Employee of the Month Playlist: Ming Chen
Ready to rock out to the classics? Let the Beastie Boys reel you in on this month’s playlist by Ming Chen, iHeartMedia’s Director of Product Management. From Guns n Roses’ crazy guitar solos to Notorious BIG’s iconic rap verses, this multifaceted playlist is sure to be your new pump-up soundtrack. Check out the songs that inspired him in the playlist below!
How come you choose the songs on your playlist?
My playlist is a random mixed bag. Some songs have been anchors in very different parts of my life. At one point or another, each of these has had a high rotation in my listening queues. I remember exactly where I was when I first heard the guitar solos from GnR’s Appetite for Destruction album. It was in summer camp, and I was not even old enough to understand all the crazy lyrics. All I knew was that I’ve never heard music like that before. When I was in high school, CDs were a newer technology. They came in these long boxes, and my first two CDs I ever bought were Ten by Pearl Jam and Nevermind by Nirvana. Pearl Jam resonated more to me because they were a little more positive than the screwed-up darkness of Nirvana. I know it seems like a massive dichotomy in styles, but my first concert was at Jones Beach Amphitheater for The Cranberries, so they also have a place in my heart.
When do you listen to this playlist most?
I listen to this mostly when I want to de-stress. I default to this set of songs when I need some familiarity and perspective. In a way, the way these songs have stood the test of time in my life provide comfort by helping me contemplate how now what seems to be insignificant obstacles during all these times in my life, and in and whatever problems I have today will probably seem smaller at a later point in life. Depending on my mood, there are also other songs in there. I listen to this playlist to get pumped up or to relax.
Who is your dream artist to meet and why?
While not in my playlist, I’d want to meet Paul McCartney. Not only was he part of one of the most influential bands in music history, but it would be interesting to chat with someone who has lived such a fruitful and crazy life. Even with all that said, he seems somehow to be a normal nice guy which if it turns out not to be true, it would still be interesting to see what he’s really like!
Can you share your most memorable music moment experience?
My first time seeing Linkin Park was mind-blowing. I was at one of their first NYC shows at the Roseland Ballroom and at the time, they were going through the skater kids look with dyed hair and baggy pants. But they had dynamic and appealing energy I’ve never seen before in a live band before, and not to mention the sound of their music. I believe it was back in 2000. They were young kids at the time, and the electronic music combined with melodic screaming, rapping and jumping around made for an awesome show that was one of the first out of the long career they wound up having. Then after the humble little show, they jumped right off the stage and hung out with everyone.
What is the best part about working at iHeartRadio?
We work on a product that brings joy to people’s lives! The collaboration and support of team members here is something that makes me look forward to coming to work every day. I also really respect the fact that people here are really passionate about what they do. There are also lots of opportunities for growth both internally as well as in the industry we are in, and we have a very adaptable team that will be able to improve consistently. It’s also pretty cool to always see your products being used on the train and hear it being promoted on major stations like Z100 all the time!
Employee Playlist
