Henry Van Den Hoogen

There has always been this sense of wonder, of anticipation in opening a new CD or mp3 file and discovering what’s inside. It’s like “opening a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.” (Yes, every bio needs a Forest Gump reference, doesn’t it?) Henry Van Den Hoogen has been surrounded by music all of his life. His father had him listen to everything from country legend Hank Snow to marches by Johann Strauss and everything in between (I couldn’t get away - there were radios in every room of the house). He spent countless hours doing homework with headphones on. (My mother still can’t believe I make a living from listening to music.)

He had the good fortune to start his career as assistant music director at 680 CFTR in Toronto, then a Top 40 powerhouse that became one of the most listened to radio stations in Canada. From there, MIX 96 in Montreal as music director, and seeking new musical perspectives, joined Sony Music Canada as Promotions Representative for Montreal and Ottawa.

When Galaxie began, he was asked to create Hit List, and with the opportunity to program a channel with no restrictions, no announcers, no commercials, just music – it was a dream come true. (I get to open a new box of chocolates every day!) Today, his musical tastes go from Melody Gardot to Sean Kingston to Muse and absolutely everything in between. (I stay away from the Strauss marches now).