a year after my last working day with the bank.
Did you undergo any special training to become an RJ? If yes, what, and if not, what helped you prepare yourself to become an RJ.
The internship was something that helped to an extent: the casual on-air chats with the RJ to help understand how it all works and other interactions in real time gave me a clue about the work flow and how to go about it.
Initially though it didn’t help to settle the butterflies in the stomach. Still, so real, that first time I switched on the mic to go on air: a mixture of emotions and nerves was so evident in person with me in the studio and perhaps resounded on the airwaves as well which eventually settled down.
Subsequently, the yes they gave me thereby offering an opportunity to a novice, I am grateful. Initially I stuck to the flow and then eventually things shaped out in different ways.
I cannot overlook the influences I’ve had from the senior team: such as the constant advice from my Programming Director Kiran Sreedhar. Today like I said earlier, it has evolved and keeps changing. I usually have a prep ready for every show that always helps.
What do you like most about being an RJ? What kind of impact does your show have on the city and its listeners?
What’s not to like? I love the fact that I can connect with diverse communities across the state of Goa. Love the attention that comes with the job.
When you discuss issues related to people and the problems they face, you automatically have an impact because radio as a platform amplifies the message and we have on various occasions have had that impact: sometimes when it comes to traffic snarls at certain bottlenecks, by discussing the issue and understanding what the problem is, more often than not, a solution does arrive.
Those who drive get sensitised. I am sure it will eventually help enhance lives.
List three traits and skills that you consider important for anyone who wants to connect with listeners on FM Radio as an RJ. Why is each important and how does it help you?
Empathetic Listener
Over the years I’ve realised that most people just want to be heard. Evenings when I’m on air, people have already had a long day and sometimes they relate to what’s being spoken on air and sometimes want to vent out and being an avid and patient listener in the conversation always has an aura of positivity while showing empathy and love, something the world needs more of.
And there’s a tagline in the local language of Konkani that my listeners have associated with me over the years which is Mog Asum, which simply means Let there be love. And I always start off and end my shows with that line.
Presence of Mind
As a radio jock, you’re constantly multitasking, your brain is working towards achieving different goals. Your eyes are on the console and the monitor, figuring things out on the go. You’re also having a conversation at times with someone or at times it is a monologue and you’re also thinking about what’s the next thing you have to say.
As a RJ, all of this has to be synchronised and done according to plan in real time on a live show. A jock has to be humble and accommodating wherever possible; must learn to cut someone off during a conversation without offending.
As a regular listener, it might sound as easy as switching on a mic and just start talking but in moments like these, presence of mind is something that is very important when your brain is performing different functions at the same time.
Communication Skills
This is definitely every radio jock has to have to go along with the voice. One has to keep building and improving communication skills. There has to be variety and flexibility of different levels and styles of narrative at the same time being sharp and concise without being crude. Being yourself is something which is crucial to build a loyal fan base.
At times when you bare it all, you might seem vulnerable but you’re being the real you and that’s something people connect to. I’ve had people call me and speak to me about stuff I’ve spoken on air and they do it for hours. I think that’s because you have connected to that person on a different level which is real.
Wit and humour is something that should be a part of your show or else it gets monotonous, throw in a little bit of sarcasm when you’re speaking about something that’s controversial, it always helps.
If someone wants to become an RJ, what kind of training can s/he get? Avenues in and around your city? Any tips from you as an RJ?
This is a career that I stumbled upon by chance 10 years ago. A commerce graduate and an ex banker, little would I have known then that I’d be closing in on a decade but Mass Communication is something that you can pursue now and also specialise and study radio as a subject.
Also nowadays education has moved online so we have a lot of experienced RJs sharing their knowledge and expertise, Master classes like we call them.
Which voices from the radio industry – presenters, newsreaders (Male/Female), others have you liked – growing up, or even your contemporaries. People you’ve learnt from, too, just by listening to them.
As a kid, I would listen to the likes of Shakuntala Bharne and the likes of Sachin and Alfie on All India Radio. My predecessors at Indigomusic.com have played a big part in my learning process. Ayesha Barretto, my colleague is someone who I have learnt a lot from, in fact I call her my Guru. Internationally, I have listened to Ryan Seacrest and have been a fan of Kris Fade.
Who are your most important work partners at your station – Music manager, Producer, Social Media Managers, Native content ad marketers, and why?
Programming Head
Kiran Sreedhar, the programming head when I joined (and still is) has been a constant pillar of support. Someone who’s been the main cog in the wheel of the radio station as a whole. When you need it, he’s like a support system and probably goes unnoticed at times for all his efforts in ensuring that we deliver not only great but relevant content.
Even though he’s miles away from us here in Goa, he’s someone who is just one call away for any advice that you need to be the perfect guy to make you buck up whenever you’re lagging and you need to reinvent yourself, something which we constantly have to do. Probably don’t say this enough to him, but Thank you Kiran.
Music Manager
Another gentleman who goes unnoticed just because he works behind the scenes. One of the kindest human beings you’d come across, Subbu. What would we do without him? His vast knowledge of music and expertise and experience of when is it the perfect time to play a certain song is something that only years of experience brings.
There are times, I have to look up an artist after I’ve heard the song playing on air and you know that tune is pretty big on the charts. A mix of a few from the yesteryears, the ones you grew up listening to the contemporary earworms, he knows it all and another gentleman I don’t thank enough. Thank you Subbu. (Mog asu)
Producers
In Goa, we produce our own shows, never having worked with a producer except a few interns who were with me along the way. Looking forward to maybe working and having fun with a few in the near future.
Social Media Managers
We have quite the team based in Bangalore who are doing a fabulous job. I’m more of an old school guy, a little undercooked when it comes to social media. I’d be like headless chicken in this day and age of a social media savvy world but thanks to our team in Bangalore, it’s quite a pleasant ride.
On Social and digital, send us your three favourite posts, content pieces that display your talent, or are about things you have liked doing. Three links of videos, with embeddable video.
I did a zoom chat with the head coach of FC Goa, here’s a link to that.
What advice would you give to young people who want to join the Radio Industry either as an RJ or in any other production functions?
It was 1980, when the Buggles released Video that killed the radio star but here we are 42 years later where radio has not only survived but thriving as well. Maybe the idiot box has a larger share of the pie but radio is something that will live on for centuries.
If the radio has at any time appealed to you and your senses and you think you have a great voice and also you think you could be a voice for the voiceless, then it could be your cup of tea.
If music is your passion, and you love to entertain and make people happy and spread joy, the airwaves could always do with another voice. Also with the radio there are several other avenues like production for jingles, voice overs and lots more that may appeal to you.
You have a great opportunity and are doing good work. How do you try to make your show more engaging? What is your constant quest as an emotional and welcome connection with listeners’ lives?
To me personally, engagement is something that happens when someone connects to you, sensory wise. Apart from the regular games and contests, it’s a lot of the other content that you deliver on air that drives engagement.
That implies, you have to constantly be aware and well versed with what’s happening in your area, that is from current affairs to what’s trending, the topics that have automatically generated a buzz.
What you’re talking about is just adding to it while using radio as a platform to amplify your message. And there will always be people who want to be heard and others who merely listen to them.
My constant endeavour has always been to be myself while I might talk about various topics and talk to different people at different times on the radio. What I meant by being myself, is that everything I do is in a style and the mannerisms are something that is unique to me.
While I sometimes find it difficult to remember who they are, it’s this fact that anyone and everyone coming up to me is so comfortable with me and sees me for who I am, though they haven’t known me personally but feel like I’m their good friend. That’s a blessing.
That’s something I would tell everyone who would tell me that he is my fan. In return I’d say ‘why don’t you say, you’re a friend next time around. That’s what I’ve made in the last 10 years of being on the radio, friends and believe me, we all need a friend. Friends who now are even like family over the years and all because of the radio.
Your top 5 favourite songs from the last year, of all time. Also, movies of last year and of all time.
This is a question I never answer because I like so many and don’t prefer them in any amount more than the other ones but a few current favourites are Bam Bam by Camilla Cabello, that’s one song that makes me want to get up and dance.
Harry Styles just came into his own with his new album, Late Night Talking and as it was are two great tunes. Lizzo is someone I follow on Instagram and there’s lots to like about her, About Damn Time is definitely one of the favourites.
I must say, I became a Believer last year with some of the most phenomenal tunes he delivered, the likes of Stay to Ghost to Holy to one of the catchiest tunes of the year Peaches was definitely one of my favourites. This list could go on and on.
All-time favourite movies, could be so many. I’m a sucker for gangster movies. The Godfather franchise, I’m a big fan of. I watch almost every Adam Sandler and Mark Wahlberg movie. Adam Sandler in Hustle was great.
Uncharted is something I watched recently and liked. Music related movies, while I was looking forward to Rocketman, I didn’t like it that much but Bohemian Rhapsody, I must have watched at least 7 times. Just love that film and Rami Malek was truly special, I don’t think anyone could have played that role better. Definitely my all-time favourite.
