Today we’d like to introduce you to David Schilling.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have had a lifelong love of music, so when I retired from my first career I decided to build a second career around something I love…music. I began working with an internationally respected independent radio station in Seattle, learning how broadcast works, how DJs create and produce shows, how to produce live music events and how to relate to artists. It led to me working with many amazingly talented and well known artists, producing some music events, working with an internationally known band on tour and becoming a radio DJ with my own shows.
After about five years of this I decided to try producing my own radio show, so connected with another independent radio station (in another city after relocating) and began my own show. In the five years since I have created a prime drive time show where I play new music, local artists and interviews. I get a lot of great feedback from listeners so I’m counting this as a success!
Along with radio, I manage artists and have produced live music events.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think it’s very important in most parts of life to take risks. Big or small. Without taking risks we can’t move forward in life.
I’ve found most times I’m faced with a decision to play it safe vs taking the risk and saying yes to something I’m unsure of, the outcome has been more positive than not. Even when it comes to asking someone for a favor, or a job, or whatever, when I ask I feel better regardless of whether I get the answer I wanted or not. I took the chance to move forward. A wise man once told me the answer is always “no” unless you ask.
It’s how I got into radio and music artist management at a late age. I have always had a love of music and how concerts are produced. I started by working with an internationally respected independent radio station learning how radio works and how DJs put together shows. When I approached the station I really figured they would choose younger people than me, but thankfully I was wrong and they gave me a shot.
My previous business experience laid the foundation for artist management. Through networking in our local music scene and meeting artists through my radio show, I was able to connect with a band and another solo artist who needed a hand reaching for their dreams. Its really similar to running a business.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I do a mix of radio and artist management, but at the core it’s all about music curation and advocating for music with substance. I host Backseat DJ on XRAY FM, a show built around discovery, context, and taste rather than trends or algorithms. I want the show to feel like riding in the car with someone who knows the music and is still excited to discover new things.
I also manage Portland band Sun Atoms, which keeps me firmly grounded in the reality of how music actually gets made and released right now. Being on the management side gives me a lot of respect for the work artists put in behind the scenes, and that definitely shapes how I approach radio. I don’t treat artists as content or playlists as commodities. I try to be mindful about how I present music and why I’m playing it—there’s a real person and a lot of effort behind every track.
What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built over time—with listeners, artists, and collaborators. I think what sets me apart is that I live in both worlds: I understand the creative side and the practical side, and I care more about longevity and integrity than hype. Whether I’m on the air or working behind the scenes, I’m just trying to support music that deserves to be heard and help it find the right audience.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Blasting soul and funk records on our living room hifi in the mid/early 1970’s.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://xray.fm/shows/backseatdj
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davideschilling/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/backseatdjxrayfm/
