This Chick Is Breaking Internet Radio: One On One With Tiara LaNiece of DTLR Radio

Tiara LaNiece and I met at a holiday toy drive. While I was working the room, she was working the internet; hosting a show on DTLR Radio.

Tiara LaNiece is a two-year radio vet and she’s crediting her career to some big names in the industry; women in radio of course.

If I had to critique her style, I would say she’s got style, swag (if we even say that anymore), spunk and sass. She’s intelligent and she knows how to handle herself when she’s dealing with any technical or celebrity related issues that occur during her show.

I have yet to encounter her diva-side but every radio chick has one tucked away in her bra or boy shorts somewhere (wink).

If you have yet to hear Tiara LaNiece on DTLR Radio, make sure you check her out.

 

Here’s her story:

 Tiara LaNiece, DTLR Radio/11A-2P

 

How long have you been in the radio business? 2 years

 

How long were you in the television business? I haven’t ventured there just yet but I’m looking forward to it.  I have done a few stage plays in Baltimore, MD.

 

Have you ever worked in a different market? Physically no, but my show broadcasts to and through all DTLR locations. (ATL,NJ,NC,SC,FL,IL,AL,STL,DC,VA and MD where we’re stationed)

 

What is more enjoyable/different? Enjoyable? I believe each one holds its own joys.  What’s different? Hmmmm… in radio you’re given a prepared script that you hold in your hand during the show.  Stage plays on the other hand you have to memorize the lines and be able to dish them out LIVE in front or crowd who’s energy you can feel immediately!

 

Would you say it’s hard to work with/for women in radio than it is to work with/for men? No, not really as long as everyone knows their set roles male or female it all works for me.

 

What do you think is the most challenging being a talent in your career? I would say my thoughts are because I want to get it right the first and I tend to overthink, a lot.  I’m an introvert so I usually try to solve everything in my head before I even try sometimes.

 

Did you (or do you) have a mentor in radio? If so, who are they and what have they helped you on in reference to your career? I have a few but they don’t know it.  I usually wait until I either have an intimate conversation with or if I’m given the chance to interview I let them know during the course of the interview.  I just think a face to face conversation is always better.

 

What was it about radio that struck your interest? I love music.  I am a fan and the challenge of something new all played a part.

 

What makes a good radio talent? I believe it takes personality first and foremost and the ability to talk to yourself and hold a conversation successfully. (lol) Because in all actuality that’s what you’re doing.  You have to possess qualities like being able to read, speak (fluently), knowledgeable on the product you’re talking about and passionate… you have to love it and to be able to convince people that can’t see you that you love what you’re doing.

 

How do you respond to women in the media who become out of touch from those trying to reach that particular level of success? I understand that we all need our quiet time but see me I believe in “each one, teach one”.  I believe that we all have something to contribute to the next generation whether it’s our stories of failures and screw ups or our secret ways in which we overcame them.  So, my response would be “never get bigger than your purpose which to me is to help the next person live their dream fully with the knowledge you received late so they can start early”.

 

 (Tiara LaNiece & Ashley T Moore)

What genre of music do you like to listen to the most and why? I like R&B, Club & HipHop/Rap… I can relate a lot of life’s experiences to them.

 

What is your LET IT GO song? Wow! I have so many but I really love, man I can only pick one.  This is hard. lol… Mali Music’s “Fight You” is definitely my favorite right now.  Simplistic yet powerful!

 

You’ve interviewed a lot of celebrities, was there ever a time you had an uncomfortable celebrity interview where it went terribly wrong? Describe. I haven’t that experience and lord I pray I don’t.  I have had dry interviews where I felt like I was interviewing myself at times. Just dry!

 

Who was the best celebrity encounter and why? Clinton Sparks was live.  I loved his energy.  Genuine, funny and passionate about his craft; which is always a plus in my book.

 

 (Tiara LaNiece & Jay Claxton)

What’s the biggest misconception about you? I’m mean and that’s just by looking at me.  Those people have never had a conversation with me.

 

Why don’t people get about music when it comes to radio? Rotation.  They just don’t get that we can’t play their song back to back or just because it’s hot to them and their crew.

 

Who do you most admire in the radio industry and why? Ki Ki Brown, duh! lol… iiKane, Angie Martinez… women in general because I understand the challenges of women in this industry and the way I see you all handle it with such poise is what inspires me.

 

What was the best advice anyone ever gave you? There’s nothing you can’t do even when you think it.  Keep working, stay persistent and ignore the nay-sayers.

 

What’s the biggest misconception about women in radio? We’re bossy. *side eye*

 

Where do you see urban radio in the next 10-15 years? On top, not just musically but content wise as well.

 

What do you think is wrong, if you do, with hip hop and R&B? I don’t necessary think anything is wrong.  I just think we as listeners don’t know how to separate entertainment from reality.  Balance is very important.  But, what I will say is a lot of the music today has strong content and unique self-expression that most can’t comprehend pass what they know.  They judge it based of their experiences which can be bias.

 

Who has been the most helpful to you in your career? Two guys… Swen Brock and Shawn Caesar.

 

Who do you think is the most under-appreciated artist out there right now? A year ago I would’ve said J.Cole but after dropping “2014 Forest Hill Drive”, I believe more people appreciate his art.

 

Who’s in your iPod/radar? Rob Hill Sr, Beyonce, Jay Z, Mali Music, Anita Baker, Kem, Danny Boykins… I could keep going but I won’t.

 

What do you want your legacy to be? That I loved, loved what I did for a living.  Which fuel my love for others, whether I knew them or not.

 

If you could give advice to someone wanting to be a radio personality, what would you say? Research, Read, Redo! Practice makes ok, consistency and persistence makes perfect… well until you get new liners. lol

 

Biggest regret is…. I have none.  I believe everything happened when it was supposed to how it was supposed to.

 

 

How can people reach out to you?

Email: contact@iamtiaralaniece@gmail.com/tiara@dtlrradio.fm

Facebook/IG/Twitter: @TiaraLaNiece

 

 

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER/IG @JustKiKiBrown

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