Talking it out with RedFM’s Rudy

By DIANA ROSLAM

The ever popular Rudy Sufian of Red FM Breakfast Show with Rudy spares some time to talk about his job and Red FM's Rudy's Recruit.

How did you get into DJ-ing?

I fell into it. I was talking to someone who turned out to be a CEO of a company and before I knew it, I got the job! I started doing “The Breakfast Show” and I realised I was good at it. I had so much fun. I was an IT consultant who became a DJ. My homework now is watching Channel E! and finding crazy and weird real-life anecdotes or analogies to use. It’s really a fun job and I don’t have to do any paperwork!

You’ve been in this job for almost a decade. What do you think of it?

It’s been really fun. Everyone has been really cool. The first two years were the best years of my life. I swear the job keeps you young! You have such a laugh and you still walk out every day thinking, “Hmm … that’s better than the usual nine to six!”

What’s your daily routine?

It starts at 4.30am with one alarm and by 4.45am with a louder alarm. Then, shower, gulping down a protein shake, water and I’m off to work. By 5.15am, I’m in the office, prepping and getting the show ready and on air at 6am. It’s a mild heart attack at every three minutes until 10am. Oh, and I’d have coffee every now and then. At 10am, the show ends and I have a quick meal and then on to planning and progressing. At about 12pm to 1pm, I’m done with my work day. The fun thing is that everyone is working. You’ll get used to it and get yourself busy. So, I’d be off either to the gym, jamming or just walking around. I have to be in bed by 9pm.

Do you need to have any technical knowledge?

Yes. It’s like flying a spaceship and talking at the same time. Most people don’t realise that it’s a lot of multitasking; it’s insane. No one knows how mad it is until you actually do it.

The first part of being a radio announcer is the ability to talk non-stop, as you can tell. The other is how you’re going to take the discussion to the listeners and get them to respond. You need to portray the point without waffling as every minute on the air is money being burnt. While you’re thinking about that, you think about whether the next song has an intro, and if it does, when are you going to fire it up and play it. Sometimes, I get my producer waving at me, saying, “You forgot to mention the client!” It’s actually madness inside, but when you’ve done it for so long, you get used it.

What do you like most about this job?

You have friends everywhere you go, you get discounts, sponsorships and you get hired to do other emcee jobs. You get to make people laugh and move people in ways that you can never thought you would – those are priceless. It’s a very, very fun job.

It’s also the phone calls that you get. I remember once on a rainy Saturday morning a caller said, “Thank you. It’s raining, it’s a Saturday and I don’t want to go to work. You made me laugh, you played me a song that I really liked, and I’m finally here at work. Thank you so much.” Until this day, I owe her this job. She made me realise that I have made the right career choice. I wouldn’t get this kind of appreciation from my boss.

What are the least favourite parts of this job?

You can’t get alone time because people know you and everywhere you go, you represent the organisation. My fans are my bosses. I make a point to greet them whenever they are around because Malaysians are generally shy. I give them a little time because they do listen to me in the mornings. And, one obvious part is that, no matter how down you are, whether you had a crappy night, the alarm didn’t go off and your girlfriend decided to break up with you, you have to be able to push everything aside and think “Isn’t life grand?” No one wants to hear upset DJs.

Do you have a thing or two to say for aspiring DJs?

Never give up! I believe that if you could talk about a subject and laterally move your mind, not get bogged by it and be able to tell a story about it, you have a good chance of becoming a radio announcer. It’s the progression of thought and not just empty talking. You have to love attention. If you are telling a story in public and everyone stops and listens to your story because it is so compelling, you might have what it takes.

Red FM's Rudy's Recruit

What kind of person are you looking for?

Good charisma, striking personality, good enunciation and endless energy that make you able to stand on your feet. We’re looking for an all-rounder who likes to rock and roll and party. We want someone who is able to have fun without faking it.

How long is the training?

Training depends on the person. It could be weeks or months. You will be learning the psychology of being a radio announcer and the mechanical side of it and obviously the knowledge of music. Everyone thinks it is so easy, but there’s a bit of stuff to do and a little bit of homework as well.

What are the prizes and benefits?

The ultimate prize we offer is an amazing lifestyle. You’re only honestly working 3-4 hours a day, along with a bit of prepping. If you’re not doing the breakfast shift then you’ll get really great shifts and you have the rest of the day (or night) to yourself. Other than that, there is the fame, spotlight, perks that come with it – discounts and sponsorships, and that’s already a prize on its own. Of course, as you may know, the winner will be going to Rihanna’s concert in Sydney. And oh, you get to hang out with me. I’m a laugh ... barrels of laugh. So are the other announcers and the rest working at RedFM.

Where's the next stop?

The last stop will be in Penang on Dec 11 with the finale at and Luna Chill Out Bar on Dec 18, where the finalists will battle it out for the grand prize. It’ll be a huge party as we’re celebrating Christmas as well, so head on down to the venues mentioned and get ready to have fun!

Meet us there!

Hydro Hotel, Batu Ferringhi, Penang Saturday, Dec 11 10am to 5pm

No transport, no worries!

Bus shuttle transfer from Komtar's Maybank 11am, 1.30pm, 3pm First-come, first-served basis The bus will have a Rudy's Recruit visual on it.