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10 Questions with ... Qui West
March 18, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I spent the first fours years of my career in the San Francisco market at KYLD (Wild 94.9). In 2010, I moved to Houston for a fulltime position at KBXX (97.9 The Box).
1. What got you into radio?
I began taking classes in college and my teacher said I was a natural for doing radio. At the time, I had no industry connections. I figured joining the most popular radio station in the market would give me a jump start.
2. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I played baseball most of life, so a ball player.
3. What was the biggest change in the move from San Francisco to Houston?
There were lots of changes! I suppose the biggest was the formats, KYLD is a Top 40 station while KBXX is a Hip Hop and R&B station. They have different demographics. There are also different formulas on how to be successful in each format.
I also knew absolutely NOBODY, not only in Houston but in all of Texas.
4. You went from being an intern at KYLD to an on-air position. It didn't happen overnight but how did you get the attention of your superiors in order to put yourself in that spot?
It was definitely an adventure! I was coming up in a hard time for radio, the economy had just taken a plunge and lots of jobs were being cut or doubled up. My immediate supervisors were being let go, too. I had to take things in my own hands, so after about a year of interning, I began doing air checks with my PD at the time. A year later I was given my first opportunity to be on air, unfortunately he was let go a week later, which left my situation in limbo.
I actually ended up leaving KYLD and went down the hall and got my first job at a smooth jazz station as a board op and then was able to land an opportunity with the AM talk station as being the community affairs host.
Nine months later, I started to rebuild my connections with KYLD. Cat Collins was the new PD and he asked me to board op for the afternoon jock who had just recently left the station. I did that everyday for the next month and a half until they found a new afternoon jock and morning show. In the mean time, Cat gave me a couple auditions on the air. Eventually, I was able to land a consistent part time gig with KYLD. I kept myself relevant long enough to land the opportunity I really wanted.
5. Now that you've been in Houston for awhile. What have you found most exciting about living and working in Houston?
Houston is possibly the best city to "live" in the country. It's a big city with affordable prices, and it's only growing! The great thing about Houston is that there is so many people living here that are not from Texas. I have friends that are from all over country currently living in Texas, it's a big melting pot of culture.
6. If your boss, Terri Thomas, was a college professor what do you think she'd be teaching?
Business! She is an incredible team motivator, knows how to balance many responsibilities and a boss who truly cares for her employees well being.
7. If you weren't in radio, what do you think you'd be doing professionally?
It's hard to say I wasn't very good at those normal nine to five jobs. I'd definitely have to be working behind the scenes with a major sports organization. That's my next biggest passion after music.
8. What do you like to do in your spare time?
I recently started doing some DJ work. I truly enjoy making mixes. It's fun to me. I also enjoy watching movies and am a very passionate bay area sports fan.
9. The Voice or American Idol?
American Idol. They have J-LO so they win be default.
10. Hypothetical question...If you were getting married in two months and you could have any group or singer perform at your reception, who would you choose?
It would have to either Usher or Stevie Wonder. Stevie is a legend, but I grew up listening to Usher in the late 90s. Either way it'd be incredible!
Bonus Questions
If you had to eat one type of meal everyday for a month, what would it be?
I love me some pasta, but It would be Mexican hands down! I pretty much eat Mexican food everyday, anyway.
Letterman, Fallon, Kimmel or Conan?
That's a tough one. It used to be Conan, but I have to go with Kimmel. That man is hilarious.
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