10 Questions with ... Billy Vidal

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I got my start in radio on KMEL back in 1987, I worked there for 9 years. Then I briefly worked at KYLD (WiLD 949). I was out for quite a few years until I heard Q102 on my radio when it launched. I loved the music and reached out to the OM and she put me in contact with the PD. I was working for Q102 within a few weeks. I have been truly blessed in this industry.

1. What got you into radio?

I was a club dj in San Francisco working for Cameron Paul and he gave Keith Naftaly (KMEL) my demo and I was hired to be a Powermixer in 1987.

2. What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?

I’ve always loved radio. I grew up listening to Dr. Don Rose, Dr. Demento and was totally fascinated by their personalities and how they could make you see what they were saying.

3. Who were some of your radio mentors?

Keith Naftaly, Hosh Gureli, Dave Shakes, Elroy Smith and Michael Martin. (Like I said “I’ve been truly blessed.”)

4. You are Bay Area radio veteran. How has the competitive spirit of the market shaped you as a programmer and personality?

The competitive spirit drives us to try and be better and I think that pushes everyone in the market. As a programmer, each market wants authenticity and it helps being a Bay Area native. I’ve lived this music and the experiences that went along with them.

5. What would probably surprise most people about the Bay Area?

How small and connected it really is. It's the epitome of “six degrees of separation”. Somehow, someone knows someone that knows you

6. The beauty of playing "Old School"?

It’s that unique feeling of nostalgia we are able give our listeners that brings real joy to me. I love hearing from our listeners about the first time they heard that song or what the experience was when they heard it. It’s beautiful!

7. If you weren't in radio, what do you think you'd be doing professionally?

Hating whatever it is because I’m not in radio!

8. What do you like to do in your spare time?

LOL what’s spare time???

9. If you could be on any TV reality show or game show, which would you want to be on?

Watch What Happens Live. Andy Cohen is the best interviewer on TV and it doesn’t hurt to have a bar with real alcohol.

10. Fifteen years from now, which new artists are going to be played on a station like, Q102?

If it was purely math…Drake, Justin and Ariana, but it will be more about texture and how we weave them all together.

If you had to eat one type of meal every day for a month, what would it be?

A burrito. So much can go into a tortilla!

Your "go to" San Francisco restaurant?

Very difficult in a city with 3,000 restaurants, but anything Michael Mina.