10 Questions with ... Rich "DJ Riddler" Pangilinan

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started my radio career as a Mixshow DJ with then-PD Steve Smith and MD Michael Newman at KNRJ/Houston, then mixed for then-PD Tom Poleman and MD Paul Cubby Bryant at KRBE/Houston with other mix show duties at KHFI/Austin and KTFM/San Antonio. In 1995, I moved to NY to work for Tommy Boy Records in A&R and Promotions. In 1996, I was reunited with Tom Poleman and Paul Bryant at WHTZ (Z100) as one of their mix show DJs. In 1997, I co-produced my first Gold single, "The Jock Jam (Megamix)," peaking at #31 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2000, I joined WKTU as their on-air mixer.

I've also had stints with Capitol Records, MCA Records and Ultra Records, doing A&R and Promotion. As an artist, I've been signed to Tommy Boy, MCA, Ultra Records and Strictly Rhythm, and released several CD compilations and albums. Billboard lists me as one of the Top-10 Selling Artists of All Time in the Dance/Electronic Sales Chart with 11 entries. I've produced and remixed over 200 projects, including, in 2016, serving as Co-Producer for Pitbull feat. Lil Jon "The Anthem."

In 2008 I moved to Houston and helped launch KKHH (Hot 95.7) as their first Mix show DJ. In 2016 I was named APD and MD for KKHH before the format flip on Dec. 30th, 2016. In March of 2017, I was named MD/afternoon-drive personality for KROI (92.1 Radio Now).

1) What led you to a career in radio?

The old cliche'... I didn't pick radio but radio picked me. Every time I made a career change, radio has always been there to fall back on or to suck me back in. Radio is in my DNA.

2) What makes your station unique? How would you compare it to other stations you've worked at?

I believe Radio Now is unique in that we don't do a lot of "traditional" Mainstream Top 40 stuff. For example, we have the shortest commercial stopsets in the market - two-minute commercial breaks. We also are positioning ourselves as the New Music leader in the market. In our short time, we've introduced and broken several songs into the marketplace, like Play N Skillz, Frankie J, Becky G, Cap G "Si Una Vez," Imagine Dragons "Believer" and Calvin Harris "Slide," to name a few. We are also out in the streets with our street team and social media, really targeting Millennials.

3) Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?

I'm definitely wearing "different" hats this time around. It's been a lot of fun being on-air as a personality and doing all the nerdy research and music stuff. I love it all!

4) Who handles your imaging, and what voices are you using?

We use The Mix Group and Dee Garcia from Hot 97.7 Phoenix is the voice for Radio Now, and they Rock!

5) "Local local local" has always been radio's mantra. How do you keep your station visible and involved in the community?

Even before I got here, Radio One has always been very active with the community. They do a great job working with the Mayor's office and the various community groups. I bring a unique perspective that specifically targets our 18-34 audience. Being a DJ at the biggest events and nightclubs around Houston gives the radio station an instant platform to promote and be visible in the community.

6) What is the most challenging part of the job?

Getting people to know we are here. I think that once people hear us, they will like it, but it's just getting people to know we exist.

7) What's the coolest promotion you've been involved with recently?

The coolest promotion recently was last summer when we put together Ditch Fridays. It was a once-a-month pool party at the hottest Day Club (Clé Houston) where you would ditch work on a Friday to come party with girls in bikinis, and Steve Aoki throwing cake at people.

8) What's the coolest promotion you've EVER been involved with?

The coolest promotion EVER has to be Z100 Jingle Ball. I was at the very first one and got to DJ at Madison Square Garden before the show. That was an honor!

9) Of all the remixes you've done, which is your favorite?

My favorite remix of all time that I've done was Christina Aguilera "Beautiful" (Al B Rich Remix) for many personal reasons. I will never forget it because New Year's Eve 2003, I was hanging out at Sound Factory Nightclub in NYC and saw Deborah Cox perform live. Her performance inspired me and gave me ideas for the remix. The next day, I went into the studio with my partner and that remix changed the way I approached doing remixes.

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

Believe in yourself. Never doubt yourself and just believe you can do it.

For someone vacationing in your market, what one thing would you say they "must see?"

All of our museums. Besides NY, Houston has the largest museum district in the country. They are all great!