10 Questions with ... Miles 'the DJ' Anzaldo

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Radio programmer and host, club DJ. 2003-2014: KITS/San Francisco, Assistant Music Director, midday host, and Programming/Production Assistant. 2014-2015: Slacker Radio, curator. 2015-March 2018: KQGO/Minneapolis, Assistant Program Director, Music Director, afternoon host.

1. How did you land your dream job at KROQ?

Los Angeles is my home. After moving to Minneapolis in 2015, I'd still visit my family and friends on a regular basis. Last December, I was in town attending Almost Acoustic Christmas. I made it a point to let Kevin Weatherly and Jeff Federman know I was the right person for the newly vacant MD position. Sure, I may or may not have been a little aggressive with my approach, but it worked out when I was invited to come in for a formal interview. My respect for KROQ, love for Los Angeles and passion for the alternative music format is what I hoped to convey. A few weeks later, I received a call from Kevin to offer me the job. Certainly the most rewarding and humbling moment of my career to date.

2. What's it like working for Kevin Weatherly and competing against ALT 98.7's Lisa Worden, who was in your position at KROQ for over 20 years?

I find competition motivating. Creatively, it can bring the best work out of someone. I've experienced it during my previous stop and find it motivating. Working with Kevin Weatherly was ALWAYS the goal. To have accomplished it is still quite surreal. Our rapport is great and I've already learned a great deal about strategy under his watch. The way he approaches radio and understands Los Angeles helps me execute the job to the high standard I set for myself. Being Kevin's music director gives me a strong desire to "win" - I love that feeling.

3. You are fortunate to have two mentors in your family, your dad Anthony Anzaldo and Uncle Terry Anzaldo. Plus, you got your start in the business at the influential KITS/San Francisco where you spent over 10 years working with Michael Martin that set you up to take your career to KQGO (GO 96.3)/Minneapolis and now KROQ. What have you learned from each and who else has been a strong influence on your career?

When it comes to my adolescent/pre-radio days, it's really my dad who I learned the most from. Some of my earliest memories come from seeing him DJ on the radio in Las Vegas, doing homework in his office (while he worked for MCA records) and even tagging along on the job a few times. His work ethic instilled a great appreciation within me for the record industry. Being a promo person is a grind and I respect every one of them.

If I was ever in a transition period, his door was always open to me. He's a selfless person who has the ability to compartmentalize professional responsibilities while being a great father. It means the world.

Michael Martin's programming is something I admired (particularly as a fan of San Francisco radio) for years before his start at KITS. Those "BOMB" concerts in the Bay were LEGENDARY!!! Michael's guidance inspired me to learn as much as I possibly could. Not only did my production/imaging skills improve, but he helped me become a better programmer and broadcaster. His persistence to be #1 drove me to be as motivated as I am today.

I could write a book talking about the rest of my professional influences. There are a plethora of others I have learned from, but one in particular I'd like to acknowledge is Sam Elliot Gagliardi. Beyond having a brilliant mind for radio, Sam has become a father-like figure to me. His level of intellect, progressiveness and analytical skills remain a constant source of inspiration. I can say with one hundred percent certainty I would not have been ready for KROQ without his mentoring.

4. How would you describe your approach and style as Music Director?

I think it's important to reflect Los Angeles, acknowledge KROQ's history by playing some classic alternative records, and creating new ones by supporting new music. Shining a spotlight on new artists is my favorite part of the job.

That reminds me, I need to give some props to Aaron Axelsen. I was his AMD for years before landing in L.A. My approach was somewhat molded by his work.

5. What is most important to you when considering new KROQ music?

KROQ's on-air staff connects the L.A. audience to the station. If I think they'll be excited about a new song (or its story) it will be considered. How a song performs in the weekly music meeting also carries a ton of weight, which leads us to...

6. Tell us about the weekly music meeting and how you're using social media to announce weekly adds to the KROQ playlist.

Every Tuesday we invite members of the record industry, managers, agents, local concert bookers/promoters, bands, listeners etc. into Kevin's office for our weekly "Kevin's Considerations" music meeting. We listen to approximately 25 songs, rate them, and talk about them and (along with feedback from the audience on social media) ultimately decide on what to add. We then film (and post) a video of Kevin calling the respective label with the news. It's a fun way to engage with our listeners while showing them what goes on behind the scenes.

7. What do you miss most about no longer having a regular on-air shift and how do you stay connected with the KROQ listeners?

I haven't had a chance reflect on it, so I'm glad to be asked. It's still fresh. The last time I cracked a mic was only two months ago and I still jump on KROQ with the air staff from time to time. I love being on the air. I love being hands on, running the board, talking calls (yes we still get some), telling jokes, responding to texts, coming up with content and being recognized by the listening audience. I love expressing my passion for music to those who feel the same.

8. What else has changed working at KROQ compared to your last job at GO 96.3?

In addition to being a host at Go 96.3, I was co-managing the air staff with Sam. At KROQ, I'm called on to focus most of my time on our music and events. I've also had a slight change in mindset having been (part of) building a brand to helping maintain one. KROQ is the station who set the tone for the format I love. As I mentioned earlier, I have an enormous amount of respect for this brand and I'm aware of how rare the opportunity I have is. It's a responsibility I carry with me to work every day.

9. What is a typical workday like for you?

Mondays are for putting together a plan for the week, Tuesdays are set aside for the Kevin's Considerations music meeting, Wednesdays are when I meet with labels in person. I try to get ahead on music scheduling on Thursday and Friday. Weekends are generally spent catching up on new music. And I'll usually see a handful of shows every week after work.

10. Now that you're getting settled back home in California, what do you love most about living in L.A. and what do you miss from The Bay Area?

Los Angeles almost feels like a state in it of itself. Each neighborhood has its own charm. Los Angeles is diverse with something for everyone. The weather is ridiculous and there's always something to do. My heart may always be in San Francisco, but it's relatively close. I make an effort to visit a few times a year. I do miss my friends, the venues, the clubs, and of course, walking up and down Valencia St on a Saturday.

You're a huge Golden State Warriors fan. How do you stay plugged in on Warriors Basketball with your busy schedule?

I watch as much as I can. Even if I miss a game I'll get alerts on my phone and read recaps online. I make it a point to listen to a few Warriors related podcasts during the week. I never missed a Warriors game in Minneapolis and plan on seeing them whenever they visit STAPLES Center. 2019 playoffs, perhaps?

What are weekends like for you and how much of it is consumed by music?

Every day is consumed by music, but I'll typically spend my weekends with the intention of finding new music. Staying ahead of the curve has always been important to me (and there's no better feeling like finding a great new song. Beyond listening to music, I'll hang out with my siblings, meet up with a friend for brunch, probably see a show, maybe spend some time at Manhattan Beach, go for a run, drink a glass (or two) of rosé. I do love rosé. No shame.

Several years ago you told me your first concert was Meat Loaf when you were growing up in Detroit. Let's flash forward to 2018, what new artist has blown you away the most live recently?

Ha! Funny enough, my brother and I were recently talking about that faithful night. I was reminded it was actually in New Jersey during my father's stint at MCA. I think I was 7 years old. In any event, I'll cheat and mention two: Cigarettes After Sex at the Ace Hotel and Gang Of Youths at the Moroccan Lounge.

What concerts would be in your Top 5 of all-time?

These are the types of questions I'd typically spend hours to get right. In the spirit of spontaneity, here's what pops into my head:

• Radiohead - Santa Barbara Bowl - 2008
• Arcade Fire - Henry Miller Library in Big Sir - 2010
• Roger Waters "The Wall" - AT&T Park, San Francisco, 2012
• Prince - Paisley Park, Minnesota - 2016
• LCD Soundsystem - Hollywood Bowl - 2018

Anything else you would like to add?

I want to give a shout out to the entire KROQ staff. Kevin and Bean, Kat Corbett, Nicole Alvarez, Ted Stryker and Megan Holiday are the absolute best at what they do. Their work ethic and passion is nothing short of infectious. Bonus shout out to Music Coordinator Jessica Shalvoy who is a rising star in this radio game. Keep an eye on her. Every single KROQ employee, from sales to promotions, is an absolute pro and they're a big reason why I love my job so much. I'm grateful to work with each and every one of them.