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10 Questions with ... Miles Anzaldo (aka Miles The DJ)
April 17, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I began working at LIVE 105 in 2003 while I was still in High School. I started as a phone-op and kind of learned the ins and outs of radio by observing my peers. Today, I'm the assistant music director and an air personality. I also handle production duties.
1. How did you become interested in radio?
I grew up in the music industry. My dad (Anthony Anzaldo) worked for some record labels and was a radio and TV personality in Las Vegas where I was born. In the mid-90s, after moving from Vegas to Detroit to New Jersey, he was offered the local SF MCA position and I've been here ever since. Also, my uncle (Terry Anzaldo) worked for Maverick when I was a kid. Being around them (while loving music) is what got me interested in the industry.
2. What part of your job do you like best? Least?
My favorite part of my job is the fact that it doesn't feel like a job at all. I listen to music all day, make radio production, and have an influence over what a legendary station does. It's also a trip for me working under Michael Martin. I admired his programming philosophies years before even being on his team. Learning from him has had an enormous impact on me. My least favorite part of the job is actually something I also love: the pressure. I want LIVE 105 to win and I want to be there for my co-workers 24/7. Though, because of that borderline obsession... I don't really travel much, and I'd like to one day.
3. How has your job changed since adding Asst. MD duties?
Basically, I've become MUCH more active in the programming side of things (where before about 70% of my job was devoted to production). I'm more involved in our music selection and scheduling.
4. Tell us about the Subsonic show you host on Saturday nights?
It's LIVE 105's weekly commercial free electronic show. Three hours of anything you can think of within the umbrella of electronic music. It's a really fun program to put together, especially with the emergence of the genre.
5. What is most important to you when championing new music for the station?
When I go to my team with new music, I want to make sure it's something I really believe in. Will our audience (who I've gotten to know very well over the past nine years) respond to this? Ultimately, after hearing the song and listening to its story I need that positive gut feeling if I'm going to endorse it.
6. What is the most challenging part of your job?
Balancing all of my duties (depending on the day). I wear a lot of hats at LIVE 105 and that can sometimes be very tedious. It's very important to me that nothing falls through the cracks.
7. What are you most passionate about?
Finding new music. I love going through new all of the new releases from major and independent record labels. I believe that the alternative format is shifting to a more contemporary sound and this excites me to no end.
8. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
My new iPad. I love that thing. I also like my headphones. And snacks, I love snacks...
9. What do you like best about living in the Bay Area?
There are so many things I love about the Bay Area. I love how every touring band comes here, I love the weather, the club scene, the diversity, that we have six major sports teams, how you don't NEED a car and that people here like having an alternative station in the market. Living here does not suck at all.
10. What would surprise people most about you?
The amount of money I still spend on music. The Amoeba in SF is my happy place.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
DJing several times a week in Bay Area clubs, playing basketball, collecting vinyl, and seeing live music.
Last non-industry job?
My last (and only) non industry job was in 2002 in the media department at a well known specialty retailer of consumer electronics. I could just mention the place, but I like how that sounds.
First record ever purchased?
I have no idea. It's hard to remember. I had so many CDs and records in the house growing up... Pink Floyd's "The Wall" definitely had the biggest impact on me.
First concert?
Meat Loaf. Somewhere in Detroit. My dad was working the show... and it ruled.
Favorite band of all-time?
Either Arcade Fire or Pink Floyd. No, Weezer... Actually, probably The Ramones. No, The Strokes. Did I say The Strokes? I meant The Beatles. And, by The Beatles I mean Radiohead.
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