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10 Questions with ... Tino Cochino
January 3, 2017
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- KBTE (104.9 The Beat)/Lubbock, TX (nights)
- KSTQ (Hot 104.3)/Lubbock, TX (nights)
- KPWT (Power 106.7)/San Antonio, TX (nights)
- KISV (Hot 94.1)/ Bakersfield, CA (nights)
- KKFR (Power 98.3)/Phoenix, AZ (afternoons)
1. What got you into radio?
I was 13 years old. I literally walked out of school and set up directly across the street was the first local rhythmic radio station the city had ever heard. My grandmother would pick me up every day in the exact spot that the station was set up that day. She saw that I was intrigued and started taking me to every remote, after a few months, the jocks decided I should be productive since I was there and they basically took me under their wing.
2. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I had no idea when I was super young. It honestly hit me when I walked up to that tent the very first time at 13 years old. Everyone seemed to be having such a good time, the music was fun and it was an amazing energy. I knew radio is what I wanted to do from then on.
3. Who is on the show with you and what are their roles?
My team is the truth. Let's start on the syndicated side of things. They are more than co-workers, they are truly two of my best friends and amazing individuals. Let's start with my digital content director, Plaz. Every engaging video you see posted on our social media outlets has been created by this man. He's a visual genius and adds an amazing comedic element to the on-air side of things. Milli Rodriguez is my social media specialist, she does a phenomenal job at prepping our daily show and gathering all of the topical stories and entertainment. She's young, passionate and beyond dedicated. Locally in Phoenix, I have two of the most amazing mixers to ever touch the turntables. DJ Chris Villa is without a doubt is one of the most talked about and talented mixers anywhere in the world. We also just added a living legend, a hip-hop icon, the official DJ for Nas, DJ Green Lantern.
4. You're enjoying quite a bit of success with syndication of Tino Cochino Radio. Was there a specific moment when a light bulb went on that said, "Let's do this"?
I can't think of a specific moment. We had been talking about it for a while. Mikey Fuentes and I are both extreme radio nerds. We're constantly reviewing stations, shows and personalities across the country to both learn and get inspired. The truth of the matter is, it's hard to find good radio these days. From corporate limitations to complacent personalities, it's tough to find products and brands that truly stand out. We believe in our brand, content, and what we produce. This isn't just a job, we live this! Personally, I feel my team and I have what it takes to be engaging, topical and relatable on-air, on-line, and on-site in any market. Not to mention, it's PPM friendly. We simply want to make listening to the radio fun again.
5. What's the most exciting part about the syndication of Tino Cochino Radio?
The fact that it's working! :) We were in Portland over the weekend for an event with our Alpha Media affiliate, WE 96-3. We were approached by fans in the lobby who won tickets and are in love with our show. We recently had a conversation with "Caroline" hit maker Amine who was showing nothing but love to our online content. We didn't even know he knew of us. Lol! Social media interaction from San Antonio, local Phoenix support, it's just an amazing feeling to see the positive engagement from every market. On top of that, the programmers that have picked up the show seem to beyond happy with our execution and delivery. That's such a rewarding feeling. The Program Director is the captain of the ship, his direction will either lead you to the promised land or sink the ship. Knowing that they believe in our show enough to let us on board is the biggest win. We will definitely do our part to WIN.
6. How do you find balance between your specific duties with KKFR and the needs of your Tino Cochino Radio syndication clients?
Everything is done real time. Nothing is pre-produced a day in advance or anything like that. We do everything local then customize for syndication during stopset. We want the show to be as topical as possible. We even customize certain breaks for each city depending on local news/events in the market. It was definitely tough at first but I practiced this execution daily months before we launched and now, it's just a normal day at the office ;)
7. If you weren't in radio, what do you think you'd be doing professionally?
I literally have no idea. None!
8. Is After The Show still on TV in Phoenix? How did that come about?
We're wrapping up our second season and couldn't be happier. In this season alone we featured Nick Cannon, YG, Kid Ink, JoJo, Michael Blackson, DJ Drama, MadeInTYO, DJ Infamous, Joey Badass, The Americanos, B.O.B., Machine Gun Kelly, Tech N9ne, Russ, Jacquees, Mac Miller, Lloyd, and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie. It's crazy! We also provide weekly YouTube versions of the show for each TCR affiliate that way they have original content for their station website.
9. Who are some of your music and radio mentors?
Without a doubt, Tony Manero. The fact he gave me a chance at such a young age is priceless, I'll forever be grateful. Eric Sean truly helped mold me into the personality I am today. His wisdom and guidance helped our station in San Antonio do things that had never been done before. That station (KPWT) truly had potential, those were some of the best years of my life. Eric ended up becoming my manager and we moved to LA after the station in San Antonio flipped. We went on the road, promoted songs, and built amazing relationships. He opened my eyes to the bigger picture and I'm lucky to still call him my friend. Mikey Fuentes, what can I say about this man. He gave me my biggest break by offering me an on-air position at the one and only KKFR. His leadership is one of a kind. He has a vision and knows how to execute flawlessly. I knew TCR would be a success simply because Mikey Fuentes believed in it. I've had the opportunity to work with, and just be inspired by so many amazing people. Much respect to Phil Becker, Lucky, J. Reed, Crisco Kidd, Boy Loco aka Jesse Salazar, Terri Thomas, Clarence Barnes, Carlos Duran, Big Boy, DJ Skooby Jones, J. Cruz, Gilbert Saldana, Pat Cuellar, Damon Scott, Robby Cruz, Big Bear, etc. The list goes on and on.
10. Don't laugh but what do you like to do in your spare time?
I love going to the movies and trying new restaurants. I also like going to the gym, it's honestly the only place I can go and get my mind off radio...at least for a few minutes.
Bonus Questions
If you had to eat one type of meal everyday for a month, what would it be?
PIZZA!
Your life is certainly very busy. Anything missing or is there something you'd like more time for?
All I can hope for is to become even busier. I want to have one of the most successful radio shows in history. Nothing is missing, we've just got more to gain. That being said, hit up Mikey@TinoCochinoRadio.com and let's get TCR on YOUR station!
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