Today we’d like to introduce you to DeJon Johnson.
DeJon, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I created The Syrup Room back in 2016 when I was presented an opportunity to have my own radio show on The Core 94 radio station in Houston, TX. At the time podcasting & internet radio wasn’t as popular as it is today, but after doing my research I knew that it would eventually reach its potential, and I had a chance to get in on it early. Prior to radio I created music and I knew I could use my connections in that world to help build my radio brand. Alongside Carvett Ganious (Co-Host), Zo Early Filmz (Videographer), & DJ 713, The Syrup Room aired its first episode at 9:00pm, October 11, 2016 with special guest ByXBreezy of Houstock. A week later, our 2nd episode aired featuring Paul Wall, June James, & Lil O of The Screwed Up Click.
From there, we went on to interview artist as Slim Thug, Don Toliver, Beat King, Just Brittany, Lil Flip, Big Pokey, 5th Ward Boyz, Murphy Lee, Dj XO, Lil Keke & so many more. In November 2016, I was contacted by Tone P (Wale’s Producer) & Revolt TV to bring a television show to Houston titled #WhoGotNextTv. This would mark my first event. I enlisted ByXBreezy, June James, & DJ YoungSamm as special guest judges and had over 100 artists come out and perform, including who we know now as KenTheMan. Out of 34 stops nationwide, Houston had the largest turnout. I was granted the role of Brand Ambassador to the #WhoGotNextTv Brand and served as a Special Guest Judge on the Season 2 Houston stop alongside Cooley, national winner of season 1. In March 2017, I was presented the Radio Personality of the Year Award by the Houston Hip Hop Award Show!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In radio consistency is key. The media Industry is constantly changing and you have to be ready to change with it. Five years ago, radio was something we listened to now we watch radio interviews on YouTube. You also need to network heavily. In 2020 everyone has a podcast so why would an artist want to come be a guest on yours? It usually has something to do with them knowing your brand so get out there and make yourself known if you’re not able to physically do so then take advantage of social media. To answer your question more directly, it’s been a challenge but in 2020, I’m still here.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Syrup Room – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
The Syrup Room is a full-fledged radio outlet for artists and business. We offer radio interviews, advertising, and promotions. At the time of this interview we have over 30,000 followers on our Facebook page. The original plan was to create an outlet for local artists to get their music heard. Upon doing so we grabbed national attention and I have been blessed to work with artists from all over the USA. What sets us apart from other podcasts and radio shows would definitely be our Social Media. Don’t get me wrong I’ve been able to interview a lot of artists that I grew up listening to and those are conversations that I will never forget but on social media, I control the narrative. If you’ve ever had the chance to visit The Syrup Room’s Instagram page, you will instantly see the love that we have for the city of Houston. I honestly feel that we are preserving the original Houston culture on thereby not only showing homage to our past but also putting on for the future!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
This is a difficult question because honestly it’s not. For me, it works because of my love for the city and our culture. I’m very in tune with what’s happening, what happened, who made it happen, and who it happened to. At the same time, you look at shows like Breakfast Club in New York, No Jumper in LA, or Baller Alert in Atlanta, and you look at the guest they have you realize when their publicists are booking these press runs their not looking at Houston as one of those cities. We don’t have the record labels or the major radio stations putting on these massive festivals to attract these type of artists to do their press runs here. So if you’re looking to jump into that lane starting off then no Houston might not be the city for you but for a person like me, I see the potential and I’m going to play my part and keep putting the work in to see that Houston one day becomes one of those cities.
Pricing:
- Our radio interviews start at $100 with multiple packages available.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 8327055727
- Instagram: https://instagram.
com/thesyruproom_?igshid= tvjbqn2emzkl - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/TheSyrupRoom/ - Twitter: https://www.twitter.
com/TheSyrupRoom_ - Other: tsrhouston@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Reachable Moons
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