@DeviDev @DjEque @RealSway
And you don’t stop.
I type this article after recovering folders on my desktop and renewing my phone contract, hence transferring archived files to my new phone. I don’t have video footage due to my car getting broken into and losing my camera and audio equipment. But to my surprise, I see pictures from the shoot I did with Devi Dev and DJ Eque on their former show “The Left Effect” on May 18th 2010. (Featuring guest G-Malone)
While easy on the eyes, people fall short in recognizing the talent rounding out Devi. Exactly like filmmakers utilization of Depth of Field, the subject impression gets lost; like impetuously annoying testosterone comparisons (she receives on the regular) to Mariah Carey. Though a great physical surface parallel, I want to make it clear: Mariah is a singer, Devi is a preacher.
I was a production assistant / intern for Power 106 while she was an On-Air talent for 93.5 kday. With a comet of an effort in sending a message, she also partnered up with the “Vinyl Looker” Dj Eque. (Chest pound to Talib Kweli for the Gem of a woman. Wow). I couldn’t help but admire and attention shift a few FM dials down for my aural pleasure.
To respond in kind for letting me film and shoot, I treated Devi to a dinner at a Dark, renowned Cadillac Margarita lush killing Mexican restaurant in Sherman Oaks. I wanted to pick her brain and offer to help with the Left Effect production. But before I could even ask, she was Houston bound after I spoke to her.
Here’s a transcription from the low audio recording of our conversation, via the Brontosaursingly old iPhone 3gs that I replaced.
Devi’s smart and hard work EARNED her to be the co-host of Sirius/Xm’s “Sway in the Morning on Shade 45“ and now MTV’s Hip-hop POV. From Los Angeles, Houston and now New York, radio’s soundscape has another voice to be heard.
Here’s a quick read as I have a conversation with Devi Dev:
After commenting on how dark the room is, I told Devi the food is great; but there are known for their STRONG happy hour drinks. Post a serving of chips and halfway through a double drink, a formal chat
Charles: So, you are no longer with KDAY. What’s next for you? And what was your experience like with Magic broadcasting?
Devi: I’m actually interviewing at this station. They’re flying me out to Houston.
Charles: What’s the station name?
Devi: The Box. I’m still debating if I should get back to work right away.
Charles: If I were in your position, I would fly and see what flight takes you. I mean not that you’re being idle. Why not go to another station in LA?
Devi: Well the rosters for LA is all set. I’ve checked and you know that no one person is going to give up their job.
Charles: Why’d you leave Kday?
Devi: I felt that we were moving towards different directions and it was a respectful parting so it was all good. Nothing much to speculate and speak of but you know, sometimes you have to move on.
Charles: So what’d you learn from being on Sirius, and going to a major market? And what are the differences?
Devi: Well you can’t talk too much you know. Brevity is key. I just spent time with my PD (Program Director) looking at the audience drop the moment I start talking about things non related to prizes and promos. So you really have to keep it quick.
Charles: I know, when I started with Jeff Garcia in programming; we were studying how long people were listening on the AQH (Average Quarter Hour Ratings). A year into my internship, we were studying how long it took for someone to drop.
Devi: Yup, and it’s a completely different method when you study how long do they listen compared to how long it takes them to drop…
Charles: Let’s talk about the Left Effect.
Devi: Let’s.
Charles: How do you work for a major market station and still put out a show on ustream? And why? That’s pretty amazing.
Devi: I just love doing this. Working a show with a friend is easy. Especially with her (Dj Eque) Plus there’s the freedom factor. Like when you visited the show, I get to interview my friends in the industry that people need to see and hear from. To be put on the map. You know this, FM has a structure. And there’s nothing like producing something that is in your control.
Charles: Something like Sirius days with Zombie radio.
Devi: Yes. That was fun. Especially when I start in radio by being myself.
Charles: Meaning?
Devi: Satellite radio has no boundaries and it has that as an advantage. So I came into the mix raw and live and really myself.
Charles: So where in LA were you raised?
Devi: Alhambra.
Charles: That’s the last bastion of authentic Chinese food!
Devi: Really? Say that again? I’m going to text that to my mom. (Reaches for her Blackberry and sends her the text and shows the text sent)
Charles: Alhambra is the Last Bastion of authentic Chinese Food.
Charles: I also noticed you are a big foodie. That’s probably why living in Alhambra will do that.
Devi: Yes I am. But my taste in food is now broadening so I’m excited about sharing food on twitter.
Charles: Have you heard of Anthony Bourdain and his show “No Reservations?”
Devi: No. What’s that about?
Charles: It’s about a former chef and current writer travelling from country to country using food as a back drop; but also introduces the country’s culture.
Dev: That’s sounds, like fun. Like a dream job. That makes me really want to get out there and be that radio voice for people that share my point of view. You know, I do voiceover, I listen to hip-hop from the original perspective, and I love food.
Charles: (In mid sentence I jump in, due to the strong Cadillac Margaritas) And people need to hear that. I feel a unique woman in the media needs shine. Not based off how well you act scandalously in a reality show then given a TV show.
Devi: Exactly. I also feel that going to school for broadcasting shows a different makeup. You know, go to school, intern, work hard. That’s key. Be real and expose yourself. And someone will take notice. I’m happy that Houston has recognized my effort and what I have been doing.
Charles: Deservingly so Devi.
(Food arrives and audio background drowns one hell of a conversational shop talk of media and radio-centricity.)
For those of you reading this; use her story in the making as reason to push for your calling. Whether you’re a struggling musician mastering your final song on monitor speakers, and checking with bleedingly enhanced subwoofers in your car, Eight to Five grinders during lunch working on their side business endeavors, and those affected by the sub-prime unemployed credit economical crash; DON’T STOP. Devi won’t.
