10 Questions with ... Summer James

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I've been from one awesome coast to the other. No stopping Baby! I finally landed in San Diego at KSCF Sophie@103.7 doing afternoons from 2:30 -7p.

Prior to that I was at KYSR (Star 98.7) Los Angeles from 7-Midnight (Total Control) and Rocker WKZQ (101.7)/Myrtle Beach, SC where I was full-time on-air, APD/MD and "Live Broadcast Queen." I also did a stint at KCAL (96.7 ROCKS)/Riverside-San Bernardino.

1) What Got You Interested In Radio?

I wanted to be THAT voice that someone heard when they drove into a new city that made them feel at home. Or the friend on the radio you could turn on whenever you needed one. I love theatre of the mind. You are whatever the listener thinks you are! And BONUS! I get to share our incredible music collection with you!

2) Who do you consider your radio mentors?

My radio support system, my long time radio listeners, and my brutally honest critics "SuperMom." and my bro Mike.

Mixin' Dixon -You may not have heard of him, but he was legend in Myrtle Beach! He was a great, great man and a great DJ. He always said "When it isn't fun-Get out!" And "It's nice to be important but it's more important to be nice" and "all you can do is share the music collection in a unique way…just be yourself." We just lost him last year so I am honored to be able to tell you in cyber print that he touched a lot of people, and I can only hope in my career to be that lucky.

I recently adopted Sam Bass who does middays at our sister AC KYXY down here 'cuz he's awesome. Bill Hennecy (a.k.a Hen-man), who is the GM of WKZQ. He said, "Hey Buddy" a lot, which to me meant "I could order a convertible for the station vehicle." I later learned it was an expression like "good morning" and did not in fact mean I could be in every parade in that convertible I ordered. Hmm, who knew? He also said 'Use your invisible keys' either you understand that one or you don't. *Your station is only a big as you make it.

3) Haven't I seen you in the movies? Or on maybe on TV?

Yes, I have booked a variety of roles in some films. I was also on a super great game show called "Instant Recall' featuring the legendary radio and game show host Wink Martindale, and... I am somewhere on the street right now with a camera looking for someone to interview. Oh yes, an up and coming show www.upupdowndowntheseries.com. If you care to donate they are trying to finish the series.

4) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?

I still have four grand in my savings for my Lemon quench stand with big beach wheels. But seriously, I would be writing jingles and slogans. Actually if you need some let me know! Lemon quench or slogans!

5) What makes the San Diego market unique? How does this compare to other markets or stations you have worked at?

San Diego is fantastic! The biggest small-town I know. It's huge with everything you could ever want but with a very local feel and that makes it a challenge. Our listeners come from everywhere to hang out here for a summer or a school session or a weekend. We have to touch them and still stay in tune with our true locals.

6) What is it about Sophie @103.7 that you feel really makes it cut through?

Sophie is every person you meet. All of our talent is so unique in lifestyle and flavor that together we make up what San Diego is at its core. If a listener ever gives us a minute of their time they will usually come back for more.

8) What do you view as the most important issue facing radio today?

Sometimes radio tries to be everything or something else. I think we have to remember we are all unique. There is NOTHING like real radio with real local commercials and real DJ's that live there to give you the feel of a city. And it's freeee! Plus, when there is an earthquake or a hurricane your iPod won't be there to help! (Try calling it right now) "Hello?, Hello? Hellooooooo?!?!?"

And finally, I know it sounds old school, but don't forget to get out there and meet your listeners!

9) What do you like best about working in the Hot AC format compared to other genres?

Hot AC is by far the most widely accepted and considered the most "family friendly." It is also usually the station that you hear whenever you're put on hold. Even when you call a Rock station they aren't the station on hold!

10) What is the one truth that has held constant in your career?

Nobody can tell you what they want in a jock. You just have to do what you do and hope it flies.

And air-check yourself. That's not the recording! That IS the way you sound!

1) What are your thoughts on the new season of American Idol?

I LOVE Steven Tyler. The three judges together are kind of bananas but it works. It's one to watch. If they just had a radio girl on there doing back stage commentary it would take the load of off Ryan. Hey wait! I am a radio girl!!

2) What do you like to read?

Billboards! Or my name in lights! Or a combination of the two!

3) What's the closest you ever came to getting arrested for an on-air stunt? Or did you actually get arrested?

I'm not allowed to discuss it.

4) Do you have any good stalker stories?

Um yes here's a short stalker story... Have you ever walked outside your house and seen fast food bags and cigarette butts outside your windows in the bushes? I have.

5) Who is your best friend in the business?

Those who had my back when I was on the beach, you know who you are. Especially Michelle Parisi, Deanna Despot, Jim Villanueva, Dan Larkin, Tommy Nast, record rep extraordinaire Artie Gentile, and good ole' All Access' Markie Strickland.