Andrew Sykora, better known as “Syke,” is the host of “Syke & MJ in the Morning” on Long Island’s 106.1 BLI. His career in radio spans over two decades and shows no signs of slowing down. We talk with Syke about breaking into the business, the importance of social media and the role it plays in connecting with your audience, giving back to your community, and tomorrow’s much anticipated Summer Jam Concert!
LEG: It’s rare in this business to be able to work at your hometown station. How did you get started in radio and what is it like to work for your hometown radio station WBLI? What advice would you give to someone wanting to get started in radio today?
S: I got started in radio in high school at St John The Baptist in West Islip. BLI was my hometown station growing up & I began getting the radio bug right around 13. When I discovered my high school had a station, I thought “how freakin’ cool?” and decided to join! Fast forward so many years later & here I am working for the station I grew up on! It’s an unreal experience & something I wouldn’t trade for the world. My advice for somebody that wants to get started in radio today is the same advice I always give -- take as many shifts as you’re offered, grab hold of as many of the overnight shifts that you can (that’s where you get to create the most) and learn everything there is to know. Radio ain’t just about being on air. There is a lot you can learn behind the scenes that will help you along the way.
LEG: You are BLI’s resident celebrity interviewer and have interviewed Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, Ed Sheeran, and so many others. How do you prepare before sitting down with these type of superstar artists and what’s the secret to getting the best interview out of them?
S: Believe it or not, I’m always prepping even when I’m not purposely trying to prep. It’s hard to stay away from the world of pop culture when you have a Twitter and Instagram account. In order to get a great interview, get the artist to trust you. Ask them questions, make them laugh, and treat them like human beings. Be you! No funny business. Sketches are great, but let’s face facts, if you have to tell an artist how to act or what to say, you’re already dead in the water. Let everything come naturally! Before you start, flat out ask them what it is that THEY want to talk about most! The interview isn’t about the interviewer, it’s about the interviewee. Find the buttons THEY want to push. Oh, and also, don’t over-compliment an artist. Everybody knows they’re talented. You’re an interviewer first, fan second.
LEG: WBLI’s Summer Jam is June 14th at Jones Beach Theater and is always one of the biggest concerts of the summer! Listeners will enjoy featured performances from The Jonas Brothers, Ellie Goulding, Bebe Rexha, Mark Ronson, Ally Brooke, Bazzi, Fletcher, Why Don’t We, Bryce Vine, and Jake Miller. What part of Summer Jam are you looking forward to most?
S: We have such a star studded lineup every single year & I cannot wait to see Jonas Brothers and Ellie Goulding perform…..but I always love meeting the listeners most. Getting out in the crowd & making yourself accessible to the people who listen to you every day is such an incredible rush. It really shows you the importance and value your station brand has. Don’t ever underestimate shaking hands and kissing babies! We’re politicians…without the headline controversies. LOL!
LEG: Other than waking up before the sun rises what was the most challenging part of the transition from hosting afternoons to launching the “Syke & MJ in the Morning” show?
S: I wouldn’t say there have been any challenges, but remembering you need to be on your game 100% of the time is most important. Our listeners are starting their day & want to be entertained before they head into what is likely a job they’re stressed about, don’t like, or wish they were doing better at. We’re the escape. We can’t ever forget that.
LEG: You have a reputation for being an active part of the community and supporting many charities and events including the Special Olympics, The Children’s National Health System & Pediatric Brain Cancer Research, “AppleADay4Kids”, and many others. What kind of perspective does it give you to be so present and involved with meaningful foundations and initiatives such as these?
S: Community involvement is key when it comes to doing what it is we do. We have a responsibility to inform, educate, and give back. We have a platform that enables us to help people who need help, to give the voiceless a voice! It’s that simple. If we’re not using that platform in that way for those reasons, what’s the point of doing what we do? This is an industry of serving others, not serving ourselves.
For more information on these charities click the images below:
LEG: WBLI is programmed by Jeremy Rice who has been with the station since 1998. He is also the Top 40 Format Leader for Cox Radio and many consider him to be an effective leader, a loyal partner, and brilliant programmer. What is it like to work with Jeremy and what are some of the valuable lessons you’ve learned from him?
S: I have learned so much from Jeremy, not just as a leader, mentor, and programmer….but also a dear friend. He and I have grown so close over the years & it is an honor and privilege to work underneath him. He doesn’t get nearly enough credit for the work he does. Most valuable lesson I have learned from Jeremy is to “keep it Presidential”. He has taught me the importance of professionalism, thinking with clarity & intelligence, rather than with emotion. I’m still learning, as we all are, but having him around to set these examples for me has been an invaluable experience.
LEG: Communicating effectively on social media is one of your areas of strength. Can you tell us what role social media plays in building your brand and supporting the Morning Show and Station?
S: ALWAYS. BE. PROMOTING. THE. BRAND….both your own and the station.! Stay on your social game. It’s critical. When you get off the air, keep the conversation going. Always be front of mind when on your social media. It is so easy to do & so many take it for granted. I truly believe keeping connections with listeners through social media, even if just a simple reply back of “hello” can be the reason your station and show is the #1 option when it comes to their listening preferences.
LEG: For someone who appears to be on the rise in every aspect of their career right now is there something you’ve failed at either personally or professionally that you can share? How did you overcome that and learn from it?
S: I’m the most neurotic & self critical person in the world. That right there is my weakness.I don’t know if that’s considered failing, but I put a lot of pressure on myself when it comes to show prep, execution, and interaction. The lesson I’m continuing to learn is that there is always another day & there’s always another opportunity to turn it around. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Taking the time to slow down, realize the chance to succeed is there, and live in the moment is very important.
LEG: The Lakeside brand we’ve developed represents doing what you love, working hard but playing hard, and appreciating those moments and places of relaxation and reflection life has to offer. What do you do on your personal time for enjoyment when you’re not working?
S: Me and my wife just bought a home, so my next few weeks and months will be saying “yes, love” when it comes to any and all projects she’d like to take on….which is odd, considering the house is move in ready & doesn’t need anything. In all seriousness though, I love spending time with my family, my friends, and my dog DJ. I’m an avid gym guy, typically in the gym 5-6 days a week. I love a good craft cocktail and am a big fan of terrible reality television.
Follow Syke:
Twitter | Instagram
www.wbli.com
For tickets and more information on WBLI’s Summer Jam visit:
https://www.wbli.com/blisj19/