We were lucky to catch up with Lamark Plaskett recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lamark , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
Ever since I was a little boy I knew that I wanted to be famous or be a STAR but I couldn’t sing the best so I had to figure out a game plan. In high school I had a English teacher who told me to purse radio because of my personality.
I started radio back in 2014 at Kingsborough Community College, WKRB 90.3. I created a show called “The Fresh Movement” and I rode that show for 8 years. The show had many homes like Party 101.9 Radio, Brooklyn College Radio, and it later became a podcast. I was able to feature the show on iHeartRadio, Spotify, and more.
The Fresh Movement gave me a voice that I never knew I had and it gave me the courage to keep going and that’s how I made it to iHeartRadio with my current podcast #LamakAfterDark
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
For those who don’t know who I am, I’m Lamark and I like to create dope sh*t. I’m from Queens (Rochdale Village to be exact) and I’m a cancer so you know I’m sensitive.
I currently work the radio board, produce and have my own podcast at iHeartRadio in NYC. The goal is to build my name/legacy while showing representation in Entertainment.
Being in this industry can be very challenging due to egos, rejection, and not ever feeling good enough or knowing that everyone is replaceable. I try my best to not take anything personal while staying humble and treating everyone with respect.
As a black gay thicker man in this industry, I find myself always dealing with challenges but “God doesn’t give us anything we can’t handle” so I try to keep that message in my head whenever things get tough.
Just recently I was severely cyber bullied after giving my opinions on pop culture topics but I’m learning to quiet the noise and understand that it’s not what people say it’s what you answer to.
I’m very grateful to have such a strong support system with my family and friends.
I try to create content for those who may feel like the underdog or not exactly fit in with a group. I guarantee you a laugh or some stimulation when you hear my podcast and if you hate it then I owe you a $1
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I remember moving back to NYC from ATL being done with radio after being rejected from countless jobs and was going to become a therapist.
I moved to ATL for a radio job and not only did I not get the job but it was such a trying time for my mental health. I told myself if I get back to NY then I’m done with radio forever and I gave it a good shot.
About a month being back in NYC I started working social media for a company and I got a call from iHeartRadio about a job that I applied for months ago but never thought they would actually call.
The interview not only went great but I felt like it was meant to be and I really believe in the saying “what’s meant for you is for you” and God will always make a way. If I didn’t get that call from iHeartRadio I don’t think I would have a podcast or even be in the position I’m in now. Sometimes it only takes 1 call and faith.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
I think major companies should start having days where they start looking for underground talent/creatives. It’s so many talented creatives that are undiscovered but they don’t have the money or image to be represented or might not have the ability to pursue their dreams due to financial or family obligations. We need to develop more organizations, places for creatives to work and not feel like what they’re doing is out of the ordinary or that it’s a pipe dream.
I try to always show love to those that I can or even have them come on my podcast to share their story because you never know who you can be helping but just sharing your life experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-lamark-after-dark-107166153?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false&autoplay=true
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lamark_fresh?igsh=MXRsYXdkNTc4czl4ag==
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@fleeboymark?si=iKO6OPrQHCtQB5V0
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/lamarkafterdark?igsh=MW1qdmkyYnRiaWsycw==
