Today we’d like to introduce you to David Schilling

Hi David, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

I think it’s very important in most parts of life to take risks. Big or small. Without taking risks we can’t move forward in life.

I’ve found most times I’m faced with a decision to play it safe vs taking the risk and saying yes to something I’m unsure of, the outcome has been more positive than not. Even when it comes to asking someone for a favor, or a job, or whatever, when I ask I feel better regardless of whether I get the answer I wanted or not. I took the chance to move forward. A wise man once told me the answer is always “no” unless you ask.

It’s how I got into radio and music event production at a late age. I have always had a love of music and how concerts are produced. I started by working with an internationally respected independent radio station learning how radio works and how DJs put together shows. When I approached the station I really figured they would choose younger people than me, but thankfully I was wrong and they gave me a shot. It led to me working with many amazingly talented and well known artists, producing some music events, working with a very well known band on tour and becoming a radio DJ with my own shows.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

It’s been a fairly smooth road up to this point. After the initial start it’s been a “who you know” method of climbing upward.

Befriending successful people, proving I am solid in what I do and being introduced to other successful and influential people through them. I now know many successful and influential people who are very respected in their field. Veteran radio DJs, tour and production managers, well known artists…they have all become friends and have assisted me in moving upward in many ways.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I have had a lifelong love of music, so when I retired from my first career I decided to build a second career around something I loved. I began working with an internationally respected independent radio station learning how broadcast worked, how DJs create and produce shows, how to produce live music events and how to relate to artists.

After about four years of this I decided to try producing my own radio show, so connected with another independent radio station (in another city after relocating) and began my own show. In the four years since I have created a prime drive time show where I play new music, local artists and interviews. I get a lot of great feedback from listeners so I’m counting this as a success!

My listeners tell me I routinely introduce them to new music/artists and find my interviews with artists, well known or not, very interesting. I’m told my interview style is relaxed and somewhat personal. I try to talk about things you may not hear about in a typical interview. Things that allow you to get to know the person behind the artist, as well as their professional life. The artists seem to enjoy it and the listeners get to know more about them.

Along with radio, I have managed artists, produced live music events and worked in tour management at a high level.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?

I’m always up for meeting new people, be it artists to work with or interview, other radio people who want share music finds and “talk shop” or other folks who think we may be able to help each other in some way. Of course listening to my show and spreading the word is a great way to support me!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://xray.fm/shows/backseatdj
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backseatdjxrayfm/