The Stout Factor: Media, Marketing & Music That Moves
DJ Stout is a powerhouse in media and marketing. As Program Director and Operations Manager at WSOC, he helped lead the station to win the Academy of Country Music’s Major Market Station of the Year (2009). He later became Beasley Media’s first-ever Country Format Captain, overseeing top stations in Boston, Las Vegas, Tampa, and Philadelphia. Today, he runs Stout Factor Marketing, where he guides businesses and major music festivals to thrive.
In this episode, DJ sits down with host Terry Hudson to explore how the partnership between media, business, and music is key to building a thriving music scene.
From WSOC to Country Fests: DJ Stout on Music, Media & Momentum
DJ Stout: From Radio Roots to Festival Powerhouse | Local Music Somewhere
Few names carry as much weight in Charlotte’s music scene as DJ Stout. With a career that spans decades in radio, the founding of a successful marketing agency, and a hand in producing some of the Southeast’s biggest festivals, Stout has built a legacy of blending business savvy with a genuine love of music.
From Radio to Relationships
Stout first made his mark at WSOC, where his ear for music and knack for building relationships with artists set him apart. Instead of relying only on charts and data, he connected directly with musicians, learning their stories and supporting their work. That authenticity helped build trust — and it kept Charlotte on the map as a must-visit stop for rising and established country stars.
Guiding Radio Into the Digital Age
When Beasley Media took over WSOC, Stout stepped into a larger role as Format Captain. He guided multiple stations through the shift to digital, encouraging jocks to embrace podcasting, social media, and new ways of connecting with audiences. While many in the industry were cautious about change, Stout leaned in, knowing that digital tools weren’t competition — they were the future.
Building Stout Factory Marketing
In 2018, Stout launched Stout Factory Marketing with his wife. The agency specializes in strategy, branding, and event marketing, serving both artists and businesses. Their collaboration reflects their shared vision: to help clients grow while staying connected to the heartbeat of live music.
Festivals That Change Communities
Beyond radio and marketing, Stout has become a key figure in festival production. From the Carolina Country Music Fest to the Love and Life Festival, his events draw tens of thousands of fans and pump millions into local economies. Hotels, restaurants, and small businesses all benefit when the music comes to town.
But it’s not just about economics. These festivals also serve as platforms for philanthropy and community engagement. One standout example was parachuting in service dogs for veterans — a moment that blended music, entertainment, and life-changing impact.
Spotlighting the Next Big Artist
A hallmark of Stout’s career is his ability to spot rising talent. Many artists who later became household names first played his stages while they were still on the verge of breaking through. By giving local and emerging acts a chance, he’s helped shape careers and given audiences a chance to discover tomorrow’s stars today.
The Bigger Picture
At its core, DJ Stout’s story is about more than music. It’s about building relationships, embracing change, and creating opportunities for both artists and communities. From Charlotte radio to Myrtle Beach festivals, his work shows how the right mix of passion and strategy can leave a lasting mark on an industry that never stops evolving.
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