10 Questions with ... Krystal "Chica" Montez

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started my radio career in 2015 in Tyler, TX. I was originally hired to do sales but convinced the manager to let me try my hand at the on-air stuff. I worked my way up to having my own midday show and running the production operations out of the secondary office. In May of 2018, I received a phone call from Dusty Hayes (my radio savior) and I jumped at the opportunity to work under him in Shreveport, LA. Now I am the production director, the other half of the Chica and the Bald Guy Morning show on K945 and I am also doing afternoons on Kiss Country 93.7.

1. How would you describe your first radio gig

Three words. Trial by fire! There was no proper training, it was kind of ‘a learn to swim’ or drown situation. I still have flashbacks.

2. What led you to a career in radio?

Radio was always my "dream job." I was waiting tables when my favorite radio station's management, sales reps, and jocks all came in. I expressed an interest in working for them and I had an interview a week later. Basically, I got really lucky.

3. How long has the Chica & The Bald Guy been holding down mornings on K945?

March 19th was a year for us on the air.

4. Are you both going into the station? How’s everything been going during the pandemic?

We had the option to work from home but let's be real, I have no motivation while at home. We have been going in every day. The positivity in the building is contagious. We have a solid group of radio veterans here, so I'm just following their lead. If they scream, I scream. So far, all I am seeing is a strong work ethic and positivity. I am ready for our AE's and other staff to return, I definitely miss them.

5. What have you been doing differently these days?

Checking messages religiously. The way listeners are interacting changed overnight for us. We are used to having people call in and play with us during a traffic jam, now they are listening to the app and messaging us through the app, Instagram, or Facebook instead. I miss picking up the phone in the studio talking to our P 1's.

6. You do wear A LOT of hats in the building? What exactly are all of your duties?

I am the production director, and I do the afternoon show on our Country station, Kiss Country 93.7. Originally that was what I was hired for, but conned my bosses into letting me give mornings a try. So now my daily duties are morning show, production, afternoon show, and 2 blogs a day. It makes for a busy day.

7. “Local local local” has always been radio’s mantra. How do you keep the station visible and involved in the community, especially now?

This is something that Townsquare had figured out a long time ago, and it pays to be innovative. Every DJ in the building writes two articles every day. These articles live on our station's website. Do you need to know about the new restaurant being built down the road from you? Need more info on the Shelter In Place Order? Need to see Adele's new body? It's all on our website or Facebook page. Our station has its finger on the pulse of our community, and we keep them informed, not just on the air, but digitally as well.

8. Which social media platforms do you use to engage with your listeners these days?

I use it all. Snapchat has been the easiest way to connect with listeners. They feel like they are a part of my life, and I feel like I always know what they are up to. I use Facebook and Instagram, however, they don't have that "familiar" feel to them like Snapchat does. Seriously get a Snapchat.

9. What was your favorite station when you were a kid? Jock

I grew up listening to KHOP 95.1 in California's Central Valley, I remember thinking how awesome radio was and how much fun it would be to entertain people every day. Madden & Riley were my favorites when I go visit my dad I always tune in to 95.1.

10. Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?

I have always been a huge fan of Ellen Tailor who was a morning radio champ. She's the Queen Of Positivity--she picks up the phone when I have the dumbest of questions and always reminds me to keep the listener first. Anne Hudson from Austin is the Queen Of Keeping It Local, so I always try and run it past my Anne Hudson filter, "how can I make this local?" Rita Ballou is my "Who gives a crap?" filter. The lady is hilarious and the queen of blogging. I am a fan of all three, and I hope to be half as talented as they are someday.

What do you look forward to most when we make it to the ‘other side’ of these trying times?

I love concerts, maybe I like the overpriced beer or the drunken dude hitting on my missing boot but I can't wait to enjoy live music, in any form. We have the Centurylink Center here that has been on lockdown and at this point, I would even go see Jojo Siwa just to get my concert fix.