September 6, 2024 • 28 mins
In this episode of “Inside the Oval” presented by Dignity Health, the founding members of the 49ers Amp Squad, DJ Amen, DJ E-Rock and The Les, discussed the power of music in the NFL, highlighted the team's 10-year anniversary, shared their goals for the future of the brand and more.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:07):
Welcome to the Inside the Oval podcast presented by Dignity Health.
I'm Breonna McDonald and you're listening to part two of
our episode with the forty nine ers AMP Squad. Let's
go into your favorite memory from the ten years or
maybe even more working with the organization.
Speaker 2 (00:26):
What moment stands out to you?
Speaker 3 (00:29):
Uh, man, I've got I've got a lot of moments.
I mean, they're just countless core memories in here that
I can name, but I'd say I probably have maybe
like two of them. Is that it is that? Alright? Yeah,
because it's just so hard to you know, to pick.
I'd say number one would be the first time I
(00:51):
DJ'ed an NFC Championship game, and that was against the Packers.
Like the energy during an NFC Championship is just it's
just out of control. It's insanity in here.
Speaker 4 (01:03):
You know.
Speaker 3 (01:05):
Number two would be our recent NFC Championship game when
we won Lester dj dat. But you know that one
drive that Brock Party had and literally when we started
taking that game back, like really just it turned me
just I can't even explain it, Like that was just
(01:28):
insanity just to be there. And then you know, actually,
you know I've got one one memory that that has
to do with Amen. It's pretty funny though. It's not
embarrassing though, so you don't have to worry about it. No,
I was unbothered. Yeah, he was unbothered about it. So
was the guy that he bumped into. We were actually
walking through the tunnel and we were just kind of
(01:50):
talking about, like, you know, what we were gonna play,
and you know how we think the game is gonna
fare up. And then out of nowhere, we get onto
the field and there's this guy. He's got a hood on,
and then like you know, he's walking through and he's
not really watching where he's going either. He's like taking
pictures of everything. And I'm like, all right, this guy's
just taking pictures of everything and that's cool, Okay, cool,
(02:12):
you know. And then we're still walking and then later
on Amen bumps into him, like nonchalant lean. He's like,
oh my bad, sorry about that, bro, oh man, my bad,
and they just keep on walking. They go there. There's
separate ways. Later on, I go back into the tunnel
because I wanted to go get my laptop, and then
I seen the guy take his hood off and I'm like,
(02:34):
oh my God, this guy Amen just bumped into Tom
Brady and didn't even know it. And then he comes
back into the locker room, you know, into where we
prep all of our amp squad sets. I'm like, Bro,
do you know who he just bumped into? He's like, no,
not at all. Why and he's just you know, unfazed.
I'm like, but that was Tom Brady. That was Tom Brady, bro,
(02:57):
the goat Tom Brady. Oh yeah, well you know he is.
You know, I'm sure Tom will agree. Yeah, Tom will agree,
Tom will agree. So let me rephrase that. But yeah,
those are probably like three memories. It stays in the tunnel,
apparently not if I told that story. Now.
Speaker 5 (03:16):
There's been so many good moments in the tunnels over
the years, like just running into the Hall of Fame.
Games are the best when everybody's downstairs. I mean, I
remember hanging out with the Sugarhill Gang in the tunnel.
This Fast season, probably the best halftime show I've seen
here in all the years.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
The energy was so good.
Speaker 5 (03:36):
Memories, Like we said, everything from the first phone call
e Rock asking me to join in the beginning day one,
it's just from then on, it's just been It's everything
NFC Championships, when the confetti hits, when the jumbo tron
(03:58):
says Niners win, everybody in the stadium hugging each other. Uh,
you know, you're going to the super Bowl. There's there
is nothing like that. There there is nothing in life
that is like that moment. It's incredible.
Speaker 1 (04:16):
Uh.
Speaker 5 (04:16):
You know, I've been able to witness it twice.
Speaker 3 (04:19):
Now, you know, in the last.
Speaker 5 (04:21):
Couple of years or three years, all that stuff going
going to Miami with everybody having a good time and
and in Vegas. Uh, this this year, that entire week
was so much fun.
Speaker 3 (04:39):
It was it was so.
Speaker 5 (04:41):
Fun the whole week we were out there, and that
it was the best. And I I was very fortunate
to DJ the family and friends pregame at the stadium,
so I, you know, I got to DJ at the
Super Bowl and you know, uh, I'm probably the only
DJ in the world I got.
Speaker 3 (05:01):
To do that.
Speaker 5 (05:02):
So Uh, it was an amazing experience. And I'm so
grateful to the Niners. I'm so grateful to the am
squad for letting me have that responsibility. And you know,
it's something I'll never forget. And I and I you know,
I hope everyone there had a good time.
Speaker 3 (05:19):
I trust me.
Speaker 5 (05:23):
Yeah, I mean that.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
You know that.
Speaker 5 (05:26):
It's literally from the phone call to doing the Super Bowl,
it's literally the whole thing has been the best memory.
Speaker 4 (05:36):
Fun fact, after that set in Allegiance Stadium during the
Super Bowl, I saw aim in. The first thing I
said was I am so proud of you because it
was a special moment and uh, one that not only
he remembers, but myself in Iraq as well. Uh. It
was really a great uh great, let's say it. I'll
(05:56):
say that, you get it. It was really a great
experience to be a part of.
Speaker 3 (06:02):
Oh there's one thing that hey, you know, and we
can all agree here that if you are a part
of the M squad, we all remember one thing, and
that's how many pictures of DJ Romeo that you have
to take if you're DJing the game day with you
because it is the most.
Speaker 5 (06:17):
You're It's like going on the Yeah, it's like going
on the European vacation with your girlfriend.
Speaker 3 (06:22):
Hey man, can you take my picture? You mean pictures?
Speaker 5 (06:26):
Yeah? Going going back to that party though, real quick,
it's funny. I remember LJ was behind the stage. You know,
all the staff is there, the team is there and uh,
last year there was.
Speaker 3 (06:41):
A thing with lady bugs.
Speaker 5 (06:42):
I don't know if you remember this, but as I
was setting up to do the friends and family that
set for that party at the super at the super
Bowl at the stadium in the parking lot, I was
setting up my laptop all this stuff to do, and
I looked at my speaker, my monitor speaker, and there
(07:03):
was a ladybug on the speaker. And I got the
ladybug and I brought it back to LJ and I said,
you're not gonna believe this.
Speaker 2 (07:12):
I can't believe that right now.
Speaker 5 (07:14):
Yeah, so there's something about the forty nine ers and ladybugs.
Speaker 3 (07:17):
I don't know. I don't know what it is. I'm
sure you could do a podcast on that at some point. Yeah,
real quick.
Speaker 4 (07:22):
I think the NFC title game this year was a
special one for a lot of reasons. We obviously won
that game, it was a historic comeback, but then also
for I had the honor of doing that game. And
during that game, I played a set and we paid
homage to Aaron Andrews because of the love that she
showed to us nationally on her podcast and saying how
(07:44):
much she loved the music at Levi's and it was
truly a golden moment for us. It was a banner
moment for us, and you don't expect people to express that,
but for her to recognize that and then share that
with the world that sentiment truly truly special moment and
for sure one that we'll remember in the years to come.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
Yeah, so sweet talk about favorite memories.
Speaker 1 (08:08):
You guys are creating memories for all the fans and
the players like you guys are sparking up the fire
that people are going to remember for the rest of
their lives.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
So major props and shout out to you guys.
Speaker 1 (08:20):
But this year you're celebrating your ten year anniversary. What
have been the biggest milestones and achievements over the past decade?
Speaker 3 (08:29):
Now, Man, to be honest, lasting ten years and not
getting fired, I think that's maybe maybe they forgot about us.
Yeah you know, no, I mean yeah, definitely, you know,
being able to do this every single season, and you know,
(08:53):
I think the big achievement for me, as do I
say founding father here is that? Is that a new
title to founding I love that. I'm gonna get it.
I'm gonna get a jersey.
Speaker 4 (09:05):
Uh, I'm just gonna say, father, Nah.
Speaker 3 (09:14):
You know, we've been through so many like iterations like
you know, of the team throughout like you know, the
last like ten years, and you know, for me, it's
you know, I get emotional when I think about like
how long this program has with withstood like the test
of time, you know, and we've been able to do
(09:37):
things that I don't think I've seen any other like
you know, DJ Team or or or or whichever, like
you know, has done for other franchises, you know, and
it's it's it's a great thing to kind of see
this thing grow into what it is today and just
coming from an idea because of the fact that, hey,
(10:00):
I know I can't do eight games, so I'm going
to bring in the best of the best to help
me do these eight games to now, like you know,
it's it's its own thing, you know, like even when
we're no longer doing this, this will still be around,
you know, and that's a big milestone and achievement, like
for me in general, you know, and you know, this
is always going to have like the best. I mean,
(10:21):
we set this high standard to be the you know,
the the krem de la Creme of DJ's that happened
to be four and Niner fans, And you know, it
sounds like it just feels like this is going to
be a traditional, you know thing that's just gonna it's
just gonna go on even past our time.
Speaker 1 (10:36):
You know. So you guys are all experts at being
the life of the party. So what's in the works
for a celebration, a ten year anniversary celebration?
Speaker 2 (10:44):
Any plans, anything getting ready? Anything cooking up?
Speaker 3 (10:47):
That's Lester's responsibility. Actually, oh you didn't know, Oh, now
you do.
Speaker 5 (10:52):
Congratulations, last we disappointed you a program director for the
ten year anniversary party.
Speaker 3 (10:58):
Yeah, how much pizza are we getting? That's all I
want to know? And what's on it?
Speaker 4 (11:03):
Combination for everybody's good Kawhian Maybe for you a man.
Speaker 3 (11:07):
It's feeling spicy, spicy. He likes pineapple on his pizza.
We're going to be celebrating throughout the season. You know,
we do have a really really cool tenth anniversary logo. Yeah,
you know, we just unveiled that. It's actually on the
front of the DJ booth. I mean, we have like
(11:29):
other things that we're working on right now that we
can't really divulge. Into just yet, you know, they still
need to get approved. But otherwise, like you know, we'll
be celebrating through like you know, our our Instagram. That's
gonna be like one big way that we'll be able
to tell the stories, like you know, stories that we're
telling here, will be telling those personally, like on our Instagram,
(11:49):
creating like you know, some good content moments and whatnot.
Other than that, like you know, I know that we
have Tony Tone working on on a really cool DJ
video that's going to kind of encapsulate ten years. It's
a lot of pressure, you know, like how do you
how do you tell the story of ten years through
like you know, through through the means of like you know,
word playing music and DJ tricks and stuff. But if
(12:11):
there's anybody that's gonna do, it's definitely gonna be Trong.
He's the guy. Like he's definitely the guy. But other
than that, you know, I think that's kind of like
what we have in regards to celebration. I mean, this
is a season where it's like, you know, it's special.
You know, it feels special already, so like you know,
we're just gonna you know, turn it up a notch,
you know, and do some great and crazy things, you know,
(12:33):
not too crazy to where you know, one of us
gets fired, because we want to stay here for another
ten years.
Speaker 1 (12:38):
So yeah, I no speaking of I'm all about vision.
You've got ten years in the bag. Now, what's your
vision for the next ten what's the next decade going
to look like? What are some goals you have for
the AMP Squad team?
Speaker 3 (12:53):
You know, I would want the AMP Squad to be
award winning because I feel like what we do compared
to a lot of other teams and a lot of
other like you know, situations just like this. You know,
I feel like, you know, if you were to put
our people against others, like you know, I would pick
(13:13):
Hours ten out of ten times, like you know, And
a lot of it is because, you know, they're all
really passionate about what they do. They're all really passionate about,
you know, this team. And at the same time, everyone
is by far the biggest music lovers on the planet.
Like you know, when Lester was saying about how proud
(13:35):
he was of Amen, Amen played this most insane set
during that pregame tailgate, and it was by far like
I was like, Wow, like that guy can DJ that guy.
And I've always said that, by the way, so I
always tell people you're a good no I mean no,
(13:56):
but like, yeah, you know, but I would like our
squad to at some point, like, you know, be award winning.
I think we're in the right direction. I don't know
what awards, you know, there would be, maybe maybe there's
a first you know that we can help kind of
create on top of that, like you know, I mean,
we're never too cool to evolve and never too cool
(14:17):
to you know, to to also showcase, like you know,
what the next generation looks like. You know, we're always
looking you know, and that's definitely something that i'd like
to you know, I wouldn't say start really soon because
we're obviously still doing this, so it's not like, hey,
my have my gig, you know, it's not like that,
(14:38):
But it's more so a thing where like who are
the next like you know, six that are going to
be doing this when we're you know, doing other things
being grandparents, you know, you know what I mean. So
you know, that's kind of like you know, where my
head's at less, I mean, you know, and for those
that don't know, you know, Lester is also a director,
(15:01):
so we direct the show together. So like you know,
we we we share every responsibility together and you know,
even decisions that we make, you know, moving forward, like
you know, whether it's like you know, members or whether
it's music or how we address things, like you know,
Lester is in that seat as well. How do you
see this thing, you know, evolving or where we can
(15:24):
take it in the next ten years.
Speaker 4 (15:25):
Let's I think of the idea of never settling right
and the evolution starts with always assessing the talent and
the emerging talents that whether they're from the Bay Area
or from across the country, that are forty nine ers
fans that have the same type of passion that we do.
And so we're always looking and we're always looking for
(15:49):
the talent that best represents this am Squad brand that
we've built over the past ten years. And so talent's
one piece. But then there's the game day experience itself.
How can we be innovative working with with LJ and
Toby and having music hits that we're not just playing music,
but there is an integration and an interaction with the
fans that maybe doesn't exist anywhere else in the NFL
(16:10):
or or in the league, so constantly assessing, monitoring, analyzing
our hits, making sure that are we putting best our
best foot forward in terms of the product, that what
we are proud of and if not, what do we
need to do to improve? And I think those conversations
are always happening day in, day out, weekend, during the season,
(16:32):
during the off season, and that's part of the growth.
And I think there's a very bright future ahead for
the M Squad brand.
Speaker 3 (16:39):
And capitalizing over or just making sure that this stays
a team more than anything, you know. That's that's a
big thing that me and Lester really preached to the
crew is just like you know what one one tide
brings up, all ships be that tied, you know, and
that that has to be a box that you'd have to,
(17:00):
you know, if you want to be the next DAM
Squad member.
Speaker 1 (17:02):
So major props to you guys. This has been legendary.
Now you could call it a decade of a brand.
That's amazing.
Speaker 2 (17:09):
We talked about the game day experience for a bit.
Speaker 1 (17:12):
We can talk about football if you guys want to,
But what are you most excited for this season?
Speaker 2 (17:17):
You guys are always on top of the new trends.
Speaker 1 (17:19):
What what's getting you hyped up for this twenty twenty
four iteration.
Speaker 5 (17:23):
Man, I can't wait to see CMC run through walls.
I can't wait for George Kittle to just be hilarious.
I can't wait for Brock to solidify his legendary status.
I'm glad Whufunga is coming back. Yes, he's His energy
is great, you know, the whole squad, the team. Man
(17:47):
like Debo's an animal. I just I watched Receiver twice
and I because I love watching him and George, you
know what I mean, Like they're just they're great.
Speaker 3 (18:01):
Trent is an Have you ever stood next to Trent? Yeah,
like this guy he is a tower.
Speaker 5 (18:08):
He is a tower, and he's so cool man, Fred Warner,
all all these guys. You know, one time little Wayne
was here at a game for his birthday and they
called me and asked me to DJ that night. I
think he like rented out like a bowling alley here
in the South Bay, and we went over there and it.
Speaker 3 (18:30):
Was just him and his people bowling, like after hours.
How is he as a bowler?
Speaker 5 (18:34):
By the way, He's good. And some of the players
came over and and you know, it was just it
was very you know, it was very chill. Everyone was
just kind of like hanging out and I got to like,
you know, talk to some of the players and like
some people say, don't meet your you know, don't meet
your idols, don't meet all of these guys are awesome.
Speaker 3 (18:58):
They're all nice.
Speaker 5 (18:59):
I have in ten years never had any type of
weird experience with any of the forty nine ers. No, Like,
all these guys are awesome. They're all super nice. You know,
they care about the community. There's just there's so many
cool guys and and all the iterations of the team
(19:20):
people that have been here in the last ten years.
You know, it's it's We've gotten to hang out with
these guys, and I just look forward to them kind
of realizing their greatness that and I think this season
is going to be the biggest season for all the guys,
and I'm super excited about that to kind of like
(19:41):
watch it unfold.
Speaker 1 (19:43):
As is tradition on the Inside the Oval podcast, we
close out each episode by asking our guest what is
their other duties as a sign that comes with their role.
So I don't think there's a job posting for being
a DJ and a member of the am squad.
Speaker 2 (19:57):
But if there were to be a job.
Speaker 1 (19:59):
Posting, what are some experiences or memories you have that
would fall under the other duties as a signed category
on a job posting.
Speaker 3 (20:06):
Know how to be a great teammate. That's my number
one thing because I think everyone that's on this team now,
like I said, like we all we all lift each
other up, you know, me being the founding father, I
need a founding father, button ladies and gentlemen, founding father. No, Like,
(20:30):
you know, that's the most important thing I think. You know,
it's the most important quality you have to have because
we all work together, you know, just like a man said,
like you know, we're in this together with the fans,
with the players, with with with every staff member, with yourself,
with anybody that's in this stadium. We're all in this together,
(20:51):
you know. And that's an important thing, you know, And
it shows too. You know, great things happen when when
when when your strength comes in numbers, and and that's
that's something that that I think would always be top
of mind if you plan on applying for this. I
don't know how you can apply for it, you know,
(21:12):
but that's yeah, that's the most important thing, know how
to be a great teammate. You know that's the number
one thing. What would you what else is that? I
think that really hits the nail on the head though.
Speaker 4 (21:24):
You know this, This word family gets tossed around a
lot of organizations and businesses, and it's very real here
in Levi's and I'm sure you could agree with that.
I mean, Nigel's just came in here, introduced himself to us,
and how how awesome was he just getting a chance
to talk to him. But being a great teammate goes
a long way because we all have this mission, right
(21:47):
we eventually want to get a Super Bowl. Whether that's
the players or anybody in marketing or sales, or the
am squad or the game day team, we all know
that we have a role. And so when you have
the teammate mindset and thinking about that one big mission,
it goes a long way and you feel it and
it's genuine. Uh And this family here at Levi's in
(22:10):
the forty nine ers, it's a you can't beat it.
It's a special thing.
Speaker 3 (22:15):
I think experience too. I don't think this is a
walk on situation. You got to be a great DJ
for sure, I got to be a great DJ. We've
had some great names walk through these hallways.
Speaker 5 (22:26):
So you know, we've we've been through every degree of
education in the DJ field, and it's not this is it.
This is the pinnacle, this is the top, and you
have to be ready for that, and you have to
have gone through a whole bunch of stuff to be
able to be ready for that. And that I think
(22:49):
that's that's something we've all been blessed with, is you know,
we went from everything to high school dances and family
get togethers to doing the hottest nightclubs, doing the hottest concerts,
doing arenas, and now we're doing tourene stadiums. Yeah, so
it's it's something that I think in the job description
(23:11):
you would have to have experience and.
Speaker 1 (23:13):
A lot of it.
Speaker 3 (23:15):
Yes, being a seasoned like you know, player on the field.
It's it's important in every aspect, you know. I mean,
you know, if you look at everybody on the squad
right now, like everyone's got a superpower, but it took
a while for everybody to earn that superpower, and then
we put all of our superpowers together and then you know,
(23:37):
just you said it earlier, like you know, it's like
it's almost like the Avengers, you know, like you know,
we all have our strengths and when it all comes together,
like it's just it's unstoppable, you know.
Speaker 1 (23:49):
So, so the other duties as assigned to being an
AM Squad member are being a a great teammate and
then be DJ Romeo's personal photographer.
Speaker 3 (23:58):
Yeah yeah, yeah, yeah, because if you're in a game
day with him, he's gonna ask you, hey, game you
take my picture pictures? You mean content?
Speaker 1 (24:05):
I love it? All? Right, final question for you all,
For that listener who hopes to be a part of
the AM Squad one day, who's been grinding at DJing,
what's some advice.
Speaker 2 (24:16):
That you would give to them.
Speaker 5 (24:17):
I can give out IRAQ cell phone number if you want,
and then and then they'll text me and I'll say,
hey text less.
Speaker 3 (24:29):
I think my number one piece of advice would be,
you know, keep doing what you're doing and whatever you're doing,
keep growing it, you know, make sure that this becomes
the biggest thing possible, you know, and be master your craft,
you know what I mean. And when you do all that,
like everything lines up and I think a lot of
(24:52):
you know, members that have probably been here for you know,
six or seven years, like you know, it was the
same thing, like you know, they you know, maybe in
year one, like you know, they weren't necessarily like you know,
the biggest names out, but then year three into this
like hey, you know, timing is right, let's let let's
figure this out, you know what I mean. I think
(25:12):
that's that's the big thing. So whatever it is you're doing,
like be be the best at it, you know, be
a master of it like that. I think that's what
everybody on the squad has done with what they do,
you know. So I mean that's from me at least.
I don't know you guys ain't got anything to add.
Speaker 4 (25:30):
Or I think making noise in the industry. Yeah, building
your brand and being proud of that brand, right the
same way what we've done so in the past ten
years with the AM Squad. Having that sense of pride
in what you're doing as a DJ and building that accordingly,
we'll just be naturally adjacent to what we do here
(25:51):
with the forty nine ers and the AM Squad. So
that would be my advice is build your brand and
people notice. We might notice.
Speaker 5 (26:00):
Yeah, I think there's like a level of like corporate
understanding as well. We've done a lot in marketing and
strategic partnership stuff. All of us have built our own
personal brands and it you know, there's there's millions of
DJs probably, I'm sure, all over the world, and to
(26:22):
stand out is not easy. So you know, each one
of us has put in the time, energy and effort
to not only be different than everyone else and stand out,
but also we've had to build a lot of important
relationships and we've had to be able to keep those
(26:42):
relationships and build.
Speaker 3 (26:43):
A reputation and keep that reputation.
Speaker 5 (26:46):
And you know, for me, it's twenty years of building
that reputation and just you know, being professional, you have
to have excellent communication.
Speaker 3 (26:58):
You have to be on time, you know, and not
just on time on time, you have to be on time.
You have to be there.
Speaker 5 (27:06):
There's been times where you know, someone might miss a
flight or get sick or something like that, and I'll
get a call at six am or whatever the case is.
Speaker 3 (27:16):
And I'm.
Speaker 5 (27:18):
Throw on the batsuit and I'm on my way and
it's you know it, we are all a team.
Speaker 3 (27:26):
We all have to look out for each other.
Speaker 5 (27:28):
So if someone kind of uh, you know, is in
some type of trouble, the other person has to be there,
ready to take it on and be able to work
with the whole organization in lightning speed to you know,
get problems solved.
Speaker 2 (27:44):
Amazing, amazing, amazing.
Speaker 1 (27:46):
Well, thank you guys, thank you AMP Squad for joining
me today. Thanks having any final words you want.
Speaker 3 (27:52):
To share with the faithful, make sure you follow the instagram. Yeah,
the instagram is at AMP Squad forty nine. We have
a whole bunch of cool con ten up there, and
I think my only question is how when are you
ordering the pizza? Last? Yeah? When's the party?
Speaker 1 (28:07):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (28:07):
When is the party? It's on its way right now.
You didn't even ask us what we wanted on this
pizza or anything, you know, your commander of celebrations come on.
Speaker 4 (28:17):
Yeah, we'll get extra largast for everyone too. I'm feeling
a little generous today.
Speaker 3 (28:21):
Generous. Okay, cool, get the breadsticks.
Speaker 2 (28:24):
I love it.
Speaker 1 (28:24):
Well, thank you guys, Thank you for listening. Subscribe to
Inside the Oval for more and we'll catch you next time.
Welcome to the Inside the Oval podcast presented by Dignity Health.
I'm Breonna McDonald and you're listening to part two of
our episode with the forty nine ers AMP Squad. Let's
go into your favorite memory from the ten years or
maybe even more working with the organization.
Speaker 2 (00:26):
What moment stands out to you?
Speaker 3 (00:29):
Uh, man, I've got I've got a lot of moments.
I mean, they're just countless core memories in here that
I can name, but I'd say I probably have maybe
like two of them. Is that it is that? Alright? Yeah,
because it's just so hard to you know, to pick.
I'd say number one would be the first time I
(00:51):
DJ'ed an NFC Championship game, and that was against the Packers.
Like the energy during an NFC Championship is just it's
just out of control. It's insanity in here.
Speaker 4 (01:03):
You know.
Speaker 3 (01:05):
Number two would be our recent NFC Championship game when
we won Lester dj dat. But you know that one
drive that Brock Party had and literally when we started
taking that game back, like really just it turned me
just I can't even explain it, Like that was just
(01:28):
insanity just to be there. And then you know, actually,
you know I've got one one memory that that has
to do with Amen. It's pretty funny though. It's not
embarrassing though, so you don't have to worry about it. No,
I was unbothered. Yeah, he was unbothered about it. So
was the guy that he bumped into. We were actually
walking through the tunnel and we were just kind of
(01:50):
talking about, like, you know, what we were gonna play,
and you know how we think the game is gonna
fare up. And then out of nowhere, we get onto
the field and there's this guy. He's got a hood on,
and then like you know, he's walking through and he's
not really watching where he's going either. He's like taking
pictures of everything. And I'm like, all right, this guy's
just taking pictures of everything and that's cool, Okay, cool,
(02:12):
you know. And then we're still walking and then later
on Amen bumps into him, like nonchalant lean. He's like,
oh my bad, sorry about that, bro, oh man, my bad,
and they just keep on walking. They go there. There's
separate ways. Later on, I go back into the tunnel
because I wanted to go get my laptop, and then
I seen the guy take his hood off and I'm like,
(02:34):
oh my God, this guy Amen just bumped into Tom
Brady and didn't even know it. And then he comes
back into the locker room, you know, into where we
prep all of our amp squad sets. I'm like, Bro,
do you know who he just bumped into? He's like, no,
not at all. Why and he's just you know, unfazed.
I'm like, but that was Tom Brady. That was Tom Brady, bro,
(02:57):
the goat Tom Brady. Oh yeah, well you know he is.
You know, I'm sure Tom will agree. Yeah, Tom will agree,
Tom will agree. So let me rephrase that. But yeah,
those are probably like three memories. It stays in the tunnel,
apparently not if I told that story. Now.
Speaker 5 (03:16):
There's been so many good moments in the tunnels over
the years, like just running into the Hall of Fame.
Games are the best when everybody's downstairs. I mean, I
remember hanging out with the Sugarhill Gang in the tunnel.
This Fast season, probably the best halftime show I've seen
here in all the years.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
The energy was so good.
Speaker 5 (03:36):
Memories, Like we said, everything from the first phone call
e Rock asking me to join in the beginning day one,
it's just from then on, it's just been It's everything
NFC Championships, when the confetti hits, when the jumbo tron
(03:58):
says Niners win, everybody in the stadium hugging each other. Uh,
you know, you're going to the super Bowl. There's there
is nothing like that. There there is nothing in life
that is like that moment. It's incredible.
Speaker 1 (04:16):
Uh.
Speaker 5 (04:16):
You know, I've been able to witness it twice.
Speaker 3 (04:19):
Now, you know, in the last.
Speaker 5 (04:21):
Couple of years or three years, all that stuff going
going to Miami with everybody having a good time and
and in Vegas. Uh, this this year, that entire week
was so much fun.
Speaker 3 (04:39):
It was it was so.
Speaker 5 (04:41):
Fun the whole week we were out there, and that
it was the best. And I I was very fortunate
to DJ the family and friends pregame at the stadium,
so I, you know, I got to DJ at the
Super Bowl and you know, uh, I'm probably the only
DJ in the world I got.
Speaker 3 (05:01):
To do that.
Speaker 5 (05:02):
So Uh, it was an amazing experience. And I'm so
grateful to the Niners. I'm so grateful to the am
squad for letting me have that responsibility. And you know,
it's something I'll never forget. And I and I you know,
I hope everyone there had a good time.
Speaker 3 (05:19):
I trust me.
Speaker 5 (05:23):
Yeah, I mean that.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
You know that.
Speaker 5 (05:26):
It's literally from the phone call to doing the Super Bowl,
it's literally the whole thing has been the best memory.
Speaker 4 (05:36):
Fun fact, after that set in Allegiance Stadium during the
Super Bowl, I saw aim in. The first thing I
said was I am so proud of you because it
was a special moment and uh, one that not only
he remembers, but myself in Iraq as well. Uh. It
was really a great uh great, let's say it. I'll
(05:56):
say that, you get it. It was really a great
experience to be a part of.
Speaker 3 (06:02):
Oh there's one thing that hey, you know, and we
can all agree here that if you are a part
of the M squad, we all remember one thing, and
that's how many pictures of DJ Romeo that you have
to take if you're DJing the game day with you
because it is the most.
Speaker 5 (06:17):
You're It's like going on the Yeah, it's like going
on the European vacation with your girlfriend.
Speaker 3 (06:22):
Hey man, can you take my picture? You mean pictures?
Speaker 5 (06:26):
Yeah? Going going back to that party though, real quick,
it's funny. I remember LJ was behind the stage. You know,
all the staff is there, the team is there and uh,
last year there was.
Speaker 3 (06:41):
A thing with lady bugs.
Speaker 5 (06:42):
I don't know if you remember this, but as I
was setting up to do the friends and family that
set for that party at the super at the super
Bowl at the stadium in the parking lot, I was
setting up my laptop all this stuff to do, and
I looked at my speaker, my monitor speaker, and there
(07:03):
was a ladybug on the speaker. And I got the
ladybug and I brought it back to LJ and I said,
you're not gonna believe this.
Speaker 2 (07:12):
I can't believe that right now.
Speaker 5 (07:14):
Yeah, so there's something about the forty nine ers and ladybugs.
Speaker 3 (07:17):
I don't know. I don't know what it is. I'm
sure you could do a podcast on that at some point. Yeah,
real quick.
Speaker 4 (07:22):
I think the NFC title game this year was a
special one for a lot of reasons. We obviously won
that game, it was a historic comeback, but then also
for I had the honor of doing that game. And
during that game, I played a set and we paid
homage to Aaron Andrews because of the love that she
showed to us nationally on her podcast and saying how
(07:44):
much she loved the music at Levi's and it was
truly a golden moment for us. It was a banner
moment for us, and you don't expect people to express that,
but for her to recognize that and then share that
with the world that sentiment truly truly special moment and
for sure one that we'll remember in the years to come.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
Yeah, so sweet talk about favorite memories.
Speaker 1 (08:08):
You guys are creating memories for all the fans and
the players like you guys are sparking up the fire
that people are going to remember for the rest of
their lives.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
So major props and shout out to you guys.
Speaker 1 (08:20):
But this year you're celebrating your ten year anniversary. What
have been the biggest milestones and achievements over the past decade?
Speaker 3 (08:29):
Now, Man, to be honest, lasting ten years and not
getting fired, I think that's maybe maybe they forgot about us.
Yeah you know, no, I mean yeah, definitely, you know,
being able to do this every single season, and you know,
(08:53):
I think the big achievement for me, as do I
say founding father here is that? Is that a new
title to founding I love that. I'm gonna get it.
I'm gonna get a jersey.
Speaker 4 (09:05):
Uh, I'm just gonna say, father, Nah.
Speaker 3 (09:14):
You know, we've been through so many like iterations like
you know, of the team throughout like you know, the
last like ten years, and you know, for me, it's
you know, I get emotional when I think about like
how long this program has with withstood like the test
of time, you know, and we've been able to do
(09:37):
things that I don't think I've seen any other like
you know, DJ Team or or or or whichever, like
you know, has done for other franchises, you know, and
it's it's it's a great thing to kind of see
this thing grow into what it is today and just
coming from an idea because of the fact that, hey,
(10:00):
I know I can't do eight games, so I'm going
to bring in the best of the best to help
me do these eight games to now, like you know,
it's it's its own thing, you know, like even when
we're no longer doing this, this will still be around,
you know, and that's a big milestone and achievement, like
for me in general, you know, and you know, this
is always going to have like the best. I mean,
(10:21):
we set this high standard to be the you know,
the the krem de la Creme of DJ's that happened
to be four and Niner fans, And you know, it
sounds like it just feels like this is going to
be a traditional, you know thing that's just gonna it's
just gonna go on even past our time.
Speaker 1 (10:36):
You know. So you guys are all experts at being
the life of the party. So what's in the works
for a celebration, a ten year anniversary celebration?
Speaker 2 (10:44):
Any plans, anything getting ready? Anything cooking up?
Speaker 3 (10:47):
That's Lester's responsibility. Actually, oh you didn't know, Oh, now
you do.
Speaker 5 (10:52):
Congratulations, last we disappointed you a program director for the
ten year anniversary party.
Speaker 3 (10:58):
Yeah, how much pizza are we getting? That's all I
want to know? And what's on it?
Speaker 4 (11:03):
Combination for everybody's good Kawhian Maybe for you a man.
Speaker 3 (11:07):
It's feeling spicy, spicy. He likes pineapple on his pizza.
We're going to be celebrating throughout the season. You know,
we do have a really really cool tenth anniversary logo. Yeah,
you know, we just unveiled that. It's actually on the
front of the DJ booth. I mean, we have like
(11:29):
other things that we're working on right now that we
can't really divulge. Into just yet, you know, they still
need to get approved. But otherwise, like you know, we'll
be celebrating through like you know, our our Instagram. That's
gonna be like one big way that we'll be able
to tell the stories, like you know, stories that we're
telling here, will be telling those personally, like on our Instagram,
(11:49):
creating like you know, some good content moments and whatnot.
Other than that, like you know, I know that we
have Tony Tone working on on a really cool DJ
video that's going to kind of encapsulate ten years. It's
a lot of pressure, you know, like how do you
how do you tell the story of ten years through
like you know, through through the means of like you know,
word playing music and DJ tricks and stuff. But if
(12:11):
there's anybody that's gonna do, it's definitely gonna be Trong.
He's the guy. Like he's definitely the guy. But other
than that, you know, I think that's kind of like
what we have in regards to celebration. I mean, this
is a season where it's like, you know, it's special.
You know, it feels special already, so like you know,
we're just gonna you know, turn it up a notch,
you know, and do some great and crazy things, you know,
(12:33):
not too crazy to where you know, one of us
gets fired, because we want to stay here for another
ten years.
Speaker 1 (12:38):
So yeah, I no speaking of I'm all about vision.
You've got ten years in the bag. Now, what's your
vision for the next ten what's the next decade going
to look like? What are some goals you have for
the AMP Squad team?
Speaker 3 (12:53):
You know, I would want the AMP Squad to be
award winning because I feel like what we do compared
to a lot of other teams and a lot of
other like you know, situations just like this. You know,
I feel like, you know, if you were to put
our people against others, like you know, I would pick
(13:13):
Hours ten out of ten times, like you know, And
a lot of it is because, you know, they're all
really passionate about what they do. They're all really passionate about,
you know, this team. And at the same time, everyone
is by far the biggest music lovers on the planet.
Like you know, when Lester was saying about how proud
(13:35):
he was of Amen, Amen played this most insane set
during that pregame tailgate, and it was by far like
I was like, Wow, like that guy can DJ that guy.
And I've always said that, by the way, so I
always tell people you're a good no I mean no,
(13:56):
but like, yeah, you know, but I would like our
squad to at some point, like, you know, be award winning.
I think we're in the right direction. I don't know
what awards, you know, there would be, maybe maybe there's
a first you know that we can help kind of
create on top of that, like you know, I mean,
we're never too cool to evolve and never too cool
(14:17):
to you know, to to also showcase, like you know,
what the next generation looks like. You know, we're always
looking you know, and that's definitely something that i'd like
to you know, I wouldn't say start really soon because
we're obviously still doing this, so it's not like, hey,
my have my gig, you know, it's not like that,
(14:38):
But it's more so a thing where like who are
the next like you know, six that are going to
be doing this when we're you know, doing other things
being grandparents, you know, you know what I mean. So
you know, that's kind of like you know, where my
head's at less, I mean, you know, and for those
that don't know, you know, Lester is also a director,
(15:01):
so we direct the show together. So like you know,
we we we share every responsibility together and you know,
even decisions that we make, you know, moving forward, like
you know, whether it's like you know, members or whether
it's music or how we address things, like you know,
Lester is in that seat as well. How do you
see this thing, you know, evolving or where we can
(15:24):
take it in the next ten years.
Speaker 4 (15:25):
Let's I think of the idea of never settling right
and the evolution starts with always assessing the talent and
the emerging talents that whether they're from the Bay Area
or from across the country, that are forty nine ers
fans that have the same type of passion that we do.
And so we're always looking and we're always looking for
(15:49):
the talent that best represents this am Squad brand that
we've built over the past ten years. And so talent's
one piece. But then there's the game day experience itself.
How can we be innovative working with with LJ and
Toby and having music hits that we're not just playing music,
but there is an integration and an interaction with the
fans that maybe doesn't exist anywhere else in the NFL
(16:10):
or or in the league, so constantly assessing, monitoring, analyzing
our hits, making sure that are we putting best our
best foot forward in terms of the product, that what
we are proud of and if not, what do we
need to do to improve? And I think those conversations
are always happening day in, day out, weekend, during the season,
(16:32):
during the off season, and that's part of the growth.
And I think there's a very bright future ahead for
the M Squad brand.
Speaker 3 (16:39):
And capitalizing over or just making sure that this stays
a team more than anything, you know. That's that's a
big thing that me and Lester really preached to the
crew is just like you know what one one tide
brings up, all ships be that tied, you know, and
that that has to be a box that you'd have to,
(17:00):
you know, if you want to be the next DAM
Squad member.
Speaker 1 (17:02):
So major props to you guys. This has been legendary.
Now you could call it a decade of a brand.
That's amazing.
Speaker 2 (17:09):
We talked about the game day experience for a bit.
Speaker 1 (17:12):
We can talk about football if you guys want to,
But what are you most excited for this season?
Speaker 2 (17:17):
You guys are always on top of the new trends.
Speaker 1 (17:19):
What what's getting you hyped up for this twenty twenty
four iteration.
Speaker 5 (17:23):
Man, I can't wait to see CMC run through walls.
I can't wait for George Kittle to just be hilarious.
I can't wait for Brock to solidify his legendary status.
I'm glad Whufunga is coming back. Yes, he's His energy
is great, you know, the whole squad, the team. Man
(17:47):
like Debo's an animal. I just I watched Receiver twice
and I because I love watching him and George, you
know what I mean, Like they're just they're great.
Speaker 3 (18:01):
Trent is an Have you ever stood next to Trent? Yeah,
like this guy he is a tower.
Speaker 5 (18:08):
He is a tower, and he's so cool man, Fred Warner,
all all these guys. You know, one time little Wayne
was here at a game for his birthday and they
called me and asked me to DJ that night. I
think he like rented out like a bowling alley here
in the South Bay, and we went over there and it.
Speaker 3 (18:30):
Was just him and his people bowling, like after hours.
How is he as a bowler?
Speaker 5 (18:34):
By the way, He's good. And some of the players
came over and and you know, it was just it
was very you know, it was very chill. Everyone was
just kind of like hanging out and I got to like,
you know, talk to some of the players and like
some people say, don't meet your you know, don't meet
your idols, don't meet all of these guys are awesome.
Speaker 3 (18:58):
They're all nice.
Speaker 5 (18:59):
I have in ten years never had any type of
weird experience with any of the forty nine ers. No, Like,
all these guys are awesome. They're all super nice. You know,
they care about the community. There's just there's so many
cool guys and and all the iterations of the team
(19:20):
people that have been here in the last ten years.
You know, it's it's We've gotten to hang out with
these guys, and I just look forward to them kind
of realizing their greatness that and I think this season
is going to be the biggest season for all the guys,
and I'm super excited about that to kind of like
(19:41):
watch it unfold.
Speaker 1 (19:43):
As is tradition on the Inside the Oval podcast, we
close out each episode by asking our guest what is
their other duties as a sign that comes with their role.
So I don't think there's a job posting for being
a DJ and a member of the am squad.
Speaker 2 (19:57):
But if there were to be a job.
Speaker 1 (19:59):
Posting, what are some experiences or memories you have that
would fall under the other duties as a signed category
on a job posting.
Speaker 3 (20:06):
Know how to be a great teammate. That's my number
one thing because I think everyone that's on this team now,
like I said, like we all we all lift each
other up, you know, me being the founding father, I
need a founding father, button ladies and gentlemen, founding father. No, Like,
(20:30):
you know, that's the most important thing I think. You know,
it's the most important quality you have to have because
we all work together, you know, just like a man said,
like you know, we're in this together with the fans,
with the players, with with with every staff member, with yourself,
with anybody that's in this stadium. We're all in this together,
(20:51):
you know. And that's an important thing, you know, And
it shows too. You know, great things happen when when
when when your strength comes in numbers, and and that's
that's something that that I think would always be top
of mind if you plan on applying for this. I
don't know how you can apply for it, you know,
(21:12):
but that's yeah, that's the most important thing, know how
to be a great teammate. You know that's the number
one thing. What would you what else is that? I
think that really hits the nail on the head though.
Speaker 4 (21:24):
You know this, This word family gets tossed around a
lot of organizations and businesses, and it's very real here
in Levi's and I'm sure you could agree with that.
I mean, Nigel's just came in here, introduced himself to us,
and how how awesome was he just getting a chance
to talk to him. But being a great teammate goes
a long way because we all have this mission, right
(21:47):
we eventually want to get a Super Bowl. Whether that's
the players or anybody in marketing or sales, or the
am squad or the game day team, we all know
that we have a role. And so when you have
the teammate mindset and thinking about that one big mission,
it goes a long way and you feel it and
it's genuine. Uh And this family here at Levi's in
(22:10):
the forty nine ers, it's a you can't beat it.
It's a special thing.
Speaker 3 (22:15):
I think experience too. I don't think this is a
walk on situation. You got to be a great DJ
for sure, I got to be a great DJ. We've
had some great names walk through these hallways.
Speaker 5 (22:26):
So you know, we've we've been through every degree of
education in the DJ field, and it's not this is it.
This is the pinnacle, this is the top, and you
have to be ready for that, and you have to
have gone through a whole bunch of stuff to be
able to be ready for that. And that I think
(22:49):
that's that's something we've all been blessed with, is you know,
we went from everything to high school dances and family
get togethers to doing the hottest nightclubs, doing the hottest concerts,
doing arenas, and now we're doing tourene stadiums. Yeah, so
it's it's something that I think in the job description
(23:11):
you would have to have experience and.
Speaker 1 (23:13):
A lot of it.
Speaker 3 (23:15):
Yes, being a seasoned like you know, player on the field.
It's it's important in every aspect, you know. I mean,
you know, if you look at everybody on the squad
right now, like everyone's got a superpower, but it took
a while for everybody to earn that superpower, and then
we put all of our superpowers together and then you know,
(23:37):
just you said it earlier, like you know, it's like
it's almost like the Avengers, you know, like you know,
we all have our strengths and when it all comes together,
like it's just it's unstoppable, you know.
Speaker 1 (23:49):
So, so the other duties as assigned to being an
AM Squad member are being a a great teammate and
then be DJ Romeo's personal photographer.
Speaker 3 (23:58):
Yeah yeah, yeah, yeah, because if you're in a game
day with him, he's gonna ask you, hey, game you
take my picture pictures? You mean content?
Speaker 1 (24:05):
I love it? All? Right, final question for you all,
For that listener who hopes to be a part of
the AM Squad one day, who's been grinding at DJing,
what's some advice.
Speaker 2 (24:16):
That you would give to them.
Speaker 5 (24:17):
I can give out IRAQ cell phone number if you want,
and then and then they'll text me and I'll say,
hey text less.
Speaker 3 (24:29):
I think my number one piece of advice would be,
you know, keep doing what you're doing and whatever you're doing,
keep growing it, you know, make sure that this becomes
the biggest thing possible, you know, and be master your craft,
you know what I mean. And when you do all that,
like everything lines up and I think a lot of
(24:52):
you know, members that have probably been here for you know,
six or seven years, like you know, it was the
same thing, like you know, they you know, maybe in
year one, like you know, they weren't necessarily like you know,
the biggest names out, but then year three into this
like hey, you know, timing is right, let's let let's
figure this out, you know what I mean. I think
(25:12):
that's that's the big thing. So whatever it is you're doing,
like be be the best at it, you know, be
a master of it like that. I think that's what
everybody on the squad has done with what they do,
you know. So I mean that's from me at least.
I don't know you guys ain't got anything to add.
Speaker 4 (25:30):
Or I think making noise in the industry. Yeah, building
your brand and being proud of that brand, right the
same way what we've done so in the past ten
years with the AM Squad. Having that sense of pride
in what you're doing as a DJ and building that accordingly,
we'll just be naturally adjacent to what we do here
(25:51):
with the forty nine ers and the AM Squad. So
that would be my advice is build your brand and
people notice. We might notice.
Speaker 5 (26:00):
Yeah, I think there's like a level of like corporate
understanding as well. We've done a lot in marketing and
strategic partnership stuff. All of us have built our own
personal brands and it you know, there's there's millions of
DJs probably, I'm sure, all over the world, and to
(26:22):
stand out is not easy. So you know, each one
of us has put in the time, energy and effort
to not only be different than everyone else and stand out,
but also we've had to build a lot of important
relationships and we've had to be able to keep those
(26:42):
relationships and build.
Speaker 3 (26:43):
A reputation and keep that reputation.
Speaker 5 (26:46):
And you know, for me, it's twenty years of building
that reputation and just you know, being professional, you have
to have excellent communication.
Speaker 3 (26:58):
You have to be on time, you know, and not
just on time on time, you have to be on time.
You have to be there.
Speaker 5 (27:06):
There's been times where you know, someone might miss a
flight or get sick or something like that, and I'll
get a call at six am or whatever the case is.
Speaker 3 (27:16):
And I'm.
Speaker 5 (27:18):
Throw on the batsuit and I'm on my way and
it's you know it, we are all a team.
Speaker 3 (27:26):
We all have to look out for each other.
Speaker 5 (27:28):
So if someone kind of uh, you know, is in
some type of trouble, the other person has to be there,
ready to take it on and be able to work
with the whole organization in lightning speed to you know,
get problems solved.
Speaker 2 (27:44):
Amazing, amazing, amazing.
Speaker 1 (27:46):
Well, thank you guys, thank you AMP Squad for joining
me today. Thanks having any final words you want.
Speaker 3 (27:52):
To share with the faithful, make sure you follow the instagram. Yeah,
the instagram is at AMP Squad forty nine. We have
a whole bunch of cool con ten up there, and
I think my only question is how when are you
ordering the pizza? Last? Yeah? When's the party?
Speaker 1 (28:07):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (28:07):
When is the party? It's on its way right now.
You didn't even ask us what we wanted on this
pizza or anything, you know, your commander of celebrations come on.
Speaker 4 (28:17):
Yeah, we'll get extra largast for everyone too. I'm feeling
a little generous today.
Speaker 3 (28:21):
Generous. Okay, cool, get the breadsticks.
Speaker 2 (28:24):
I love it.
Speaker 1 (28:24):
Well, thank you guys, Thank you for listening. Subscribe to
Inside the Oval for more and we'll catch you next time.
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