InnerViews

INNERVIEWS

Open conversations with people who give us access to their inner being and viewpoints.

We sat down with West Palm Beach’s most spirited radio personality, Indy Bee.  to find out how music has shaped her vision and connected her to the eternal beat of life. In this InnerView, we gain a new perspective through the eyes of  woman who loves pumping out the hits to make all of us move to the rhythm of a different drum. 

VV: Indy, tell us how you got started in radio. Was this something you always dreamed of doing?

IB:  I actually kinda stumbled into radio. After working in marketing for 4 years, I became a little bored and decided to try something new. I returned to a local broadcasting school in 2007 because I wanted to pursue a career in TV editing.  The curriculum entailed all aspects of tv and radio and I found myself more interested in radio. One of my instructors was the operations manager for two local radio stations and was also the morning show host for the #1 station in the palm beaches. I asked him if I could intern on his show, he said yes and later hired me as a co-host for the Mark McCrazy Experience on WMBX- X102.3 in West Palm Beach. I was on the morning show for 4 amazing years. Now I work on 2 stations, WMBX(hip-hop and r&b) and WUUB (old school and r&b).

VV: In your line of work you meet a lot of celebrities. Which celebrity encounter had the most impact on your life and why? 

IB: I would have to say meeting Tom Green was one of  the most memorable experiences for me. It was the first time I actually felt like I met a celebrity although I had met many people before him. All I could think about was how he shared his bout with testicular cancer with the world, he was never afraid of being himself and the fact that he was a pioneer in stunt reality television. He was so interesting, humble and extremely funny! I will remember that experience forever!

VV: As a radio personality, people are always interested in putting a face with the voice. What relationship do you have with your listeners and how do they react when they finally meet you?

IB: I receive so much love from the radio listeners in Palm Beach. It is truly humbling. I have never thought of myself as a celebrity. I have always been told that this is an industry built on egos and I’ve noticed that some of my colleagues are in it for the attention. I do what I do because I enjoy making people smile and being a role model. I think it is why I was put on this earth. I am so amazed when I am approached by someone who has nothing but awesome things to say about me. All I can think is, “are you talking about me?????”. The whole autograph thing still shocks the hell out of me. I’m just me….plain old Indy B. But, I know I have a responsibility to the community and I absolutely love fulfilling it. And I do have quite a bit of interaction with a few loyal listeners on Facebook.

VV: You are a lover of music. What is your favorite genre (hip hop, rock, pop, etc) and how does it reflect your personal style and way of life?

IB: I enjoy music period! But I would have to say I am truly an old school hip-hop head.  I am hip-hop to the bone! From the way I dress, I love wearing my timbos and some sort of hip-hop t-shirt, to the 1000’s of old school hip hop songs in my i-pod! Guys tell me all the time I’m not like most women and I’m not. The lyrics of KRS 1, to Wu Tang, to Lauryn Hill, to Tribe Called Quest are  in my bones! I know late 80’s and 90’s hip hop like the back of my hand.  It’s like butta, baby. Call me an around the way fillet! The Wu-Tang tat I have on  my back says it all.

VV:  What impact do you feel music has on the world?

IB: Music has the power to make you happy, make you sad, persuade you to do things you thought you would never do, good and bad. Music can heal, music can corrupt. Music can educate, but can also kill your brain cells, if you’re not careful what you listen to. You cannot live on applesauce forever. Unfortunately, a lot of music I hear  today falls into this category. Not only empty but, so misleading. At some point, you need real sustenance.

VV: What are your favorite words to live by?

IB: “Only you and you alone can determine your destiny”. My grandfather used to always preach that to all of us. I have and always will believe and live by those words.

VV:  What is the most important lesson you've learned about living this life?

Everything happens for a reason so take it for what it is. Learn from it and keep it moving!

Listen to The Love Zone with Indy Bee every night from 10pm to 12pm on X102.3 or Download the Tune In Radio app to listen.