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Ever wondered what it’s like to be a DJ for one of the country’s top radio stations, spending your time hunting for the next up coming dance hit and getting paid to party? We chat to Stu Tolan and General Lee from hosts of the Ministry of Sound Radio Sessions on ZM to find out how they got such fabulous jobs... Name: Stu Tolan and Leigh Dolbear aka General Lee
Age: 28 and 27
Employer: ZM
Position: Stu is a Drive Host/Ministry of Sound Radio Sessions Host and Leigh is a DJ/Host of MOS Radio Sessions on ZM.
 Can you give us a brief job description?Stu: Each day Flynny and I host the ZM drive show from 3pm-7pm. We play the hottest music out and check in with what’s happening around the world. We love giving away free stuff and love chatting to our listeners on air. On Friday and Saturday Nights I help host the Ministry of Sound Radio Sessions on ZM with DJ General Lee. We have such a mean time cranking the biggest dance floor anthems out. We catch up with NZ's top DJ's to see what’s going on and Goodwill from MOS OZ checks in too!
How did you get this job? Stu: I have worked in radio for over 10 years now and guess have worked hard and been in the right place at the right time...
Leigh: The Ministry of Sound radio sessions took about eight months to get off the ground - demos, meetings in Australia…you name it, and we jumped through it. All very well worth it in the end...
 What inspired you to get into this field?Leigh: The guys that inspired me to get into radio were Thane Kirby, local media maverick, and Chris Moyles (Breakfast Host for BBC Radio 1). Check it out - genius radio…
Stu: I think the fact you get paid to talk and play music was a draw card. And it’s fun - every day is different and you get to talk and meet some amazing people (the free stuff is a bonus too). What is a typical week at work like for you? Stu: Most days we are at work at 11am preparing the show and home just after 7pm. We also have a lot of meetings with our promo managers and boss going over ideas etc. We get to go to a lot of parties too so that’s always fun!
Leigh: Pretty disgusting really. I don't do much during the day but practice on the piano and get lessons on my MAC. Work starts for me on Wednesday working through the tracks for the Ministry of Sound show. I'm always chasing down the next big sound/track everyday, and Thursday - Saturday I am out DJing
What do you enjoy about your job most of all?
Stu: Sleeping in and working with a mean bunch of people. ZM is filled with such cool cats it makes coming to work fun!
Leigh: I love making people feel happy and entertained through music. There is no better feeling that having a dance floor going mental. Smiles, screams and hands in the air type stuff - you can’t beat that...
 Best perks of the job?
Stu: Free CD's! Leigh: It's one of the only professions in the world that you can drink while you’re working. What personality traits/skills/attributes help a person get a job like yours?
Stu: It helps if you are outgoing and bubbly, have a great personality and no shame! If you love music too, that can be an advantage!
Most memorable moment of your job so far?
Stu: Hugging Mischa Barton at the MTV awards on the red carpet. Oh, it was the best 10 seconds of my life!
Leigh: Groove n the park 07 and 08 getting to play alongside Roger Sanchez, Axwell and Tv Rock! Deep Hard N Funky at Vector Arena. Unreal! Also becoming the host of The Ministry of Sound Sessions radio show on ZM. Any advice for NZ girls wanting to get into this field? Stu: Do it - if you think you can, you can! Find out about the broadcasting courses that are around and ring up your favourite station and try to get a day’s work experience - it’s the best way because then you can see and experience radio for your self!  Where would you like to go from here?Stu: Hmm… I’m happy at the moment but who knows, one day I would like to work in London or maybe host a morning show again, but to be honest right now is awesome! Leigh: The next step from here for me is producing. I am slowly piecing together a studio at home and with the  Ministry of Sound connection I will hopefully get an opportunity to do some remixes in the near future. Plan is to break Australia first…
You can catch Stu and Leigh (aka General Lee) every Friday and Saturday night from 10pm to 3am on ZM (click here for your local frequency).
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