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10 Questions with ... Hilary Chambers
August 30, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started with a specialty show on KNAC while still in college, moved to Denver for 2 years (for brief stints at 92X, KBPI, & KTCL), then scored afternoons at 91X in 1997. Was here almost a decade, moved to KBZT (with Garett & Halloran) in 2008, stayed there 8 years but missed Hal's stories about hanging out with Eddie Vedder too much, so I'm back!
1. How did you first become interested in radio?
I was obsessed with music and radio as a teenager - I grew up listening to KNAC & KROQ and I worshipped their jocks (Tami Heide, Jed The Fish, Kevin & Bean, Paul, Darren, & Thrasher specifically). Being a DJ seemed like the most fun job in the world, so when I started UCI, I joined the KUCI staff and decided to try to make it happen.
2. What stands out the most from when you first started working at 91X in 1997?
That the staff was truly like a family. Cantore, Muckley, Trev, Bryan - we all hung out together ALL THE TIME outside of the station and we had so much fun, and I think that translated on the air. That, and walking into the studio to find Rossman was peeing into the trashcan. Sweet, sweet memories.
3. After 8 years at cross-town Alternative KBZT, what led you back to 91X?
The opportunity to work with Garett and Halloran again, the chance to be MD, the station itself; 91X just feels like my radio home.
4. What is it about 91X that you love so much?
How much time do we have? I love the people & how incredibly supportive the company is from top to bottom, but more than anything, I love that every day we are building upon the station's history and heritage AND creating its future by being flexible, hyper-local, and innovating in ways that make the station feel so alive, musically, promotionally, digitally, in every way. There is so much good energy here and everyone's voice and input feels valued. I adore this place, I really do. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world right now.
5. How would you describe yourself on-air?
Slightly off-kilter. I can be straightforward but am happiest when I can let my freak flag fly and have learned that for me, it's about finding a good balance between the two.
6. Tell us about the 91X music meeting.
These are rad. Every other Wednesday night we get a bunch of food and open up the big conference room to anyone who wants to come; staff (sales, promotions, anyone), record reps and management, local musicians, random listeners, you name it. We listen to all kinds of new music; everyone rates it & picks their top 5. We use the data in our weekly core programming staff music meetings (Garett, Hal, Adam & I) and it certainly can make a difference in what we play on the air.
7. What is your favorite part of your job?
Hal's Eddie Vedder stories! Also: playing music I love with people I love on a station I'm really proud to be a part of - it all rules.
8. After 20 years in the market, what do you like best about living in San Diego?
Everything but the traffic. This city has such a great vibe. It's so beautiful, the food and beer and music scenes are vibrant & exciting, the mix of people and cultures is so great, and I can hike in the morning and swim in the ocean in the afternoon. And it's a great place to raise my daughter. SD totally has my heart.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Coffee, kisses, music, & fresh air.
10. What would surprise people most about you?
I'm an introvert. I think it's one of the things I love about being on the air - I get to be alone (most of the time) in the studio for 4 hours every day. I love people but am not comfortable socially unless I'm around people I know really well. I am good at faking it though... you kinda have to be.
Bonus Questions
What are weekends typically like for you?
Time with my family and boyfriend is my priority. In the summer it's at the beach, in the winter we hike or head to the snow. I like to be outside and LOVE trying new places to eat and drink too.
What are your hobbies?
Since I had my daughter (she's 9 now) it feels like, what hobbies? But I do like to run when I can, hike, hit the beach, go to shows, and cook.
First record ever purchased?
Duran Duran "Rio" on vinyl, AC/DC "Back In Black" on CD.
First concert?
TSOL
Favorite bands of all-time?
Bob Marley, Phish, & Jason Isbell.
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