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10 Questions with ... Chris Loos
March 17, 2009
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NAME:Chris LoosPOSITION:APD/Morning HostSTATION:XMOR Blazin 989MARKET:San Diego, CACOMPANY:MEC NetworkBORN:Pasadena, CARAISED:Monrovia, CA
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
It started with an open door to intern at KIIS then KKBT while doing college radio, which turned to producing shows. That lead to a fulltime late night show at KISV, to later return to Los Angeles as a part time jock at KHHT. Then I was offered a position as Production Director/middays at a start up station KWIE/Riverside, and left as the APD to help launch KDAY in L.A. as MD/middays, since it was owned by the same company. After that I returned to KWIE as PD/afternoons, which led to doing the Night Show at XMOR. Now, I am blessed to say 14 years later, I'm in SUNNY San Diego at XMOR as the APD/morning host, and am glad I never had to leave Cali to do what I love!
1. What was your last non-Industry job?
I was "Coach Chris" at the Duarte Parks & Recreation. I started coaching football, basketball, softball to grades 3 thru 6th. From there I went onto work for the Duarte Unified School District coaching Basketball at the Northview Junior High, and ending up as coach of the Freshman team at Duarte High.
2. Why Radio?
Radio was how I knew what time of the day it was growing up. Being in the car with my mom going to school as a kid when the big earthquake hit, I remember hearing Rick Dees live while the car shook! Listening to the Mixmasters live on KDAY, and waiting to hear the reception better at night because it was on an AM channel. Hearing 92.3 The Beat, and thinking how dope it would be to work there so I could hear music before the rest of the world, while getting to meet the people who make the music I love! It's been a dream come true for me in a lot of ways, but if I would have known how much you work outside of a 4 hour air shift...I might have thought twice! LOL. I'm joking, there isn't much I'd change at all.
3. You're now the APD at XMOR. Having started as an intern in Los Angeles, what's been the primary motivating factor in your rise up to a programming position in a market like San Diego?
I guess it would be the fact that I hate to lose! I'm blessed to be in this incredible market, after gaining experience from programmers I've worked with. Plus working with Vanya Joseph and Lee Cornell, in the programming department here is a blast because I'm learning something new all the time because of the different "schools" of radio that we each come from. I'm motivated by the times that radio is facing right now, to be able to see it thru, and be a visionary in its evolvement.
4. Where do you see yourself in five years?
In 5 years, I'd like to say I can see myself boogy boarding on a beach here in San Diego while programming radio, and directing or producing one of the scripts that I've written for film. (Plus a lot of other things that would just make this answer WAY too long :)
5. What's your favorite part of your gig?
Getting to meet listeners! Chillin' with the people that appreciate, and support what you do, is one of THE coolest things about this gig!
6. Who are some of your friends/network in radio?
I've met SO many great people since doing radio, its tough to just name a few friends without this turning into the run on break every programmer hates. . A lot of them are working, but a lot are out of gigs right now, too. A few friends/mentors that have been a big part of my success prior to me landing here in SD would be; Doug Johnson at KPCC, Tawala Sharp, Julio G., Bob Lewis, Picasso Stevens, Michelle S. and Anthony Acampora.
7. Your doing mornings at XMOR. How did your experience with Rick Dees help you become a morning host?
When I interned with Rick Dees, I learned how SERIOUS the success of a morning show is to the entire radio station. Being an MD and PD allowed me to work with different morning shows, and also see what works, along with what doesn't.
8. It's midnight on Saturday night in San Diego. Where do we go to find you?
Depending on what Saturday you're out here, you could catch me behind a bar bartending, partying with friends somewhere downtown, at a concert, or KNOCKED out at the crib!
9. In 2009, what area of your "game" do you want to improve?
I'm looking to grow all the time with lots of things I'm doing, but my immediate focus is on the Morning Show. I'm also designing my own website which has been an incredible challenge that I'm looking forward to finishing up soon.
10. If you were to leave Radio today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?
It'd be producing or directing features, or working along side Russell Simmons or Jay-Z in marketing, and brand development.
Bonus Questions
Hypothetically, if you could pick an artist or band to perform at your wedding (and do all the traditional songs like the Chicken Dance) who would you pick?
It would have to be T-Pain, just cause I GOTTA hear what traditional wedding songs would sound like with the vocoder!!!
You need to find a partner to be on CBS "The Amazing Race" with. Pick a partner but your partner has to be a record promotion rep. Who would you pick?
I'd have to run with my guy Dan Posner at Atlantic, regardless if we win the race, he will have me ROLLIN' the whole way!!! Have you ever heard Dan tell a story???
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