DJ Interview: 1-on-1 with The Deuce on X103

In an effort to switch it up a little I am sitting with a guy that plays a lot of the artists that you are used to reading every day on the airwaves.  I wanted to interview this guy from the first time that we met and when we were both a part of the Hard Rock Ambassadors of Rock Battle of the Bands I knew this was my entrance.  Having worked with him on many events in the past, it was an easy transition from working with to writing about with him.  Sit with me today as I introduce you to a voice that might be more recognizable than the face and a name that is known all over this city, Deuce.

What is your real name?

My real name is Joey.

Do you go by The Deuce or just Deuce?

I go by Deuce.

How long have you been working in the radio business?

I have been doing radio for about ten years.

When did you first realize that you wanted to be a DJ?

When I used to live in Orlando, Florida I heard a midday radio show called Monsters of the Midday, Phillips File, the Lunch Time Fiasco with Taco Bob and Pat Lynch.

Who is on your iPod right now?

Queens of the Stoneage, Local H, the Sick Puppies, Kings of Leon, Sublime, Breaking Benjamin, Hurt, and Candlebox.

When can we all hear you on the radio?

I am on at 2:00 PM TILL 10:00 PM Monday through Friday and at 2:00 PM till 6:00 PM on Saturdays.

Tell me about working with X103.3.

I love it.  I am very fortunate.  It’s the first time ever in my life that I have loved my job, and have never thought once to myself, “I don’t want to go to work today.”  But what despite what people might think, it’s a hard job and a lot of work. But there’s nothing else I would rather do and nowhere else I would rather be.

Who is your favorite band of all time?

Oh, that’s a hard one. I don’t know if I have a favorite band, but Chris Cornell is probably my favorite singer, and Temple of the Dog is probably my favorite album of all time.

What is the best concert that you have ever been to?

Wow, that’s a good question.  There are so many to choose from.  One that really stands out for me would be the Foo Fighters when they played at Conceso Fieldhouse.

Do other radio stations in the city have a rivalry for ratings or does everyone play nice?

There is some friendly rivalry, but everyone more or less has their own issues to worry about than to get involved in any childish stuff.  And we all know each other and like anything else in life, you have be careful what you say or do because you never know who is listening.  You never know if you might be asking that person for a job one day.

Do you have any tattoos?

I have four tattoos right now but there are more on the way.

Who would win in a pillow fight between you and Don Stuck?

Cotton or feather pillows?  What a bizarre question.  (Laughs)

What was the last movie you saw?

I just saw District 9.

Did you like it?

It was an awesome movie.  It was one of the most unique films I have seen in a long time.

You seem to be pretty involved in water sports.  Do you have any favorite beaches?

I love water, anything on water, and I have lived in Florida for fifteen years because of it.  I will take any beach, any time of the day.  South Beach is nice but my favorite place is in Key West.  Not really sand type beaches, but it ricks.  I love Key West.

Let’s get some pizza.  What toppings?

Either grilled chicken and red onions or cheese lovers from Donato’s.  We could also do ham and pineapple if you wanted!

Who is the best band in the city right now?

The Last Good year, No One Zero, Mardelay, Virgin Millionaires, Stereo Deluxe, No More Good Names; just to name a few.  There are so many bands to choose from.  People in Indianapolis need to start supporting local music a lot more than they currently do.  We have a show every Sunday from 7:00PM to 8:00 PM that features local music.

Do you ever get nervous before you go on the air?

No, although I used to.  But I do not get nervous anymore.  It is second nature to me at this point.  I still mess up all the time.  (Laughs)  But I do not get nervous.

What would you be doing if you were not on the radio?

If I was not doing radio I would probably be in promotions and marketing more than likely.

Do you listen to your own station when you are not at work?

Of course I do.  I listen all the time.  It’s the kind of music I like.

If you could live anywhere else other than the state of Indiana where would you go?

I would go to my beaches in Key West, Florida.

Why are you so scared of cutting a rug on the dance floor?

I don’t know; it just makes me go into all panic mode.  Maybe it’s the fact that I know I suck and I don’t want to waste the girls time so she them how bad I am.  (Laughs)

Who is your biggest hero in life?

My grandma and grandpa are by far my biggest heroes.

If you woke up today and were told you had a week to live how would you spend your last seven days?

I would spend every waking moment with my son and my family.

How many Affliction shirts do you own?

Are you serious?  One, when I saw hat it became I never wore it again.  I hate those things.  It is as bad as wearing an Abercrombie shirt.

How do you think satellite radio has affected local and national broadcasts?

I do not think it really has.  Sure, there are people that have it, but despite popular belief, FM radio is still as popular as it ever has been, and that’s not just my opinion.  It is prove from the research.  FM Radio will always be the leader in radio.  FM radio can do something that satellite can never do; being from a local source.

How did you react to the passing of Michael Jackson?

It was such an odd event.  As surprising as it might have seemed, as a whole, I don’t think many people were really all that surprised.  When someone lives such an odd life nothing I guess comes as a shock.  But it certainly was sad to see someone with such talent have his life come to an end.  The last years of his life were just so bizarre.

What’s your dog’s name?

Zoey.

I take it you are not a natural blonde?

(Laughs) Sure I am!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hopefully still rocking the afternoons on X103.  I would eventually like to become a program director.  But for right now I am enjoying being on the radio and rocking Indianapolis the best I know how.

What do you want people to remember when you are no longer working in radio?

That I totally loved doing it.  That I was fun, and that hopefully I did a good job.

I always let the bands that I interview get the last word.  Why not you?  Go.

Support local music and stop getting so mad about a song or a band that you don’t like getting played on the radio.  It’s a song, a band, and it is not life or death.  Relax.  It will be over in about three minutes anyway, so calm down!  (Laughs)  And as always, rock on!