Ali MacLean, Ali on the Air
1. What is your business?
I am an on-air personality, so I am my business. I am talent and I write and produce content for the web, radio and television.
People can find me on Huffington Post at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ali-maclean
or on my blog at: http://aliontheair.wordpress.com/
2. What is the difference between Ali on the Air and Ali MacLean?
Ali On The Air is my radio, blogger, and host persona. It’s a moniker I chose for people to tweet and AIM in to request songs while I was on the air and it stuck. Ali MacLean is a writer/performer who specializes in comedy. She’s also the one who cheats on her diet. Mmmm, Coconut Bliss.
3. Who is the most interesting person you ever interviewed?
Two completely different people come to mind. One is Debbie Harry of Blondie. She is such a huge icon and my walls are lined with pictures of her. I don’t normally get star struck but I was so nervous before interviewing her. She was so lovely and funny and down to earth.
I was completely humbled and fascinated when I interviewed John Prendergast. He is the human rights activist who has appeared in the Darfur Now documentary with Don Cheadle. My problems certainly seem trivial to the genocide in the Congo and this man is actually tangibly making a difference every day. He is amazing.
4. What advice would you give a rock star about dealing with the press?
It depends on the rock star. I’d say always be gracious, because most of the time the press is there to help you look good. Use the press as a tool. They are your best friend, not your worst enemy. They love music as much as you do. They write about you for a living, talk about you for a living.
5. Any interesting trends in music you would like to share?
Right now electronic music is pretty big. DJ culture keeps getting huge, and there is also a trend with straightforward Bruce Springsteen style rock. I always prefer music with guitars and acts who play instruments. I spend enough time in front of a computer, I don’t want to pay to stare at a stage and watch someone standing in front of a laptop.
6. What is your favorite pop culture topic?
Oh there are so many…right now I’m obsessed with vintage Biba, the late night talk show wars, and that Extreme Poodle makeover show. Why would you shave your poodle to look like a buffalo? Why?
7. If you could borrow anyone’s career path who would it be? and Why?
I feel like Tina Fey borrowed mine, but it will all even out. And I think that Ryan Seacrest should learn to share a little bit. He must be tired.
