Wade Banner of the Fleet DJs Powerhouse DJ Coalition, and he is definitely one of those DJs who have their plate full. From being a elite DJ in the industry to a radio personality at K97.5, Wade has established himself by nothing but hard work and pure quality. Also, he is one of the rare DJs who likes to give back to the community, and help others through charity work.
How did you enter the industry?
I grew up heavy into music as a child. I wrote my first rap when I was 5 and started rapping at 13. At that point I knew this was the industry I wanted to be in. By the time I made it to college I started doing college radio just to play my own music. My work ethic and desire to be the best just worked in my favor and I snagged a job at a commercial radio station.
With so many DJs in the game, what are the main things that make you and your work unique?
A lot of people in the industry do it for the popularity. People been knowing me where I’m from so I do it for the love. Radio didn’t do anything but magnify what I was already doing anyway. Plus I work 10x harder than anyone else around me. Just like Ricky Bobby in Talladega Nights, I feel like “if you aint first, you’re last.” Sounds crazy but I love what I do THAT much.
How are you finding the Internet revolution in music going digital? Love it or hate it? What are your views?
I love it. Life is about progression. The internet makes it easier to become global. Coming from where I’m from I would never have expected someone in another country to even know the name Wade Banner. People criticize the industry going digital saying it makes people more lazy but truthfully you gotta go harder cause now it’s just as easy for the next man as it is for you.
Who are some of the major artists you work with and events you did?
I’ve done some parties with Travis Porter, Waka Flocka, DJ Drama, Willie Parker (Pittsburgh Steelers), Josh Powell (Atlanta Hawks), Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic), MIMS, Yung LA, Princess (Crime Mobb) and just a slew of other celebrities. And some of the events have been community events too. When Josh Powell came to town we worked together on the Read2Succeed Program and Kuts For Kids. So not everything is always about partying.
How many mixtapes have you released so far? What are the most successful ones?
Right now we on like Volume 6 of this Carolina Celebrity Mixtape, I’m on a bunch of other local mixtapes and did a few other local mixtapes. I really just started doing my own mixtapes in January so I don’t think I’m in it far enough to have a most successful one – that’s still coming.. I forsee it being between this new Team TOKYO mixtape or I got another one I’m bout to release called The Wade Banner SexTape and I think those will really take it to another level for me.
How do you manage to keep your professional life away from your personal life, and how did the professional one influence your personal life?
I don’t even think I can say that I keep my personal and professional life separate. I hear a lot of people say when they’re on the job they’re whatever their stage name is and when they’re home then they’re their real name… I’m Wade Banner whether it’s for an audience or my family and friends. Plus, in an industry like this I’m always on the job. The best thing I was able to do for myself was hire a manager and a publicist. I don’t even take business calls that don’t come from them anymore. It helps me to relax a lot more. I think my professional life has made my personal life more positive. It’s a lot of stuff I can’t do now that I’m a professional. I just think completely different from how I used to.
Is there anyting you would like to add, any thoughts, shout outs?
Yea, make sure you check me out online wadebanner.com. I’m on facebook.com/wadebanner919 and twitter @wadebanner. That’s the best way to stay updated with what I have going on cause I’m always on the move. You can hear me on K97.5 (hiphopnc.com if you’re not in the area) Mon-Fri 12a-6a and Sat 7p-10p. Also I’m on fleet dj radio (fleetdjs.com) Mondays 4p-6p. Also, gotta shout out my team – Delecia Hatcher, my Manager. Kay Harris, my publicist. Brian Dawson, my mentor also shout out to Team TOKYO – DJ Kutta, DJ Kunseit, Lik Skyy, 2B-Announced & Kwes The Beast. And also, Klassik & The Fleet DJs. Love to everyone who supports me and everything I do. And definitely my city, Durham, NC (SOUTHSIDE!!!) for making me who I am. Even the haters, I only flaunt it cause you want it..
