Sal Tofano - The Yin and Yang Interview | Respect the DJ
Sal Tofano sat down with us to discuss his musical journey into DJing.
How did you get your name?
The Yin and Yang is a Chinese philosophical concept that describes two opposite forces. Thus the show draws on playing varied formats of rock, blues, psychedelia, soul, and prog - some heavy some light, some loud, some soft, some known, some unknown
Where are you from?
From NYC originally ( Greenwich Village) but live in Stamford CT
How did you get into DJing?
I grew up being a huge music and sports fan. Collecting records/vinyl as a teenager. I was a passionate fan of prog / free from rock station WNEW FM where the DJs played long hour-long sets with deep songs, artists, and unbridled creativity. DJs such as Alison Steele, Vin Scelsa, Scott Muni, and Jonathan Schwartz were legendary - in introducing unknown artists and playing Zeppelin followed by Zappa, Joni Mitchell, into Miles Davis. In college, I was a DJ on Pace University’s Radio Station WPUB in 1977 playing deep playlists from Frank Zappa, Grateful Dead and King Crimson.
After college, I went to work in the media industry and remained a passionate music fan collecting thousands of Cds and vinyl through today. Rock, Jazz, Blues, Soul, Prog, and Country.
Late in life, I returned to DJing at Makerpark radio.
What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?
I learned the nuances and technology of the radio station - set up, streaming technology, and master controls and also became more conversant and comfortable on the air. As a media and sales executive during my career, I was never bashful about speaking in public.
What did your first setup look like?
My first setup at Makerpark would have been a complete failure if it wasn’t for the training and insight provided by Tom Ferrie and Kristin Wallace - they have been a huge help!
My first setup was a classic rock playlist with CDs. I still primarily use physical music content
What does your current setup look like?
I research a playlist topic and did deep on songs from my iTouch and cd library and then prep with a playlist, whittled down - to a 2 or 4-hour setlist. Then promote the show and theme a few days prior on social media
If you could produce for any artist (dead or alive), who would it be?
Springsteen and maybe Frank Zappa
What is your goal when you create?
The goal is to create a unique and phenomenal listening experience that bridges old new, deep songs
What's your go-to song right now?
Keep on Shining Curtis Harding
The Final Thing on My Mind - the Pineapple Thief
What is your dream as a DJ?
At this age and stage, I would love to bring my old school - new school format to Sirius ( lol ) or help to drive a resurgence of live DJs on traditional streaming and satellite radio. Maybe also bring an all-prog radio show to the mainstream
What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to become a DJ?
advice - keep your dreams and passions alive- don’t let anybody get you down but don’t forget your day job- you need to make money
Instagram: http://yinandyangmakerparkradio
Facebook.com: https://www.facebook.com/sal.tofano?mibextid=LQQJ4d
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