10 Questions with ... Christy Taylor

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

The shortest version is: I started interning for WFAS back in 1998 while in high school, and then went to Ithaca College for radio and worked at WICB. Over the past 10 years I've been on-air on all different types of stations -- Alternative WLIR & Top 40/Rhythmic WXXP/Long Island, Top 40 WWYL/Binghamton,

Top 40 WFLY/Albany, NY, and WZMR/Albany, NY. I finally ended up doing part-time work at K-Rock in NYC right before I landed this awesome gig at 91X in 2008.

1. How did you become interested in radio?

Radio was something I was always into. I loved music, I would record songs off the radio onto cassettes (yes cassettes!), just so I could make my own mixes, and I would even sleep with the radio on. But just as much as I loved listening to my radio, I loved talking on the phone and being social. So it was kind of a no-brainer, radio combined music, conversation, and socializing at events all in one career. It was the perfect choice for me.

2. What stands out the most from your first job in radio?

Probably having to go through the traffic logs by hand every day after school. It was my job to find out what time each advertisers spots were going to air on the following day, and then to fax those times over to each client. But a close second had to be bulk erasing carts every freaking day. I definitely learned a lot about radio being an intern in the late '90s but I'm glad we have all this fancy new technology now.

3. What part of your job do you like best? Least?

I love this job, especially the weekly music meetings. But if I have to pick something I don't like, it would probably be that everyone likes Capone better than me...

4. What is most important to you when championing new music for 91X?

If there is something happening with said band we aren't playing. Are they selling out shows? Are they selling songs? Do they have a buzz on the street and the internet? Is the song being utilized in other media thus increasing familiarity? But maybe most importantly is the band/song likeable in a broad sense or is it polarizing?

5. What is the most challenging part of the job?

The fact that at any given time there are probably 75 songs I want to get on the air, but we just don't have the room to play all of them. On the other hand, we've been really lucky this year to have some great music to choose from and I think the songs we are playing are pretty damn good.

6. What makes 91X unique?

We've been around for a long ass time; in fact 91X is turning 29 in January. So respecting that kind of heritage, as well as striving each day to reflect the present tastes and interests of this community is something truly unique to this station. That's why we don't follow the chart... we make the chart. Seriously -- show of hands -- how many stations play local artists in regular rotation?

7. What would you describe your night show?

The music is the star! But as for my part, I keep the talk about the music or about the lifestyle of the 91X listener. I try not to geek out on people too much and give them musical Wikipedia. I just want to be their friend on the radio. The person that likes the same music they do, goes to the same shows they do, talks about the same things they do, and maybe makes them laugh every once in a while.

8. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?

The INTERNET! Or this computer, this phonebook, this text message, this cup of 7/11 coffee, this QOTSA CD, or this chair...

9. What do you like best about living in San Diego?

Hmmm... Let me think about that while I watch the sunset into the ocean closing out yet another 75 and sunny day here in SD. You know I'm not sure... I'll have to get back to you on this one.

10. What would surprise people most about you?

Usually it's how long I've been in radio. But sometimes my random adventures shock people too, like when I went to the rally to restore sanity in D.C. or when I did the running of the bull's thing in Pamplona.

What are your hobbies?

I don't know if it's a hobby, but I'm a reddit addict. I'm really into traveling too, Australia's up next!

Last non-industry job?

Customer Service representative (a.k.a. bank teller) at Charter One Bank. People seriously do not know how to manage their money... Just get an atm card! Stop overdrawing your damn account because you use your debit card like a credit card! Sorry I think I still have some residual frustration... (LOL)

First record ever purchased?

My parents bought me a sesame street disco record when I was born. So I didn't technically buy it but it was mine (haha).

First concert?

Just like a lot of other kids I went to a bunch of different shows at fairs and amusement parks and such with the fam. But the first show I ever bought a ticket to was a Z100 show when I was in high school. All these random acts played, and I'm pretty sure Robyn was there. See I pretty much was always supporting radio!

Favorite band of all-time?

Led Zeppelin. I dug 'em when I was growing up and then when I got older and understood the double entendre they got even better!