Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Raymond T. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Raymond, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

The interesting thing I believe about my journey is it began a little later than most getting into radio/broadcasting. That being said though, it is really a testament that there is no age limit as to when you get your calling in life. I fully put all my attention into this career at the age of 28. I had 3 sons as the time and was doing the normal 9 to 5 jobs just to keep a check coming in for my family but inside knew there was something else out ther for me. One particular spring, I had gotten laid off but was receiving unemployment and decided I would take some radio/tv classes in order to intern & the rest was history. Once I got my foot in the door along with djing, venturing into traditional FM radio as a personality and being behind the mic almost felt like a destiny. As I spent time in the studios soaking up all I could, the lightswitch moment for me went off and I knew this was going to be my career. I was always told I had a good voice, my passion for music as a whole has been the driving force and even moving on from traditional FM to being able to host in the streaming space presently has all been a part of a bigger plan as far as I’m concerned. As much as I wish I would have went after things earlier in life, I wouldn’t change a thing because the high’s & low’s of life prior to prepared me as such for this path. Beyond blessed & grateful everyday to do what I love. It is an extremely liberating feeling and if there’s anything to take out of this is it is NEVER TOO LATE To go after your passions!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Simply put…If you’re unfamiliar with RaymondT aka RadioRaymondT, 4 things sum me up. God, Family, Music & The Raiders! 4 things I am extremely passionate about & the first two are self explanatory. While I am not the most religious man, I am a strong believer God has been providing all this for me. My family has always been a driving motivation. My wife & I together have raised 3 amazing young men that I would hope wherever their journey takes them that it would be catered to whatever they are passionate about. Regarding music, it really has been the catalyst into my career. My love for music began at an early age where my older cousins would play record shop and I would be able to buy their vinyls with monopoly money (some of which I still have). That love led me into both radio & djing & the best thing I can say is having the opportunity to share that love for musich with people all over the world is an extreme blessing. That being said, I don’t take the position lightly and definitely do my best in aiming to help out artists (both independent & established) in pursuing their passions. With my particular platforms being able to shine light on them is my way of paying it forward. Finally..yes, I am that obsessed, crazed Raider fan through & through. Win, Lose or Tie…It’s Raider Nation Till I Die, LOL.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

To be completely honest, it’s hard to call someone a “non-creative” today. With the space of social media & the internet your “average everyday joe (or jill)” is in some forms a creative. I say that without any negative connotations. I relate it to my own journey in switching from traditional FM to the streaming space and really in that of moving with the times. I left traditional FM radio in 2014 with the eyes on the future and everybody streaming. While I think traditional FM will always have its space, it is in constant competition with technology and I would say to anybody reading this, be able to adapt or get left behind. The toughest part to it all is everybody is competing for attention. That being said, I hold myself to the highest of value in not losing my integrity in order to get it. We’re dealing with a lot of clowns today who are almost willing to do anything for attention & I often say…entertain the clowns, you become a part of the circus.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I think it goes without saying…Doing what you love and making a living ( & then some) is an amazingly liberating feeling. Turning your passion into paychecks has been life changing for me. I don’t say this with all emphasis on money, please don’t get this twisted. This is not about material things or anything like that. For me though rather I have been able to provide for my family in the manner of not waking up going to a miserable job in order for us all to eat. Now with that being said, a 9 to 5 is NEVER corny despite what these “influencers’ may have you thinking. If you taking care of business & your family is straight, that is as stand up as it gets! There is a lot of smoke & mirrors to the game that revolve around insecurites. The most rewarding thing for me in my career has and never will be about any accolades. More in success in my personal life and seeing my sons flourish as they get older.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/RadioRaymondT
• Instagram: @RadioRaymondT
• Facebook: @RadioRaymondT
• Linkedin: @RadioRaymondT
• Twitter: @RadioRaymondT
• Other: Track me down on a wi-fi near you or in your Tesla’s hosting mulitple channels (All Hip-Hop / RnB) via the platform @liveone via our app or at LiveOne.com.

Image Credits
Donna Coleman Photography