10 Questions with ... Tony Tecate

NAME:Tony Tecate POSITION:PD/middays STATION:KIKI (HOT 93-9) MARKET:Honolulu COMPANY:Clear Channel BORN:East Los Angeles RAISED:BY a pack of wolves!

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started in radio at the age of 15 with an internship at then KKBT (92.3 THE BEAT) in LOS ANGELES. I then went to KPWR (POWER 106) and was production director for the BAKA BOYZ morning show. I then joined the promotions department at KIIS (102.7 KIIS-FM)/LOS ANGELES and at the same time pulled off a night show at KISV (HOT 94.1)/BAKERSFIELD. From there I went to KBOS (B-95)/FRESNO for MD/afternoons and then to KSFM/SACRAMENTO for APD/MD/afternoons. Now I'm a PD in HAWAII. Damn my fingers are already tired.

1. What's been the biggest adjustment in the move from SACRAMENTO to HONOLULU?

The time zone has played a big part in adjusting to Hawaii. We are three hours behind Los Angeles and six hours behind New York, so getting in early is the key to make sure I can communicate effectively with the rest of the industry. The culture hear also has a very deep rooted Asian presence, I have had to adjust in that aspect as well.

2. What's the best part of working and living in HONOLULU?

Waking up every morning and knowing it is going to be a beautiful day with no smog, no major change in the weather, and knowing at anytime of my day I can break out and go schedule some music or write a promo on the beach. Not to mention that when I left SACRAMENTO there was ice on my window, and since that day, I have still not put on a pair of pants. Don't hate!!!!!!!!!!!

3. What initially got you interested in Radio?

Everyone has a gift in life and I found mine very early. I have a picture of me as a child with records all around, playing radio with my Mom's old dookie brown colored Radio Shack headphones on. Radio and music are in my veins, so it has always been there!

4. You're a PD now, what's the biggest change in moving from the APD/MD chair to the PD spot?

Everything! I have to make sure that I'm on my game and know about everything going on at my station. From music, to sales, to promotions, on air personality's, the website, and even knowing how my overnight guy is doing. The ball is always in my court and I have to consistently put up points.

5. You've been vacationing in HAWAII for awhile, now you live there. What's the difference from vacationing there to working there?

This part of the job has been extremely difficult for me. I can no longer walk around with a Mai Tai in my hand all day. The jocks also really hate when they have to look at my chicken legs in board shorts!

6. What's your early take on the club scene and how it relates to the station?

The club scene here is very relevant. You would think it would not matter because of the constant influx of tourists coming in, but our clubs are usually about 95% locals. This is where we can gauge on how certain records are going to react and use it as a testing ground. Plus, it is a good spot to just do the old shake hands and kiss babies routine. Everyone knows everyone, so making friends is important to top of mind out here.

7. You moved from East Los Angeles to Bakersfield, then Fresno and Sacramento before landing in HONOLULU. Have you found quality Mexican food on the island?

HELL NO! I'm so upset but not surprised. Taco Bell has the Mexican food market on lock. That is very, very sad. Tecate's Taco Shack might be coming soon.

8. Let's say you...TONY TECATE, not the station, is going to throw a party for your family and best friends from all over the country at a local VFW hall. Money is no object, who do you book to play the show to help create the perfect party atmosphere?

This is a very hard question. Naturally I want to pick a hot Hip Hop act, but I think that I might have to dip into the Rock format and choose THE RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS. I saw them last year in SACRAMENTO and was amazed how four guys can rock out with minimal stage effects. I was in AWE! Hey, do I have enough in that budget to get VIDA GUERRA to host?

9. What's been the biggest difference you've seen musically from SACRAMENTO to HONOLULU?

The market is not aggressive as you can imagine. Certain trends and records that would react instantly in Sac-Town take a long time to impact here. The saying is true, we really are on Hawaiian time. The key is to hear the hit early and be ready to commit for a long time.

10. Your VP/GM tells you that you've budget for an additional fulltime staffer in 2008. What position would you fill?

I would take that money and divide it up equally to my entire staff, I have know what they make and they can all really use it. Eating Spam, coconuts and rice everyday gets kind of old!

BONUS . How is your wife adjusting to living in Paradise?

She loves it. Our personal time has become a lot more adventurous since there is so many other non-normal things to do out here. Imagine having a picnic on a sand bar in the middle of the ocean with no one around except for you and the wifey. Now, thats sexy!

BONUS. Are you surfing yet?

I have not tried that yet, but you can bet I have been body surfing, boogie boarding, kayaking, and surfing the local bars.