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Fizza Aslam
 You know instantly that there is something energizing about some one who would describe herself in one word as SPECTACULAR! That’s Fizza Aslam for you: Producer and RJ at FM89 here in Lahore. Miss Fizzalicious had been on our radars for quite some time for her bubbly and larger than life shows and finally we got a chance to catch up with her while she was chilling out at Esspresso with her friend. What happened next in the interview is now here for your reading pleasure!
I grew up in Istanbul (Turkey) and moved back to Pakistan some 7 years ago. Did my A-Levels from LACAS and graduated from BNU last year. I started working as an RJ with FM 89 back in December 2004 during my first semester at college and been working there for some five years now. Worked in the marketing department for for a while as well but when school got too intense, I left marketing. When I graduated, they offered me a job as a producer.
Where did you get your start in Radio? Were you inspired or discovered?
Radio was not that big before FM89. The concept of being an RJ was pretty alien to me. So when FM89 was launched, a few friends of mine suggested that I should give it a shot. Sami, the current station coordinator at FM 89, was a producer back then. He’s the one who took my interview one fateful Thursday and by Monday I was on air! The audition process is nerve-wracking! They put you in a studio and tell you to say whatever is on your mind and it’s not as easy as it might seem! I remember I made up stuff as I went along like imaginary Bon Jovi songs and random gossip etc My first show was Nasha 89 that used to be on air four times a week.
How was it like the first time going live on air? Were you a mess or breezed through?
It was insane!!! It was mostly me just giggling! Thankfully I had a co-host that made things a lot easier. Back then my knowledge of music was pretty limited as well. I was in to hip hop and that’s all I knew about music at that time. It was a great experience altogether.
Why FM89? What pulled you to it and why are you still sticking with it?
I strongly believe 89 is a league of its own! Their (other radio stations) target audience and ours is very different for starters. FM 89 has treated me with so much respect and its one of those places that has really taken care of me in a professional way and that had made me stay with them. Plus it has taught me so much as well. The entire DAWN group (that own FM 89) are thorough professionals and it’s great to be part of such a team!
Tell us a bit about your two shows: Rush Hour and The Weekend Show?
Rush Hour is a drive time show. Its 5-7, Monday through Thursday and has a very chilled out, laid back theme where I know everyone who is listening is either heading back from work or from tuition or classes for students in particular. It’s really not me talking so much but rather introducing the lot to some good music; old and new or different. I tried to keep my conversation to minimal because the focus is on giving them the musical experience. It’s a very relaxed show on the whole.
The weekend show is now taking a turn. It used to be a show where I used to talk about all the gossip – the likes of Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and other random stuff. But now I just feel that both my audience and I have matured. Now it’s basically about what’s hot and hip out there – very weekend spirited. It’s the weekend, you are probably going to a party or out with friends to have a good time so this show is all about putting you in the right mood!
What’s a typical day like for you on the job?
I wake up at 9 because I have to be at work by 10:30 am. I work till 5 pm when my show starts. My day consists of managing the programming which means that my RJs are happy, whatever is going on with them and that they are being looked after. RJs are most important part of this business. If they are not doing a good job and are not being looked after then Sales and Marketing can do zilch to boost ratings and the station’s business. Also Sales have certain requirements. I work with them in terms of concepts and ads and that requires a lot of creative thinking on one’s part.
During the show: it’s all extempore. Its really me going in the show with a mind set up that I am going to start with this genre but then with the people calling and texting, you go with the flow and whatever goes well with the listeners. It’s interesting to throw a new song at the audience and getting the feedback. Like for instance, in today’s show I was not playing any desi song at all and I get texts saying ‘hang on there. How about some desi songs too?’ and we change the flow accordingly.
We’re sure you get all sorts of callers on the Rush Hour! Can you recall any odd or funny
callers?
All kinds of people call you on a radio show. You get the usual bunch who wants you to go out with them or want to be your boyfriend. The weirdest experience that I have had would be off the set in fact when this particular guy who I presume was a mental patient, used to wait outside the radio station all day long to see me. I even got a call from the station’s guard at 4 in the morning about him that the guy was sitting waiting for you and is not leaving! Poor guy’s parents were involved. In radio you have the ability to use your imagination way and beyond. I’m surprised to meet certain RJs whom I have only heard before and they have a completely different physical appearance as compared to what image I had of them in my mind!
Is there anything you do in particular to enhance and improve your RJ skills?
Not take everything to heart. I remember in the early days when people use to say something negative about me as an RJ, I’d get so offended. You learn to ignore it. You have to realize that there are all kinds of people that you have to
What’s your personal taste in music like?
I came here as a hip hop person. Now I enjoy neo-jazz, all kinds of rock, hip hop and a wider spectrum. Alternative rock and even desi. The fact that when you open up your mind and hear a variety of music, you realize that they all have something unique to offer and that is what has happened with me too over time. It really annoys me when I meet certain upcoming singers, artists, and bands and they say ‘oh we only listen to rock and hip hop is so not our thing and blah-blah’, I’m like, you don’t know what you are talking about!
There has been a mushroomed growth of so many people trying to get into the music industry. What would you saw about that?
It’s the healthiest thing! You have 100 people working towards one goal and a few of them make it big. Its healthy competition at the end of the day too you see. 10 years ago, it was a lot easier I’d say because you had people starved for music. Now you have so many bands and so much international influence. Ali Noor is one example. You got some amazing talent that is just waiting to be discovered. I remember interviewing this one kid a while back who sounded exactly like the vocalist from Crash Test Dummies. I was literally amazed to be with such a unique find! But at the same time, I understand how hard it is for someone to pursue their passion for music along with their education for instance. People mostly have to leave their passion behind to complete their studies or go away for a master or something. Then come back and who knows if the flame is still burning by then or not. Career comes first, music comes last. That’s not how it really should be if you’re an artist by heart because for a performer or a singer, that’s what his or her life should be all about, ideally speaking.
But do you think sheer quantity undermines quality in such a case?
I believe that just for the fact that there is so much competition, quality enhances on its own. It’s unfortunate in a country like ours that if you don’t come out with your first song and you’re not Michael Jackson so to speak then you better step out of the line. First impressions matter a lot here where as it’s a learning process as it should be but tolerance and acceptance levels are rock bottom.
If you were not an RJ, what’s the next best choice of profession you’d have considered?
Definitely something with the media or journalism as I’ve written for Nation and Dawn.
How has the radio industry changed in the last few years? Who is your biggest competitor in the market right now?
The radio was always huge when it came to the masses. When 89 came in, it set a trend for people who enjoy listening to listening to English music and following it. 91 popped up in Lahore. 96 in Karachi. 91 is one of our healthy competitions. We still feel we at 89 have a certain authority that no other enjoys. Our RJs are not just people talking about music but they know about it in depth as well. They relate to the audience and what they play. Even if there is any competition, we are way ahead of the game.
How do you think RJs fare when compared to VJs?
Two different streams completely. You need to be the whole package while being a VJ. It’s slightly easier to captivate the audience because you are visually there. We on the other hand have reliance on our voice being the prime medium. There is no competition as such but just difference in the nature of work.
Does it feel overwhelming at times to know you’re being heard by thousands across the city and beyond?
It’s a huge thing to realize that people are tuned in because they want to listen to what you have to say! When you put yourself out there, anything you say is scrutinized by everyone who is listening to you! From me saying the slightest thing or making an innocent reference that wasn’t intentionally suppose to be derogatory, or even of you are speaking with a specific tone as such, on the spot you get called or text message! They can be very harsh and cruel and say all sort of things can be received. You need to have thick skin in this business! It’s a learning curve that you get to learn what to say and what not to say on air!
Are you a social butterfly?
I used to be when till I was 18 but not anymore. I just don’t like being talked about. I don’t think I am that thick skinned as yet that I can take up trash talk behind my back or be gossiped about where I was and all that . GTs with closed friends works fine for me!
What’s your opinion about the social set up of Lahore? How is it compared to the likes
of Karachi for instance?
Karachi is a lot more casual and laid back. Lahore is pretty made up. It’s all about how you look. People got their Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, and what not on display. Karachi parties are are way more relaxed. Intelligent conversations, good music in the back ground and very enjoyable. It’s a lot of show off in Lahore. Being the person that I am I prefer conversation and meeting new people.
Who are the best (or most promising) event managers in town in your opinion?
My experience with event management has been worthwhile being the Business development Manager for JBnJAWS. They are some one I find most promising. JB and Fazi have developed the company and carved a market for themselves. I’m the kind of person who started small myself and I admire similar efforts.
Any dedicated celebrity callers?
Yes of course. Ali Zafar, Josh, Ali Noor, and Ali Hamza etc are only some of my dedicated listeners and callers.
What are you driving these days?
Honda City
Favorite Brands (local and international)
Local – EGO, Generations, Cynosure
International – Bebe, Micheal Core, and Jimmy Choo
Favorite vacation spot?
I love Istanbul. Would not mind going to Rome again.
Your song of the moment?
Free bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Three bands/artists whom you’d want hear live and in person?
Cold Play / Madonna / Michael Jackson
Vices?
I talk too much.
What are your turn ons and turn offs?
Intelligence. Someone who is smug or hypocritical is a total turn off!
What are you reading these days?
The Diary Of A Social Butterfly-Moni Mohsin
Fizza in one word:
SPECTACULAR!
Future plans?
There are several things on my list that I want to do but one at a time. I’m right now writing a book. I was 16 when I started writing for The Nation and the book in question has already been written but I still have to fine tune it now. It’s an endeavor with one of my childhood friends who will also be doing the illustrations. I’m hoping it will be out by end of the year.
I’ve worked in TV for a year or so when I was shooting for the comedy serial Rubber Band but that’s just not my thing any more.
I want to do my Masters though. Being part of JBnJAWS has given my event management experience. I am working as a producer and an RJ but I don’t know what exactly would I master in.
What do you think about Mag4you.com and its unique trend of reviewing events?
It’s a great attempt. Everyone talks about how great an event was but criticism helps and that’s where you are doing a great job!
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