10 Questions with ... Angi Taylor

1. Ok Angi…let’s start at the beginning…Where are you originally from and what led you to a career in radio?  

Originally from Minneapolis. What led me to radio was my college bartending job, where the night jock at KDWB (Tony Fly, now of SiriusXM), was doing a weekly appearance and offered me an internship.  I fell in love with radio just answering the request lines.

2. Can you give us a quick overview of some career highlights before your morning gig with WCHI?

I've been fortunate to have been in mornings with some great shows during my career where I've learned so much and found my voice as a personality on air.  Dave Ryan/KDWB, Chio/Q102 Philly, Booker/Q102 Philly, Fred/KISS-Chicago. 

3. You were co-host of iHeartmedia Chicago’s “Fred+Angi Morning Show” on Top 40 WKSC (103.5 KISS-FM) from 2011 until you started at WCHI in 2020. How was the transition from co-host of a Top 40 Morning Show to host of a Rock Morning Show?

It was honestly terrifying for me.  I had worked forever for the stability that Fred & I had finally achieved after 10 years together at KISS. It's not easy to leave the #1 show.  I just felt like I'd reached my peak there and I needed to grow in a space that was exciting and uncomfortable. I'm so happy I made the leap, but there were nights I cried and wondered if I would fail.

4. You’ve been hosting The Angi Taylor Show on WCHI since September 2020. How different is the show now from when you first started, and can you share any special moments as an example of how the morning show has developed?

From when I first started my show it's the comfortability that has changed. I've never hosted my own morning show.  I've never hosted a ROCK morning show. I think when the numbers started coming back that we weren't expecting that early... I knew we were on our way to something special.  

5. Abe Kanan is the producer and a personality on the show. Tell us about working with Abe, and are there any other contributors on the morning show?

I can't even explain what a breath of fresh air Abe Kanan has been.  I feel like you can get thrown into these "work marriages" without really knowing someone and you're expected to make magic.  It's been effortless with Abe.  He has the rock radio cred, an insane work ethic, and he makes me laugh HARD.  It's just been the two of us doing everything, and I've realized more than ever that you don't need to have a whole "zoo" to make a great show.

6. Do you do any special programming or music features on The Angi Taylor Show?

We have a few:

"Kick in the Crotch"- it's the very first song of the morning to get you up and going, super hard metal.

"Request Wars" - Abe and I pick a rock song to play, listeners vote and get to play "program director"

"Don't Kill Angi" - it’s a "choose your own adventure" game where if they pick the right choice I can live or DIE.  (People love to kill me.)

7. I recently saw you and James Howard (iHeartMedia Chicago Senior VP/Programming) on a panel during the All Access Audio Summit, and was struck by how positive and supportive he is of you and your morning show. How important is having that kind of working relationship between you and your PD?

James Howard is like my fairy godfather.  We had some tequila one snowy winter night when he first came to Chicago, and I told him I really wanted my own show.  Two-years later he had enough trust in me to let me lead his baby, ROCK 95-5.  He always listens, always helps create, and is always constructive in both criticism and praise.  The best EVER.

8. You also mentioned that you’re a big Rock fan during that All Access Audio Summit panel. So now it’s time to fess up. Who are some of your favorite Rock artists and/or songs that you play on your morning show?

I'm a rock fan, rap fan, pop fan.  I think it's weird if you only listen to ONE kind of music.  Especially when you grew up in the MTV era that played it all. My favorites that we play are Motley Crue, Alice in Chains, Metallica, and Fall Out Boy.

9. After working for years on Top 40 morning shows, and now anchoring your own Rock morning show, I’d love to get your perspective on the State of Rock Radio for you in 2022?

What I've noticed, especially with our format that lives in the 90s/2000s range of rock, is that these anthems are the ultimate nostalgia and deep in our listener's soul. They're the high school and college keg party songs, the reminder of simpler times. There's some new great rock out there and I hope there's kids out there starting their garage bands and perfecting their rock star swagger... we're ready for you!

10. Finally, what do you like to do when you’re not in radio “work” mode? Do you have any special hobbies you care to share?

Sleep, for one.  That 3:15 alarm is a bitch!  Right now, I'm training for my 5th Chicago Triathlon.  Spending time with my husband, friends, and a glass of red or shot of Jack is always on the menu!