Brandon "DJ Bonics" Glova was a guest speaker for the Clarion University American Marketing Association. He spoke to students about their goals and future professions by sharing his career experiences as a disc jockey (DJ).
Born in 1980, Glova was raised in Philadelphia. In 1998, he attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he fell in love with the art of DJing and the music industry.
"I went to Pitt to become a business major, after the first week into it, I was done with business. I found out that I liked music so I started with turntables, and then went into DJing. I didn't even realize I could do music as a career," said Glova.
During his college experience, Glova made money DJing at a variety of college parties and became program director and station manager at Pitt's student radio station, WPTS.
"I don't recommend students to skip class, but it was in-between classes that I learned how to DJ. If you don't enjoy going to class, you have to supplement your life with something you like to do," said Glova.
In 2000, Glova formally began his radio career as the overnight board operator and promotion assistant with WAMO. In 2004, his career took a turn as a station mixing position with 96.1 KISS and in 2008; he became the music director, imaging director and the station's afternoon jock.
Glova has had the opportunity to work with artists such as, Snoop Dog, Nas, N*E*R*D*, The Whalers, LMFAO, Sean Paul, Lupe Fiasco, DMX, Mars Volta, J-Live and Wiz Khalifa.
Glova also mixes and DJs at Pittsburgh hotspots. He was also involved in local music productions including the Jay Z/50 Cent Rock the Mic Tour, Dave Chapelle Comedy Central Tour, the 2006 MLB All-star Party, Bonics on the Bridge and the 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers Fashion Show.
In addition to his position at 96.1 KISS, he also trains interns to work at the station. "The best interns I get ask me to teach them things, they don't waiting around for me to teach them. I don't have the answers to everything. I'm 29 and still learning but I do know that music is the core of everything for me," said Glova.
Clarion University student, Jeffery Boozer, was inspired by the presentation, "It is amazing how much Bonics has been able to accomplish in such a short period of time. I'm glad he was able to speak to us about his own life experiences because it inspires me to keep doing what I love."
Clarion University is the high-achieving, nationally recognized, comprehensive university that delivers a personal and challenging academic experience.
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