SOUND system selector Richard 'Richie Poo' Reid is gearing up for a new career as disc jockey. He says it is the realisation of a long-time dream.

"Being a radio personality is what I always wanted. I used to try my best to sound like Barry G (Barry Gordon) and Winston Williams until I realised I had my own talent," Reid told the Jamaica Observer.

After migrating to the United States five years ago, he 'tested his wings' on community radio stations but 'the real thing' comes on March 5 when he debuts as host of The Morning Ride on 93.5 FM Link Up Radio in New York.

Reid, 43, jokes that the late-night show is about providing music for people on the graveyard shift or insomniacs.

He spent four years with the Silver Hawk sound system (1991-1995) which was owned by music producer Wycliffe 'Steely' Johnson of Steely and Clevie fame.

Reid says he left Silver Hawk once Johnson began focusing on studio productions.

Originally from Waltham Park Road IN St Andrew, Reid has been involved in music since his early teens.

Though Gordon and Williams had an enormous impact on him, Reid is not impressed by the current crop of Jamaican disc jockeys.

"They play for 20 minutes, playing 20 hit songs, make a lot of noise on the mic, and don't give you a chance to listen to the music. They are the ones who are helping to destroy the industry," Reid charged.

He says there are no plans to end his career as a sound system selector.