-
10 Questions with ... Rudy Palominos
January 13, 2015
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started doing college radio in 1997 at MJC. I got my first radio job in 1999 at KHTN (Hot 105) in Merced. I moved to Reno in 2004 to do mornings at KWYL (Wild 102.9). In 2010, I started work at KWNZ where I became PD. A year, I transitioned to KLCA (Alice@96.5) doing middays. In 2013, I started programming KSGG (Swag 104.9) and joined the Alice Morning Show with Bill & Connie.
1. What got you into radio?
I've always had a passion for music. I fell in love with Hip-Hop in the 80's when I heard Egypt Egypt, and the neighborhood kids were breakdancing. I was mesmerized by the culture and by the time I was a teenager in the early 90's I wanted to be an MC. I got involved with a radio club in high school and started writing rhymes with some friends. In 1994 at my first job I met a great friend of mine Jason Gulley. He was DJ'ing and mixing out of his home, and myself being an aspiring MC, we instantly clicked. We dedicated our time to making music, learning production and recording. In 1997 we enrolled in the radio communications program at the junior college, and started my first radio show.
2. What did you want to be when you were a kid?
When I was a kid, I always wanted to be a veterinarian. I took animal science classes in high school and after a few dissection projects found out I didn't have the stomach for it.
3. What's probably the biggest programming challenge in Reno?
One of the biggest challenges programming in Reno would probably be making my station sound as unique as possible. We have quite a few Top 40 and Crossover signals here in the market. I really try to hyper focus on the rhythm records and lean as Hip Hop as possible, without going too street. Also playing classic Hip-Hop and throwback records every hour, and staying away from the Pop records. That gives Swag 104.9 it's recognizable sound.
4. Aren't you practically a newlywed?
Yes, I've been married for a year and a half. It's been fantastic since the day I met my wife. I met her here in Reno at a Tattoo shop where I get my ink. She was working for a host family in Reno as a nanny, and happened to get tattooed at the shop I go to. We made an instant connection. After meeting, we had to do a long distance relationship for six months, due to her work visa expiring and she had to return to Germany. So I made the trip to Europe to ask her parents for their blessing. And after much paperwork from Homeland Security and Immigration, we are happily married.
5. What would probably surprise most people about living and working in Reno?
I think the biggest surprise would be that Reno is not Vegas' armpit. People who live and work here love the area, the outdoors and the beautiful scenery. Families love raising their children here, and many people are 2nd, 3rd and even 4th generation Nevadans. There is so much history in the Reno/Carson City area, it only takes a short drive away from town and you can feel that old Wild West spirit.
6. What's your favorite song on the station?
Right now I'm really feeling B.o.B. - Not for Long. It's has a smooth laid back sound, with clever and fun lyrics.
7. If you weren't in radio what do you think you'd be doing professionally?
I would probably be a teacher. I had a few obstacles during my school years and I would love to be that person encouraging kids to never give up.
8. What do you like to do in your spare time?
My spare time is filled with listening to Hip-Hop records from my teenage years. And doing anything artistic, I'm drawing and painting all the time.
9. If you could be on any TV reality show or game show, which would you want to be on?
It would have to be Family Feud or The Newlywed Game. My wife and I are constantly playing along with The Feud and do pretty good. With The Newlywed Game, I think it would just be a great time and for many, you only get to be a newlywed once.
10. Has Bill Schulz been a mentor or has he corrupted all that was ever good about you?
LOL! I'm not easily corrupted. Bill Schulz has been a good boss, mentor and friend. Through the daily radio hustle, he's always taught me to get the job done and still have fun with it. We are also very fortunate to work for a small company that still allows PD's to have hands on programming.
Bonus Questions
If you had to eat one type of meal everyday for a month, what would it be?
Mexican food, hands down. I grew up in a restaurant family. My grandfather owned three Mexican restaurants. My father cooked for him, my mom was a waitress. Most of my weekends growing up were spent helping with the family business, and eating delicious traditional Mexican cuisine.
Do you have a 'dream' radio market?
My life long dream market would be San Fransisco and working for KMEL. Living in Modesto, I would constantly go to the Bay, and you know my radio was always locked on 106.1. It would be a blessing and honor to be on the airwaves of such a heritage station.
-
-