10 Questions with ... Natalie Eshaya

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

2001 intern for Gary Spears on 102.7 KIIS-FM, 2001-2004 phone op/producer for JOJO On The Radio 102.7 KIIS-FM, 2004-2010 on-air w/ Ryan Seacrest Sr. Producer (102.7 KIIS-FM and syndicated national show).

1. How did you become interested in radio?

I've always loved music more than anything -- and couldn't think of a better place to try and get myself into!

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

Nothing is worse than when you stack a pile of CDs and carts in order and they get knocked over....and the studio was always freezing, bring a sweater.

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

The best part is bringing great music, new and old, to our listeners all day, every day.

Least: When my alarm goes off at 4a.

4. What has been your biggest challenge moving from KIIS to 98-7fm?

KIIS is a heritage station and huge brand, 98-7 is still on the new side, which makes some things harder sometimes, but at the same time THAT much more exciting. I LOVE a challenge -- and this is a fun one!

5. What is most important to you when championing new music for 98-7fm?

There's a big difference between liking a song and LOVING a song. When I can't get a song out of my head and I have it on repeat -- it's usually on it's way to becoming a favorite! And this is SO cheesy; I love a song that makes you "feel" something, anything -- happy, sad, angry, hopeful, and hopeless. I love that. I think it's important when a band sets themselves apart from everyone else with their sound. Also, social media is a great resource -- I LOVE seeing what people have to say about the music they listen to whether it's on Spotify, iheartradio, Twitter, Facebook. I love when bands/artists interact with 98-7 via social media -- even better is seeing them interact with their fans! (I used the word LOVE a lot in this answer ... yikes!)

6. How are you using social networking?

I have personal Facebook and Twitter accounts -- and religiously use both. SUCH a great way to connect with people and share opinions. We use both here at 98-7 -- perfect way to engage with listeners and hear what they have to say -- so important!

7. What are you most passionate about?

Music, pop culture, and TV (right now: the Conrad Murray trial).

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

Coffee, music, and Facebook.

9. What would surprise people most about you?

Most people know that I am a HUGE Incubus fan-- what most people don't know is that I must have seen them live 20 times (at least) while they were touring to promote "Morning View." I spent SO much money on concert tickets during that tour that when they played in Reno, I couldn't afford hotels anymore -- so my friends and I went to eat after the show, then slept at the Reno airport until our flight. I even went to the California Mid-State Fair to see them that year. And that is JUST gross. It smelled like cows everywhere!

10. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

ALWAYS give everything you do 110% -- or stay home.

What are your hobbies?

TV (lots of TV), movies, concerts, working out (I try).

Last non-industry job?

In 2000, I worked in retail for a few months at French Connection in Beverly Hills. I folded, hung, and sold clothes.

First record ever purchased?

New Kids On The Block "Hangin' Tough" in 1989, but the cooler answer here is Rancid '...And Out Come the Wolves' (1995-ish) when my taste in music changed (for the better). Nirvana, Bob Marley, Soundgarden, Green Day, Beastie Boys were all purchased very soon after.... (And yes, I still have ALL those CDs!)

First concert?

Boyz II Men, TLC, and Montell Jordan in 1995 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Favorite band of all-time?

It literally makes my head hurt trying to answer this question. There isn't just one, and there never could be, unless you consider elvisbeatlesrollingstonesledzeppelingunsnrosesnirvanabobmarleypearljambeastieboysjohnnycashsublimeicecubesnoopdogdrdreincubusfoofightersbritneyspearsbeyonceladygaga a band.