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10 Questions with ... Monica Rivera
January 27, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. Embrace the journey with a positive attitude, always. When you get a "no," celebrate the fact that you were even considered and have more experience under your belt for your next opportunity. Make sure you explore every single option, network everywhere, and know your happiness does not depend on getting a job. Make it happen for yourself, because no one can make it happen for you
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Monica Rivera joined All Access as an Associate Editor in December 2018. After graduating from California State University, Fresno with a degree in mass communication and journalism, she launched her career as a Promotions Asst. at iHeartMedia/San Diego. Rivera then moved to Lincoln Financial Media/San Diego, where she gained experience as a Coord./Promotions and then Dir./Promotions for Country KSON and sister stations KIFM and KBZT. She stayed with Lincoln Financial Media through its acquisition by Entercom, and then departed to work as Coord./Entertainment for Sycuan Casino in San Diego. After a year there, she moved to Nashville to pursue her goal of working in the Country music industry again. During her first year in Music City, Rivera worked as a Customer Experience Associate with ride share company Lyft before landing her position with All Access Nashville.
1. How was your passion for Country music sparked? Who were some of your favorite acts growing up and what drew you to Country?
Growing up in San Diego, Country wasn't a genre that was very present around me. Music was a huge part of my childhood, but it was more Jazz and Classic Rock.
I remember first discovering Country music one Summer when my Mom let me repaint my room. I found KSON while channel surfing for music to listen to while I painted. It was the first time I ever really paid attention to it, and I was completely consumed by the stories it told. I would write down the songs I heard on the radio and search them on the internet. From there, I'd fall into a rabbit hole discovering artists and songs and teaching myself more about the music.
As far as particular artists, I vividly remember Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts' performance of "Bless The Broken Road" on "American Idol" in 2015. That performance got me hooked. I still watch it on YouTube from time to time.
2. You were born and raised in San Diego and graduated from California State University, Fresno where you studied mass communication and journalism. What made you choose this major - goals of being a radio and/or TV personality, or did it just sound cool?
I actually switched to mass communication and journalism (MCJ) from pre-nursing at the end of my junior year. I had my heart set on nursing, but just before applying to nursing school, I realized I wasn't 100% happy. I have always been a good writer, so I decided to major in MCJ so I could just finish up school and go from there. (I'm probably the only journalism graduate that had anatomy and physiology as electives.) During my senior year, I fell in love with my journalism classes. They allowed me to be creative and write stories on things I was passionate about. Haven't looked back since.
3. You spent four years at KSON/San Diego in the Promotions department. What was the draw of Country radio for you?
For me, Country radio turned my passion into a career, and nothing beats that! I absolutely loved going to work every single day, and once you experience that, it's hard to do anything else. Country music is a family. I love it.
4. What was your favorite part of working in promotions at KSON? What about your least favorite part?
My favorite part was making the listeners' day! We always got to surprise people with tickets, trips, swag, meet and greets, etc., and it was so fun to gift them with things they'll always remember. KSON has incredible listeners who are so spirited about the music, so it was fun to involve them through promotions.
My least favorite part was the sound of the prize wheel in my ears for hours upon hours. I still cringe when I hear it at street fairs.
5. You had an unusual station vehicle at KSON. Describe that, and what the reaction was from passersby while you were driving it?
Ah, yes, the famous KSON ambulance. I had a love/hate relationship with it. It was genius for promotional purposes -- easily seen at big events, sirens, megaphone, plenty of space to fit all our promo gear. It definitely grabbed attention while on the road, but that's only when we could get it to start.
6. You made the move to Nashville a year ago. What convinced you to make the big move to Music City?
I knew I wanted to live in Nashville since about 5th grade. I would write about it in school and was always drawn to it. That never really went away. As I got older, I started making trips there, and I just decided to go for it. I knew I wanted a career in the industry more than anything, and if not now, then when? It was a big move and is still an adjustment in a lot of ways (like these things called "seasons"!!), but I love calling Nashville home.
7. As someone who has had a single-minded focus on working in the Nashville music industry, what advice would you offer those looking to move or who have recently moved there who also long to work in the Country music industry?
Embrace the journey with a positive attitude, always. When you get a "no," celebrate the fact that you were even considered and have more experience under your belt for your next opportunity. Make sure you explore every single option, network everywhere, and know your happiness does not depend on getting a job. Make it happen for yourself, because no one can make it happen for you.
8. What appealed to you about joining All Access? And as you begin to look around behind the curtains after a few weeks here, what part of the job most excites you?
I've always admired the All Access staff and have relied on their work to keep me up to date for a long time. I'm most excited to work with all the different sides of the industry. I love that I get to keep my ties with radio, but am excited to explore new sides of the industry as well, and become more well rounded.
9. As a Country music fan, you've seen a lot of concerts over the years, including Stagecoach and several KSON Country Fests. Who have been your favorite artists to see live, and why? Who are some of the artists still left on your bucket list that you've not yet seen live?
I'm always a sucker for artists that aren't afraid to be vulnerable in front of their fans. Eric Church has always been a favorite. He is always so raw and real and never seems to give the same performance twice. I admire Keith Urban for making me feel so connected as a fan, even in an arena filled to the brim. Brothers Osborne have been my most recent faves. And, of course, the '90s kid in me is screaming "Shania Twain!" On my bucket list: Reba, Dolly Parton, and George Strait.
10. You previously attended Country Radio Seminar in 2015 and 2017. Why was it important to get yourself there? What were the most valuable parts of the experience, and what are you most looking forward to about this year's CRS?
Attending CRS really opened my eyes to all the possibilities within the industry and helped me see the bigger picture and how all the parts work together. It's also the one time of the year when everyone is in the same place. I knew I had to make it happen so I could network and meet people I wouldn't have had the chance to meet otherwise.
Bonus Questions
What are five fun facts about you that you want your new Nashville and radio friends to know?
- I'm a dog person, so please don't be shy to tell me all about your pup! In fact, I volunteer with local rescue groups and have been a dog foster mom.
- I tried Waffle House and Cracker Barrel for the first time last year.
- I had perfect attendance in middle school and high school.
- Dustin Lynch challenged me to learn the Eminem part to Dr. Dre's "Forgot About Dre," so I did and we rapped it together. It's now my go-to karaoke song.
- I will turn anything into an arts and crafts project ... Watch out!
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