“Here’s the thing about life” is the signature line you’ll hear in pretty much every conversation you have with Mrs. Talya J. Floyd, Music Director for 92Q Jams (Baltimore). It doesn’t matter what you’re talking about; that’s pretty much her answer to everything. (lol)
Talya enjoys the form of expression if not in words, it’s in song, art or in action. (I think it’s because she’s a Taurus like me and Monique Davis Cary) She has proven to be an extremely dedicated woman in her industry and although she still has a way to go, she’s taken on the task and is gearing up for more adventures in the world of music and radio.
When she started working for Radio One Baltimore two years ago, I knew Talya was all about business. She comes to work, she does her work, eats in her office and goes home. She pokes her head out from time to time, but it’s a job she’s doing, you know? Between music calls with independent artists, record reps, and cry baby jocks (myself included), she doesn’t have time for anything else. Oh! There’s also her Operations Manager Al Payne whom she meets with several times throughout her day.
(me and Talya acting silly @ work)
Talya has worked for many top market programmers and many of them have left a piece of their knowledge with her to share with all of us (especially me).
(cue shade) And after three months of waiting, I finally get to share with the world Talya’s very own words about her career and why she chose it (or if it chose her), personal/professional interests, misconceptions, and her input on where music (Urban) is headed.
If you’re an artist (inspiring), or just someone whose curious about the radio business, please pay attention. This is a rare moment: (inside joke)
Where are you from? Washington DC
How long have you been in the radio business? 10 years
What don’t people know about you? I’m a nerd on the low (Shhhh!!!!)
(Talya and T.I.)
What genre of music do you like to listen to the most and why? Reggae because I love to dance. Pop because of the variety it offers and it is easy to sing along…especially when I’m in the car…by myself LOL!
What is your LET IT GO song? (one that you would absolutely lose your mind listening to) Anything Michael Jackson! I mean who doesn’t lose it to music from the King of Pop?!?!?
(Talya and Joe Budden)
You’ve met lot of celebrities, was there ever a time you had an uncomfortable celebrity interview or encounter that went terribly wrong? Describe. I have never felt uncomfortable or had a situation when things went terribly wrong (knock on wood) BUT I have experienced moments when a celebrity came for an interview and their personality was super DRY! Can we say radio FAIL!?!?
(Talya and Common)
Who was the best celebrity encounter and why? Common! He is VERY down-to-earth and super cool guy.
What’s the biggest misconception about Talya? I think the biggest misconception is that I come across as being “mean“especially when you catch me in “work mode”. I am actually the complete opposite. My passion for good radio and music drives me to be extremely focused all the time. Outside of work mode/hours I love to laugh and have a good time with good people.
(Talya and Tamar Braxton)
What don’t people SEE about Talya? I am very spontaneous. I have auditioned for the “Real World” twice, went snorkeling with sea turtles in Barbados, was cast (along with my mom) to be on a television show on ABC Family network, and have plans next to skydive. You only live once, so I really try to live life to the fullest daily. You never know what or where I will be next.
(Talya and husband Val after zip lining)
What don’t people get about music when it comes to radio? The answer to this need to be in a second interview of its own! *sigh*
(Talya and Music exec Kevin Liles)
Who do you most admire in the radio industry and why? I admire ANY person that has PERSEVERED through the ups and downs of music business. This industry has MANY challenges but it offers so much to those that weather the storm.
What was the best advice anyone ever gave you? “Never let them see you sweat!”
(Radio One Baltimore fam)
What’s the biggest misconception about women in radio? The biggest misconception about women in radio is we CAN’T have the “big three”…Career, Marriage and Kids. Never get it twisted, women CAN DO IT ALL!
Where do you see urban radio in the next 10-15years? I am not exactly sure. This is something I wonder about all the time.
What do you think is wrong, if you do, with hip hop and R&B? Music goes in cycles. The current cycle of Hip Hop and R&B lacks innovation and originality. You do not have to sound like (insert popular Hip Hop or R&B artist here) to get airplay and/or to be successful. Consumers /fans STILL want authenticity and original music!
(Talya and J. Cole)
Who do you think is the most under appreciated artist out there right now? J Cole because he’s put in a lot of work and he just doesn’t get his “just due”. He is now, but it’s not fair to him being that a lot of “good music” isn’t being put out.
Who’s in your iPod/radar? The question is who is NOT in my iPod? I listen to everything!
(Talya and Rapper Wale)
What do you want your legacy to be? I want my legacy to be an innovator of music culture (in some capacity) that helps open doors for others to shine. There is room for everyone!
Biggest regret is…. I actually have no regrets. I believe all life moments (good and bad) serve a purpose for growth.
(Talya and husband Val)
If you could pick a snack that you could eat all day and it wouldn’t add on any calories, what would that snack be and why? (it’s weird but I’m curious lol) A snack that does not add any calories doesn’t exist on my list…Sorry! It’s a “Preggo” problem LOL!
How can people reach out to you?
Facebook/IG/twitter: Talyadj
email tajohnson@radio-one.com
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER/IG @JustKiKiBrown
FAN ME ON FACEBOOK @MsKiKiBrown
More dynamic women in radio I think you’ll enjoy reading about:
On top of all the other things I’m handling in my day to day routine (CEO of Nice 2 Media Marketing & Promotions, LLC and now afternoon personality for WAMO100, Pittsburgh), I am now music & content coordinator for an online station called Urban Media Today Radio; a product of Urban Media Today online magazine.
