10 Questions with ... Anthony "DJ Animal" Garcia

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I consider myself the street king of the 505! 18 years and counting. I’m a Northern New Mexico native, but live and local on KISS 97.

Started off in radio as a comedian in 1998 with a one hour show called Hispanic Hour which led to three and then five hours.

I did mornings on Radio Sol 106.7 with American General Media in October 2001 and stayed for a year.

I went to Univision Radio to be on two Spanish stations in 2002.

I was offered a position on KISS 97.3 In August 2003. I’ve done all dayparts at KISS 97.3 and I’ve also been on the streets all over the 505.

I’ve done radio in other markets with Univision Radio, who has since sold KISS 97.3 to American General Media.

I’ve been a jack of all trades, a stand-up comedian, actor on films and TV series, voiceover, and personal DJ

1.What got you into radio?

I was an up & coming comedian and went in as a guest and came out with a job.

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

An actor and it happened.

3.  What kind of things did you learn about or see in yourself during the pandemic?

Both sad and great life situations. That life is short and that even before the pandemic, my love for people was good, but spread even further now and will continue to bless and I’ll help everyone and anyone, anyway I possibly can. You have to love God, family, and above, all yourself.

4.  How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected your on-air content?

I made sure to not remind people what was going on daily to the best of my ability. Ididn't want them worried or scared, so I encouraged them to Stay Positive & Test Negative! I tried to make them laugh and forget how hard all this is.

5.  What would probably surprise most people about Albuquerque?

That it has some of the best, kindhearted people in the world, sunsets/sunrises and awesome food. We aren't as bad as some portray us to be. We are known for Breaking Bad, Balloon Fiesta, Space launches, and our famous Green Chili. We’re also a movie capital of the world right now.

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

Probably working with a church, marketing, or working in the airlines so I can travel the world.

7.  The Voice, American Idol or America's Got Talent?

All of them! There’s some amazing talent on all the shows.

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

Family, workout, read motivational books, movies, travel, and experience new amazing things and meet new people.

9.  Who are/were some of your mentors?

Wow! So many to mention. My mother and grandfather, first. I was inspired by Rick Dees, Casey Kasem, Howard Stern and Ryan Seacrest. There were local djs, too. Musically, Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson. Comedians Eddie Murphy, Jim Carrey and Mike Myers, too. Entertainers always inspired me to be the best at what I do.

10. When did you realize that you wanted and were going to have a career in radio?

I never thought I would be in radio. I’d listen, support local djs and go to shows but when I became a DJ, I have loved it every day since. I feel like I haven't worked for 24 years.

Do any binge watching lately?

Squid Game. You. Cobra Kai and many others...

Favorite Halloween candy? Least favorite?

Willy Wonka is my all-time favorite movie so this is extremely difficult. I literally have a saved candy of everything in my little Chicano factory! I love Reese's and anything tart!

My least favorite Halloween candy? Black licorice and candy corn.