Mr BioFile Interviews by Scoop Malinowski
By Scoop Malinowski
Status: World-renowned DJ most famous for live broadcasts on HOT 97 and KTU in New York City. Re-mix artist.
First Music Memory: My first music memory was of my sister and cousin who would buy records and play them over and over and I would listen intensely. I was much younger then both of them and I’m so grateful to them both because not only did I get my education in music at a young age but I inherited their entire collection which I still have.
Music Inspirations: My first musical inspiration is hard to say but as I got older I gravitated to the DJs and producers that I later got to know and become friends with. They’re the ones that inspired me but I always had a love for music as far back as I can remember. I always listened to the radio and would ask my mom to buy me the records I heard.
Last Book Read: Honestly I haven’t read a book in forever I know that’s pretty bad but if I did I would rather listen to the audio book as opposed to reading it.
Favorite Movies: My favorite movies are the Star Wars franchise and any SyFy movie/show and any DC or Marvel movies.
First Job: My first job that I consider a real job not like an after work job when I was in school was working at a video company called Telegenics. We produced music videos and music video compilations.
First Car: My first car and this is pretty stereotypical for an Italian from Brooklyn – I had a black Trans-Am [laughs].
Favorite Meal: When it comes to food I’m very simple I’m not big foody. I’m good with pizza, burgers, fries, Chinese, Japanese or a hero but I do love junk food and sweets.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: My favorite ice cream flavor is chocolate. I love chocolate anything chocolate ice cream, cake or candy.
Childhood Dreams: I guess it has to do with music. I always loved music so I wanted to do something with music and obviously that came to fruition.
Greatest Career Moment(s): There’s not one but three career moments. There’s more but these are the three that stand out to me. Being hired at HOT 103 back in the day which launched my career into the stratosphere and helped me get to where I am today. I’m eternally grateful to my bosses from HOT for believing in me and giving me that chance… Getting to work with Mariah Carey remixing one of her records to me she is the GOAT, I love her… And most recently when Ben Aaron from the WPIX 11 Morning Show hit me up and wanted to do a piece on me for the morning show. When I first got the email from Ben I thought it was a joke because I didn’t think anybody let alone Ben Aaron would wanna do a piece on me for their morning show. That was unbelievable to me and I’m still in awe of it two months later and I’m so grateful to Ben for doing it. It has done amazing things for my career I will be thanking Ben for years to come. I don’t do many interviews like that and I was so nervous to be on camera but Ben made me feel so comfortable and at ease the couple of days that we shot. He’s the GREATEST!
Most Painful Moment: I know this is not the answer you’re probably looking for but I’ve been incredibly blessed I never really had a painful career moment and I hope I never do!
Funny Career Memory: My funniest career moment is probably when I hung up on Madonna. That’s a story unto itself.
Embarrassing Career Memory: Again this is probably not the answer you’re looking for but I’m incredibly grateful I never had an embarrassing career moment. I had some amazing things happen to me that I’m grateful for and I thank God everyday for them.
Favorite Musicians/DJs: There are so many people that have inspired me but the ones that hold a special place in my heart and who I’m very blessed to call my friends till this day are David Morales, the late great Frankie Knuckles, Todd Terry, Kenny Dope, Louie Vega. They were my inspirations and people that I looked up to and wanted to be like and as I said I’m so grateful that I can call them my friends after all these years they truly are the GOAT’s in this industry!
Most Memorable Night Of Career: Most memorable after hanging up on her was being asked to play Madonna’s record release party. I don’t know if this counts as a memorable night in my career but it was when my boss from HOT called me into her office and I thought I was being fired instead she showed me the ratings for my show. Back in those days ratings were done by Arbitron, who use to do ratings for stations all over the country and she told me I had a 35 share for Saturday night and that was unbelievable. She said no one has ever gotten those high ratings for a mix show ever and till this day that means everything to me. I still have the ratings sheet from Arbitron that my boss gave me that day.
Strange Career Moment: One of the strangest things that happen is when LL Cool J showed up at Emerald City when I was playing there. I was the resident there every Friday and Saturday night and he hung out in the DJ booth with me for a good portion of the night. Till this day I don’t know what made him show up and why he came to hang out with me but I’m grateful that he did. He was so nice and I remember the entire conversation we had. There were many strange moments, or I should say great moments, but that’s one of them.
People Qualities Most Admired: The qualities I admire in people are, kindness loyalty, honesty, reliability. When I’m your friend, I’m in all the way you can count on me for anything at anytime, if I can do it I’m there. I love helping people and doing whatever I can to help them. I’ve been very blessed in my career and I love paying it forward.
Hobbies/Leisure Activities: When I was young I used to play hockey now I’m happy with sitting on the sofa vegging out watching TV. I love spending time with friends or going away whenever I get the chance. It’s very hard for me to just sit and relax. I like to be on-the-go, doing something especially DJing or in the studio producing.
Career Accomplishments: Became the resident DJ on WQHT-FM’s “Original Saturday Night Dance Party” for 11 years, where he would broadcast live from a list of clubs including Palladium, Emerald City, Limelight, Roseland, Club USA and Expo. Friscia performed in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts at clubs such as Chicago/Sound Garden, Abyss, Hunka Bunka, Velvet, and Avalon in Boston – and world broadcasting live from venues such as Coda in Japan and The Hippodrome and Ministry of Sound in London, etc. “The Wizard With The Mix’s” work in radio was so successful that he was the only person in radio history to compile a 35 share for a mix radio show. The maestro is still doing what he’s love best, DJing all over and producing and if anyone would like to reach out to him for a booking please feel free to send him a DM at his Facebook or Instagram pages.
Glenn Friscia Saturday Night Dance Party Hot 97 Live At Emerald City you tube link
