DJ SPOTLIGHT #5 - DJ Mister Vee

Ever wondered who exactly was behind your favourite show on CJLO? CJLO 1690 AM presents DJ Spotlight, a brand new series aiming to connect the station's DJs to the public. All the DJs answer the same fixed questions—meaning it's up to them to make their answers worth your while. This week, we introduce you Mike Vo, or DJ Mister Vee, host of Beats from the East.

As it is the case with many of CJLO's DJs, I came to the station in order to introduce diversity and new ideas. I was tired of the lack of variety available on Montreal's radio waves as well as their lack of creativity. There are too many generic cookie-cutter radio shows that feature identical playlists (Anglophone and Francophone stations alike). I joined CJLO in order to help counter this.

I have no Communications degree, however I have a lifelong experience in discovering new music and trying to find the “next big thing”. I also had the privilege of growing up watching Arsenio Hall, “Mean” Gene Okerlund, Fab 5 Freddy, Jesse "The Body" Ventura, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, and other amazing entertainers who were really great with the mic.

What is your show on CJLO?

Since 2009, Beats from the East has been bringing you some of the best urban music from Far-East Asian communities worldwide: soul, R&B, hip-hop, funk, electro, acid jazz, reggae... yes, Asian reggae exists! Examples of artists that we continue to play include: Dumbfoundead, Traphik, D-Pryde, Lil Crazed, Masia One, Kero One, Lyrics Born, Paul Kim, M-flo, Jay Park, 71 Raw, Epik High, Baiyu, Suboi, Megan Lee, Miss Ko, Notorious MSG, and, of course, JIN!

What’s the best thing about hosting your show?

When interviewing the artists, I get to ask them questions that are often outside-the-box, as opposed to the usual perfunctory questions. They appreciate it (usually, haha).

What was the first LP/cassette that you bought with your own money?

Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 on cassette… Wow… good ol’ days! I still have it, by the way.

Which album has left the greatest impact on you?

Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814.

Best show of your life?

Paul McCartney (at the Bell Center) tied with Public Enemy (at the Metropolis, now the MTELUS).

…What about the worst?

50 Cent (at the Bell Center).

What do you collect?

CDs (I still love hard copies of my favorite music), hockey paraphernalia, and T-shirts (I'm a T-shirt junkie).

Favourite food?

Poutine (I'm from Montreal… can't help it!).

Any famous last words?

“If you like it, buy it!” Great music is still alive and readily available. However, if you don't support it, your favorite artists will no longer be able to continue making it!